Expat Merit Badges: How Many Do You Have? [S5.E29]
The Bangkok Podcast28 Sep 2021

Expat Merit Badges: How Many Do You Have? [S5.E29]

Greg and Ed discuss the concept of expat 'merit badges': those experiences that all long-time expats in Thailand tend to have that really remind you that you are in a unique place, distinct from where you grew up. These 'badges,' for lack of a better term, function as a loose type of seniority system. They are generally earned after some amount of time in the Kingdom, when you become comfortable with something that was once alien.

In the first few months you might get caught in a flood, but it will most likely be longer than that before you sit down with some Thai motorbike riders, share a drink of moonshine, and play the bastardized Thai version of chess. We go into detail on some other 'level up' experiences - motorbikes, driving, swearing, rock t-shirts and sticking things in your ear! Some of these experiences are positives, some negative, and some simply a sign that you've 'gone native.'

Special thanks to our patrons, insightful as always, who wrote in with their suggestions for these badges of honor (and dishonor, to be honest). Listen in for all the specifics and please write in with more ideas so we can make 'merit badges' a whole series!

Don't forget that Patrons get the ad-free version of the show as well as swag and other perks. 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)

Dreamster's Mario Butler on Thai Music and New Creative Frontiers [S8.E30]

Dreamster's Mario Butler on Thai Music and New Creative Frontiers [S8.E30]

Greg interviews Mario Butler of Dreamster.io, a platform that allows musicians to connect directly with their audience, and fans to own the music they buy, not just rent. Greg begins by asking about M...

3 Feb 55min

Bangkok History Highlight: The Blue Diamond Affair [S8.E29] (Classic ReCast)

Bangkok History Highlight: The Blue Diamond Affair [S8.E29] (Classic ReCast)

Another classic recast! One of the craziest stories from recent Thai history. Continuing our series on interesting episodes in Thai history, this episode focuses on the infamous Blue Diamond Affair, I...

27 Jan 29min

From NGOs to Employment Coaching: Helping Thais Find Their Purpose [S8.E28]

From NGOs to Employment Coaching: Helping Thais Find Their Purpose [S8.E28]

Ed interviews Thanita 'Ninar' Wongprasert, an old student of his and former guest on the show in 2018. On the earlier show she came on to talk about gay rights and same sex marriage in Thailand, and t...

21 Jan 44min

Ed Ponders a New Class: Teaching Contemporary Thailand to Thais [S8.E27]

Ed Ponders a New Class: Teaching Contemporary Thailand to Thais [S8.E27]

Greg and Ed discuss Ed's new class at his Thai university: "Contemporary Thai Society in the Modern World." The guys have a laugh at the thought of a white guy from Ohio teaching young Thais about the...

13 Jan 43min

Beer & Politics: Catching Up With MP Taopiphop Limjittrakorn [S8.E26]

Beer & Politics: Catching Up With MP Taopiphop Limjittrakorn [S8.E26]

Greg and Ed interview Taopiphop Limjittrakorn, a Thai Member of Parliament known for his advocacy in liberalizing Thailand's craft beer industry. The conversation takes place shortly after the dissolu...

6 Jan 47min

Frenemies: The Long History Between Thailand & Cambodia [S8.E25]

Frenemies: The Long History Between Thailand & Cambodia [S8.E25]

Greg and Ed discuss the long, strange and complex history between Thailand and Cambodia in an attempt to shed some light on the tragic current conflict. Greg begins with some early history. The majori...

16 Des 202551min

What Changes Would Greg Make if He Was in Charge of Bangkok? [S8.E24]

What Changes Would Greg Make if He Was in Charge of Bangkok? [S8.E24]

On this show, Greg and Ed discuss what Greg would do if he was the boss man in charge of Thailand, echoing a similar show with Ed's plans earlier in the year. (Check out Season 7, Episode 54 if you ar...

9 Des 202534min

Don't forget the meetup!

Don't forget the meetup!

Saturday, Dec 6, 2025 at The Warehouse on Charoen Krung Road. Chec our FB page for more details.

3 Des 202536s

Populært innen Samfunn

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