Bangkok Podcast 17: Finding an apartment in Bangkok

On a suggestion from listener Emily, Greg and Ed go back to basics with book and movie recommendations for people new to Thailand and Southeast Asia, or old-timers looking to refresh their knowledge after being disconnected during all this covid hullabaloo. Ed begins with three foundational books: the all-time classic 'Lonely Planet Thailand,' written by friend of the podcast Joe Cummings, the insightful (if a bit outdated) 'Culture Shock: Thailand,' and the super creative 'Very Thai,' by Phillip Cornwall-Smith (not to mention his followup 'Very Bangkok'). Greg follows with his own key recommendations, including 'The Thai Book' by Ron Morris and 'A History of Thailand' by Chris Baker and Pasuk Phongpaichit. Ed concurs and also puts a word in for 'Thailand: A Short History,' by David K. Wyatt. Turning to movies, Ed notes that all foreigners interested in Thai culture should see the ghost film 'Nang Nak,' which relates possibly the most popular story in all of Thai pop culture. For some history perspective, Francis Ford Coppola's cut of 'Suriyothai' is a good place to start, but seeing some version of the famous (partly fictional) story 'The King and I' is probably a good idea. To appreciate the Thai fascination with animism and experience Thailand's most accredited filmmaker, check out 'Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall HIs Past Lives', by the filmmaker whose name only Greg can pronounce (that'd be Apichatpong Weerasethakul). In closing, the guys make a few final suggestions. To learn about the man who has shaped modern Thai politics (for better or worse), read 'Thaksin' by Chris Baker, or grab 'Anand Panyarachun and the Making of Modern Thailand' by Dominic Faulder for a look at another legendary figure. Greg concludes by suggesting the under-appreciated film 'City of Ghosts' with Matt Dillon, a crime thriller set in Cambodia and Thailand. These recommendations likely won't shock anyone, but you gotta start somewhere, and this is it. 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.

27 Juli 202141min

Things are not so great right now, and they're even more desperate for people who live on the edge, which is why we're pleased to chat with Friso Poldervaart, Greg Lange, and Kerv Chittaropas about their organization Bangkok Community Help. The three are instrumental in providing the community of over 100,000 with food, medical supplies, living essentials and care packages in Khlong Toey, Bangkok's biggest slum community. The discussion gets into the history of Khlong Toey, how the English word 'slum' does the people who live there a disservice, and the intricacies, difficulties, and triumphs of giving people a helping hand amid Thailand's complicated lattice of permissions and regulations. And of course all of this becomes exponentially more difficult - and necessary - in the midst of Covid-19. From cooking food to buying ambulances to painting bare concrete, Bangkok Community Help is putting charity first to help the underprivileged in Bangkok, and our guests give listeners an up close view of what it's like. To donate to Bangkok Community Help, click here. 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.

20 Juli 202147min

Ed relates his 4-day adventure in the much-reported-on Phuket Sandbox. But spoiler alert: It wasn't a great trip, mostly due to bad luck: it was gray and rainy almost the entire time, thus denying him quality beach time. Oh well. But what was not bad luck was the way that the Thai government has marketed the Sandbox. The Tourism Authority of Thailand has repeatedly stated that Phuket is 'open' to tourism as of July 1st, and Ed took that to mean that the most popular area on the island, Patong, would actually be ready for tourists. Alas, this was not the case, with only a third of restaurants open and 95% of everything else closed. With bad weather and not much to do, the trip was more or less doomed, but a glimmer of hope presented itself with a chance meetup with friend of the podcast Dan Fraser, travel expert extraordinaire, who coincidentally has been hired by the TAT to market Phuket to foreign tourists. Dan was able to explain that the TAT was focusing on 'non-beach activities' on the island of Phuket, such as environmental tours, museums, and local arts and culture events. Ed and Greg discuss this approach and largely agree with the TAT's strategy; Ed just wishes he knew about it before booking a hotel in Patong. :) 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.

13 Juli 202142min

Greg and Ed bare their souls and discuss how living in Thailand has changed them for the better - and for the worse. Greg begins by noting that since being in Thailand he has a much greater appreciation for the life struggles of the average person, in Thailand as well as the rest of the world. Raised middle class in the West, it is easy to see yourself as 'normal,' when in reality you are quite lucky compared to many people around the world. Ed then observes that living overseas has helped him to realize what is universal in the human experience and what is more cultural or unique. The truth is that a lot of 'Thai' behavior is just human and not uniquely Thai, and the same goes for things that we think of as American. Greg follows by pointing out all of his accomplishments of the last twenty years and how making his way in the world as an expat has given him a different angle on the world than his friends back home. Not necessarily a 'better' angle, but certainly a different one. Not being able to escape all the classes he teaches, Ed notes that he has learned a much greater appreciation for the boring subject of the 'rule of law.' Simple things that you take for granted back home - such as everyone who breaks the law gets punished - are not always true in Thailand, and the consequences can be grave. As for how Thailand has made Greg and Ed worse, you'll have to listen to the show to hear those confessions. :) 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.

6 Juli 202140min

It's a dream of many to move to Thailand and start their own business - be it a spiffy e-commerce site, a beer bar on a beach, or some type of consultancy. But navigating the tricky cultural and bureaucratic hurdles isn't something to be taken lightly. We're joined by Derek van Pelt, a Thailand resident for 24 years and someone who has had a number of successes in a variety of different arenas. Currently a partner at Stonelotus Ventures and a long-time friend of Greg and Ed's, Derek talks about what brought his past businesses success and why he chose to shut some, his advice to people who want to start their own business here, his role as President of the Thai-Canadian Chamber of Commerce, and insights into Bangkok's business community. And of course, to discuss one of Greg's favorite restaurant chains, getfresh, which Derek helps manage. It's not an easy road for anyone, but as Derek notes, if you have the three Ps - patience, perseverance, and presence - making it work in Thailand will be a lot easier. 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.

29 Juni 20211h

Diving into one of their more complex topics, Greg and Ed explore some of the questions that arise when raising a child with an appreciation for skepticism and science in the middle of a culture known for its superstitious beliefs. With Ed teaching a critical thinking class to Thai college students and Greg's son asking questions about ghosts and praying, the boys have some interesting insights. Greg stresses the delicacy of parents in his situation: were he to directly state his opinion that ghosts are not real and praying for something has no effect on the outcome, it could create friction between his son and the Thai side of his family, who sit more on the 'probably/definitely' side of the scale. While trying to ensure his son grows up with an appreciation for evidence and science, this also provides a good lesson on respecting others' beliefs, despite having different ones yourself. Where exactly is the instruction manual for this situation? The guys wrestle with the issue, doing their best to come up with some guidelines. Perhaps just appreciating the importance of threading the needle between the two cultures is the key to being a good parent. Greg's not gonna be able to get it perfect, but maybe just trying is the point. 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.

22 Juni 202135min

Greg interviews Chin Chongtong, the founder of Chili Paste Food Tours, a food-based tourism company in Bangkok. Khun Chin first relates her difficult early days as an untrained tour guide, giving informal tours around Bangkok, having to negotiate both massive floods and military coups that shut down half the city. After getting a formal tour guide certificate from the Thai government, she and a friend developed the concept of food-based tours around Bangkok and occasionally other parts of Thailand. Chin is known for her highly specialized tours and her ability to seek out the most unique or hole-in-the-wall locations serving hard-to-find-food for any audience - vegetarians, spice-lovers, or those who are simply adventurous and want a surprise. Greg and Chin then trade some behind-the-scenes stories about being a tour guide, in particular the need to be flexible and to have backup plans for every eventuality. Obviously operating a business that relies on tourism right now is not easy, and Chin explains how she's adapted during Covid. In a city famous for having a million food options, it's great to have Chin and a company like Chili Paste Tours to do all the legwork and research for you! 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.

15 Juni 202142min

On this show the guys keep it real by discussing things they do not like about being an expat. Plus, patrons and listeners write in with their own pet peeves about being a stranger in the strange land of Thailand. Ed begins with his number one complaint: being mistaken for a tourist. Even after 20 years in Thailand, he is still clearly not Thai, and Thais (especially those looking to make a buck) assume that 'not-Thai' equals tourist. This annoyance manifests itself in many ways, from constant pestering to buy tchotchkes to take home (wooden frog anyone?) to taxi drivers that won't use the meter. Ed wishes for a permanent sign (or maybe a tattoo?) that makes clear he's not fresh off the plane. Greg follows with a whole series of annoyances sent in by listeners, from the classic 'can you take care of my friend's friend while they are in Thailand' to the more obscure favors asked by former expats who still need help from someone in-country (power of attorney, really?). The complaints run the gamut, but with one overriding certainty: if the positives didn't outweigh the negatives, we wouldn't still be here. That doesn't mean there are no negatives though. :) 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.

8 Juni 202135min