Thai Superstition vs Western Skepticism: Building Bridges with Dr. Andrew Johnson Part 1 [S6.E63]
The Bangkok Podcast31 Okt 2023

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.

Avsnitt(561)

What Age is the Best Age to Relocate to Thailand? [S6.E49]

What Age is the Best Age to Relocate to Thailand? [S6.E49]

Greg and Ed debate the pros and cons of coming to Thailand at different ages, with the obvious caveat that there's no right answer that applies to every person and that no matter when you come to the ...

18 Juli 202329min

An Intro to Meditation and How it Works with Phra Pandit [S6.E48]

An Intro to Meditation and How it Works with Phra Pandit [S6.E48]

Ed interviews our favorite expert on Buddhism, Phra Pandit. This time the focus is on meditation, exactly what it is, and what role it plays in the Buddhist religion as a whole. Phra Pandit begins wit...

11 Juli 202349min

The Where, Why & How Much of Choosing the Right Hospital [S6.E47]

The Where, Why & How Much of Choosing the Right Hospital [S6.E47]

Greg and Ed discuss an important conundrum facing expats and tourists in Thailand: When sick or injured, should you go to a private Thai hospital or a public one? The difference in cost is substantial...

4 Juli 202345min

Legal Talk: What to do if You Get Stopped by the Thai Police [S6.E46]

Legal Talk: What to do if You Get Stopped by the Thai Police [S6.E46]

Greg interviews resident legal expert Dave Lawrence about the ins and outs of interacting with police officers in Bangkok. The guys begin by going over the various options for run-ins with the boys in...

27 Juni 202350min

Expat Identity: Do You Really Want to be Treated Like a Thai? [S6.E45]

Expat Identity: Do You Really Want to be Treated Like a Thai? [S6.E45]

Greg and Ed discuss whether or not they prefer to be treated the same as Thai people are treated. On the one hand, after living in Thailand for twenty years, the guys feel like they've 'earned' the ri...

20 Juni 202332min

Retouristing with Jim Cirillo: Using Thailand to Reinvent Yourself [S6.E44]

Retouristing with Jim Cirillo: Using Thailand to Reinvent Yourself [S6.E44]

Ed interviews his old friend Jim Cirillo, a good example of a repeat tourist (or re-tourist) to Thailand, the sizeable population of people all over the world who keep coming back to Thailand but for ...

13 Juni 202351min

Questions, Queries & Complaints About Bangkok's Transport Systems [S6.E43]

Questions, Queries & Complaints About Bangkok's Transport Systems [S6.E43]

Sparked by a recent news story, Greg and Ed consider the ways in which Thai public transportation misses the mark. Granted, both guys agree that overall, public transportation in Thailand is actually...

6 Juni 202342min

The Roaming Cook On Thonburi's Endless Old-School Food Options [S6.E42]

The Roaming Cook On Thonburi's Endless Old-School Food Options [S6.E42]

Greg interviews Gary Butler or 'The Roaming Cook' about his YouTube channel and the wonders of food in Thonburi, the cool side of the Chao Praya River. Gary begins with some background information: he...

30 Maj 202343min

Populärt inom Samhälle & Kultur

podme-dokumentar
gynning-berg
svenska-fall
en-mork-historia
p3-dokumentar
aftonbladet-krim
mardromsgasten
skaringer-nessvold
killradet
creepypodden-med-jack-werner
rss-mer-an-bara-morsa
kod-katastrof
flashback-forever
hor-har
rattsfallen
vad-blir-det-for-mord
rss-brottsutredarna
historiska-brott
p3-historia
larm-vi-minns