Bangkok History Highlight: The Blue Diamond Affair [Season 3, Episode 35]

Bangkok History Highlight: The Blue Diamond Affair [Season 3, Episode 35]

Continuing our series on interesting episodes in Thai history, this episode focuses on the infamous Blue Diamond Affair, It all started when a Thai gardener named Kriangkrai Techamon, who was working in Saudi Arabia, decided to make off with $20 million worth of gems and jewelry belonging to a Saudi royal. Although the thief was caught shortly after his return to Thailand, he had already sold much of the loot, including the famed 50 karat 'Blue Diamond.' No problem - the gems were returned to Saudi Arabia and an apology issued. Case closed!

But! Soon after the treasure was returned, Saudi authorities claimed that over half of the returned gems were fake, including the Blue Diamond. The Saudi authorities sent a special team of investigators to Bangkok to investigate...and what followed was a tale of murder, kidnapping, and black magic, with the ultimate result being a near-total diplomatic breakdown between the two countries that continues to this day. It's a plot almost too twisty for Hollywood, but listen in for details on one of the strangest episodes in Thai history.

As always, the podcast will continue to be 100% funded by listeners just like you who get some special swag from us. And we'll keep our Facebook, Twitter, and LINE accounts active so you can send us comments, questions, or whatever you want to share.

Episoder(562)

Neo-Buddhism: How Thailand's Largest Religion Reacts to Change [S6.E66]

Neo-Buddhism: How Thailand's Largest Religion Reacts to Change [S6.E66]

Greg interviews our old friend Phra Phandit, resident podcast expert on all things Buddhism and religion. This time the topic is 'Neo-Buddhism' or the way Buddhism has changed and adapted over time, i...

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The Secret to Expat Happiness: Managing Your Expectations [S6.E65]

The Secret to Expat Happiness: Managing Your Expectations [S6.E65]

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Superstition, Religion and...Architecture? Thai Spiritual Permanence with Dr. Andrew Johnson Part 2 [S6.E64]

Superstition, Religion and...Architecture? Thai Spiritual Permanence with Dr. Andrew Johnson Part 2 [S6.E64]

This is Part 2 of Greg's interview with Andrew Johnson, cultural anthropologist extraordinaire and investigator of the extremely niche topic of the relationship between Thai supernatural beliefs and l...

7 Nov 202342min

Thai Superstition vs Western Skepticism: Building Bridges with Dr. Andrew Johnson Part 1 [S6.E63]

Thai Superstition vs Western Skepticism: Building Bridges with Dr. Andrew Johnson Part 1 [S6.E63]

Part 1 of 2! Greg interviews author Andrew Johnson, a cultural anthropologist with an expertise in the supernatural beliefs of Thailand and how they interact with urban planning and architecture. Firs...

31 Okt 202343min

Can You Find Food That's Delicious AND Healthy at the Vegetarian Festival? [S6.E62]

Can You Find Food That's Delicious AND Healthy at the Vegetarian Festival? [S6.E62]

Greg and Ed venture out into the real world to record the show on location to answer an age-old conundrum: Is it possible to find healthy, non-fried starch food at the famous vegetarian 'Jay' Festival...

24 Okt 202327min

Thai Tourism: On Its Way to a Full Recovery - But Is That a Good Thing? [S6.E61]

Thai Tourism: On Its Way to a Full Recovery - But Is That a Good Thing? [S6.E61]

Please help us by taking our first Bangkok Podcast listener survey! Click here to get started, it only takes a few minutes. Everyone who fills it out will get 50,000 baht!* Greg and Ed discuss the cur...

17 Okt 202337min

Greg Gets Schooled: Linguist Stu Jay Raj Critiques a Thai Conversation Part 2 [S6.E60]

Greg Gets Schooled: Linguist Stu Jay Raj Critiques a Thai Conversation Part 2 [S6.E60]

Please help us by taking our first Bangkok Podcast listener survey! Click here to get started, it only takes a few minutes. Everyone who fills it out will get 50,000 baht!* This is the second part of ...

10 Okt 202336min

Greg Gets Schooled: Linguist Stu Jay Raj Critiques a Thai Conversation [S6.E59]

Greg Gets Schooled: Linguist Stu Jay Raj Critiques a Thai Conversation [S6.E59]

This week it's Greg's turn to feel the wrath/wisdom of our in-house Thai language guru, Stu Jay Raj. After Ed did it a few months ago, our listeners have been waiting for Greg to take the hot seat, s...

3 Okt 202346min

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