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. First, Greg inquires about the nature of 'superstition' in Thailand, and whether Thai people truly live up to their reputation for being 'superstitious.' Andrew notes that the distinction between 'religion' and 'superstition' is really a modern formalization of certain 'official' religions, Buddhism in Thailand's case. But the nature of Buddhism is such that it is more tolerant of 'syncretism,' or the mixing of beliefs, so Thai culture is really steeped in three traditions: formal Theravada Buddhism, Brahmanism (an earlier form of Hinduism), and 'animism,' or the folk beliefs of early Thais.

Next, Andrew emphasizes that both the newer systems of belief and the older folk beliefs are actually in a constant state of evolution. Thais from the countryside steeped in animist ideas must adapt to living in a city of high rises and skytrains and taxis, just as Thais from the city may prefer modern variations of Buddhism (such as Dhammakaya or Santi Asoke) to traditional Theravada Buddhism.

The men continue with a fascinating exploration of the status of Bangkok in Thai society, how Thais address the issue of skepticism and belief, and how foreigners can best open their minds to Thai beliefs while keeping their feet on the ground.

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.

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Blending Fact & Fiction: Paul & Yuangrat Wedel Return to Discuss Their Novels Set in 1900s Siam Part 2 [S7.E26]

Blending Fact & Fiction: Paul & Yuangrat Wedel Return to Discuss Their Novels Set in 1900s Siam Part 2 [S7.E26]

This is Part Two of Greg and Ed's interview with Paul and Yuangrat Wedel, returning guests to the show who previously talked about their book "Radical Thought, Thai Mind." This time around the fascina...

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Blending Fact & Fiction: Paul & Yuangrat Wedel Return to Discuss Their Novels Set in 1900s Siam [S7.E25]

Blending Fact & Fiction: Paul & Yuangrat Wedel Return to Discuss Their Novels Set in 1900s Siam [S7.E25]

Greg and Ed interview Paul and Yuangrat Wedel, returning guests to the show who previously talked about their book "Radical Thought, Thai Mind." This time around the fascinating couple discuss their t...

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Ed's City Review: Bangkok vs Hong Kong - Which One Comes Out on Top? [S7.E24]

Ed's City Review: Bangkok vs Hong Kong - Which One Comes Out on Top? [S7.E24]

Continuing our regional focus of late, Greg and Ed discuss Ed's recent trip to Hong Kong and how it compares to big, bad Bangkok. Ed begins with a big caveat: he's not really much of a traveler, and h...

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Regional Podcast Pals: Joah McGee on Covering Tragedy & Hope on Insight Myanmar [S7.E23]

Regional Podcast Pals: Joah McGee on Covering Tragedy & Hope on Insight Myanmar [S7.E23]

Wrapping up our short series on our regional podcast peers, Greg interviews Joah McGee from the Insight Myanmar Podcast. Joah begins by explaining his early life in Myanmar and how he initially went t...

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Bangkok Devaluation: A Few Things That Used to Matter…But Don't Anymore [S7.E22]

Bangkok Devaluation: A Few Things That Used to Matter…But Don't Anymore [S7.E22]

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Regional Podcast Pals: Mike Tatarski on Producing the Vietnam Weekly from Ho Chi Minh City [S7.E21]

Regional Podcast Pals: Mike Tatarski on Producing the Vietnam Weekly from Ho Chi Minh City [S7.E21]

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Looking Back on the 2006 Coup and Why We're Still Feeling it Today [S7.E20]

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Checking in on Bangkok's Craft Beer Scene with BangkokBeerGuide.com [S7.E19]

Checking in on Bangkok's Craft Beer Scene with BangkokBeerGuide.com [S7.E19]

Greg interviews Clif from BangkokBeerGuide.com about the ever evolving craft beer scene in Thailand. Cliff begins with the basic premise for the website and related social media: to act as a guide for...

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