Holding a Mirror Up to Thailand: Thisrupt's Voranai Vanijaka [Season 4, Episode 43]

Holding a Mirror Up to Thailand: Thisrupt's Voranai Vanijaka [Season 4, Episode 43]

This week Greg interviews Khun Voranai Vanijaka, a well-known Thai journalist, social commentator, and founder and editor-in-chief of Thisrupt.co, an English language website and social media enterprise that focuses on social and political issues in Thailand. Khun Voranai explains his unique background as a Thai man who grew up in Austin, TX, and also that Thisrupt is currently self-funded by him, but that he is negotiating with investors.

He and Greg next elucidate Thisrupt's vision: politics, society, and economics are really all just aspects of culture, and Thisrupt's goal is to focus on all facets of 'Thainess.' After Greg asks about the site's edgy content, Voranai contends that it is a journalist's duty to 'push the envelope' and not simply be PR for the government. He explains that a society cannot improve without first being able to speak and generate dialogue on a topic, and he insists that he will not be cowed in bringing up sensitive issues.

They also discuss Thailand's changing younger generation and the impact of new technology and social media on Thai society. As Voranai states, he doesn't like Thailand's past or present, but he's looking forward to its future.

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(561)

Tourism Challenge: Comparing Thailand to Europe as a Traveler [S8.E7]

Tourism Challenge: Comparing Thailand to Europe as a Traveler [S8.E7]

While Greg is travelling in Canada, Ed interviews old friend of the podcast Jonathan about his recent trip to Europe. Jon and his Thai wife Poom spent a couple weeks on vacation, first in Paris and t...

13 Aug 202558min

The Gun Show: How a Few Thai Cannons Helped Shape History [S8.E6] (Classic ReCast)

The Gun Show: How a Few Thai Cannons Helped Shape History [S8.E6] (Classic ReCast)

We return to our Thai history series with a fascinating look at the role that several Thai cannons played in some important historical events. First, with the help of a cool blog on Thai history from...

5 Aug 202526min

Second Opinions and Jedi Lies: Stories from Bangkok's Hospitals [S8.E5] (Classic ReCast)

Second Opinions and Jedi Lies: Stories from Bangkok's Hospitals [S8.E5] (Classic ReCast)

Sooner or later, we all spend some time in the hospital, so Greg and Ed riff on their myriad experiences in Bangkok hospitals over the years. But before we get into that, we should note - due to Thail...

29 Jul 202546min

When Jaded Expats Wrongly Predict Thai Failures [S8.E4]

When Jaded Expats Wrongly Predict Thai Failures [S8.E4]

Greg and Ed discuss something that is more common than many people think: being wrong about expecting some Thai government project or initiative to fail. It's pretty easy, as expats often fall into th...

22 Jul 202532min

CRINGE: Tales of Trying to Fit in to Thai Culture & Failing Badly [S8.E3]

CRINGE: Tales of Trying to Fit in to Thai Culture & Failing Badly [S8.E3]

Greg and Ed discuss a few of the many 'cringe' moments they have experienced over the years in failing to fit into Thai culture or 'do the right thing' according to Thai society. Ed begins with the ...

15 Jul 202530min

Justin Dunne on Bangkok's Red-Hot Culinary Scene [S8.E2]

Justin Dunne on Bangkok's Red-Hot Culinary Scene [S8.E2]

Greg interviews repeat guest Justin Dunne, who previously appeared on Season 6, Episode 24, discussing his cool side project 'Bangkok Haunts.' Justin's main gig is to be a legend of the Food & Beverag...

8 Jul 202556min

Looking Back, Looking Forward: What's Next for S8 [S8.E1]

Looking Back, Looking Forward: What's Next for S8 [S8.E1]

Greg and Ed introduce Season 8 of the podcast first by looking back and all that has been achieved. Greg runs through some crazy stats, just a few of which are that there have been a total of 885 show...

1 Jul 20251h 3min

Dating in Bangkok: Expat Women Share Their Stories - Part 1 [S7.E76] (Classic ReCast)

Dating in Bangkok: Expat Women Share Their Stories - Part 1 [S7.E76] (Classic ReCast)

Greg and Ed do a first for the the show, with a panel discussion with four guests! Why four? Well, everyone knows that cliche about Bangkok being a heaven for expat men, but we didn't know much about ...

24 Jun 202546min

Populært innen Samfunn

rss-spartsklubben
aftenpodden
giver-og-gjengen-vg
konspirasjonspodden
popradet
aftenpodden-usa
rss-henlagt-andy-larsgaard
rss-nesten-hele-uka-med-lepperod
lydartikler-fra-aftenposten
grenselos
wolfgang-wee-uncut
alt-fortalt
min-barneoppdragelse
fladseth
synnve-og-vanessa
rss-dette-ma-aldri-skje-igjen
198-land-med-einar-trnquist
rss-dannet-uten-piano
krisemoter
relasjonspodden-med-dora-thorhallsdottir-kjersti-idem