The Bangkok Podcast20 Sep 2022

Environmental Journalist James Fahn Updates His Outlook on Thailand's Eco-Efforts [S6.E7]

Greg interviews James Fahn, the Executive Director of Internews' Earth Journalism Network. Greg begins by opening a discussion about James' book "A Land On Fire," which was published in 2003, after James worked as the environmental editor at The Nation newspaper in Bangkok in the 1990s. James explains that at The Nation, he wrote extensively about environmental issues in Thailand and Southeast Asia, including doing investigative reporting on corruption and corporate malfeasance that damaged the environment. James even tells a story of how he narrowly avoided interviewing a Burmese strong man who likely would have put James on his hit list.

Greg then asks James about how Thailand has changed over time, and whether there is any reason to be optimistic. James notes several things that have gotten better, from public transportation to air pollution to public parks, but then also raises several areas where Thailand still needs a lot of work, such as protection of coral reefs and in the excessive use of plastic. Overall, however, James remains an optimistic, which we are certainly glad to hear at the Bangkok Podcast.

James concludes by making his case that we don't have to choose between a free market that is pro-business and economic growth and a heavily regulated market that protects the environment at the expense of the economy. Experience in the States shows that preserving the environment can actually boost the economy if done right. Is James eligible to run for Thai Prime Minister? The Bangkok Podcast wants to know!

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Episoder(584)

Thai Wellness Holidays Are They Worth the Price? [S8.E62]

"Wellness" is a huge industry, and especially in Thailand, so the boys decide this week to discuss the options that are available. Ed begins the main segment by noting that while he expected it to be...

22 Sep 31min

AI Helps Us Find Hidden Meaning in the Art of the Late, Great Khun Pichai [S8.E61]

Greg begins by discussing the late Bangkok street artist Khun Pichai, whose intricate and cryptic sidewalk scribbles across the capital attained a devoted cult following over the years, with sightings...

15 Sep 39min

Vic Levitin Talks About Starting From Scratch in Thailand [S8.E60]

Moving to Thailand can be a disorienting, discombobulating experience, even if you're on your own. Now imagine doing it with 9 hours to prepare. That's what Vic Levitin and his family did, but the unk...

8 Sep 48min

Bangkok's Roads: The History Behind the Names (S8.E59)

Greg begins by discussing a suggestion from their friend Scott to explore the origins of well-known street names in Bangkok. After briefly touching on familiar spots like Khaosan Road and Lumpini Park...

1 Sep 39min

Photographer Dax Ward on Capturing Bangkok's Abandoned Beauty [S8.E58] (Classic ReCast)

Greg interviews Dax Ward, an adventurous photographer best known for his beautiful photos of dilapidated buildings and abandoned places. Dax begins by explaining that he was a very late starter to pho...

25 Aug 51min

A Peek Into Bangkok's Thriving Bluegrass Music Scene [S8.E57]

In another example of a thriving subculture in Bangkok you wouldn't expect to see, Greg and Ed interview Sunny Sachdev, a Thai Indian banjo player who is part of the informal network of musicians that...

18 Aug 46min

The Devil's in the Details: Playing the Expat Insurance Game [S8.E56]

Inspired by recent discussion among friends, and Greg's switch to a new provider, the boys tackle the enduring issue of health insurance as an expat. There are many companies, many plans, and many pit...

11 Aug 37min

Weird Explorer's Jared Rydelek on Asia's Strangest Fruits [S8.E55]

Greg interviews Jared Rydelek, the creator of the Weird Explorer YouTube channel. Jared explains that his day job is a contortionist, but his lifelong vegetarianism sparked a deep fascination with rar...

4 Aug 49min