Podcasts by The Bangkok Podcast

Childline Thailand: Tackling Abuse&Neglect, Offering Hope&Safety Part 2 [S6.E69] from 2023-12-12T17:01

This is Part 2 of Greg’s interview with Ilya Smirnoff of Childline Thailand. Ilya begins with the ‘timeline of a child,’ which is basically a roadmap of the rights and responsibilities...

Childline Thailand: Tackling Abuse&Neglect, Offering Hope&Safety - Part 1 [S6.E68] from 2023-12-05T17:01

Greg interviews Ilya Smirnoff, the director of Childline Thailand, an NGO dedicated to the rights of children in Thailand. Ilya begins ...

Don’t Do These Things: How to Earn an Expat Demerit Badge [S6.E67] from 2023-11-28T17:01

In a follow-up to previous episodes on expat ‘Merit Badges,’ Greg and Ed discuss ‘DEmerit Badges,’ mistakes that long term expats make that they should NOT make. In other words, if you...

Neo-Buddhism: How Thailand's Largest Religion Reacts to Change [S6.E66] from 2023-11-21T17:01

Greg interviews our old friend Phra Phandit, resident podcast expert on all things Buddhism and religion. This time the topic is ‘Neo-Buddhism’ or the way Buddhism has changed and adap...

The Secret to Expat Happiness: Managing Your Expectations [S6.E65] from 2023-11-14T17:01

Greg and Ed discuss how to manage your expectations in Thailand as a strategy for surviving and thriving in the Land of Smiles, or indeed, as an expat anywhere outside of your comfort ...

Superstition, Religion and...Architecture? Thai Spiritual Permanence with Dr. Andrew Johnson Part 2 [S6.E64] from 2023-11-07T17:01

This is Part 2 of Greg’s interview with Andrew Johnson, cultural anthropologist extraordinaire and investigator of the extremely niche topic of the relationship between Thai supernatur...

Thai Superstition vs Western Skepticism: Building Bridges with Dr. Andrew Johnson Part 1 [S6.E63] from 2023-10-31T17:01

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 ar...

Can You Find Food That's Delicious AND Healthy at the Vegetarian Festival? [S6.E62] from 2023-10-24T17:01

Greg and Ed venture out into the real world to record the show on location to answer an age-old conundrum: Is it possible to find healthy, non-fried starch food at the famous vegetaria...

Thai Tourism: On Its Way to a Full Recovery - But Is That a Good Thing? [S6.E61] from 2023-10-17T17:01

Please help us by taking our first Bangkok Podcast listener survey! Click here to get started, it only takes a few minutes. Everyone ...

Greg Gets Schooled: Linguist Stu Jay Raj Critiques a Thai Conversation Part 2 [S6.E60] from 2023-10-10T17:01

Please help us by taking our first Bangkok Podcast listener survey! Click here to get started, it only takes a few minutes. Everyone ...

Greg Gets Schooled: Linguist Stu Jay Raj Critiques a Thai Conversation [S6.E59] from 2023-10-03T17:01

This week it’s Greg’s turn to feel the wrath/wisdom of our in-house Thai language guru, Stu Jay Raj. After Ed did it a Listen

The Massive Bangkok Bomb that Didn’t Go Boom [S6.E58] from 2023-09-26T17:01

In a return to our Thai history series, Greg tells the story of a massive truck bomb in Bangkok - that never exploded. In March of 1994, a U-Haul-style truck pulled out of the parking ...

What You Need to Know About Writing a Will in Thailand [S6.E57] from 2023-09-19T17:01

Greg interviews our senior legal correspondent Dave Lawrence from Pegleg Legal about a very important but often put off issue: getting a will in Thailand. Dave begins by discussing gen...

Greg vs Ed vs You: The Great Bangkok Podcast Trivia Episode [S6.E56] from 2023-09-12T17:01

This week Greg and Ed take a page from a regular segment on the bonus show and challenge each other with some trivia questions, spanning Thai history, geography, religion, pop culture,...

Unpacking the Rewards of Meditation Retreats with Phra Pandit [S6.E55] from 2023-09-05T17:01

Ed interviews recurring guest of the show Phra Pandit on meditation retreats. This is Part Two of a two part series; Part One is a basic introduction to meditation. The discussion begi...

Sticker Shock! Listeners Clue us in on Bangkok's Price Swings [S6.E54] from 2023-08-29T17:01

In this show Greg and Ed respond to the opinions of our, ahem, massive group of followers on LINE about prices in Thailand: specifically both what is cheaper than you would expect and ...

Linguist Rikker Dockum on the Royal Society's Thai Language Oversight [S6.E53] from 2023-08-22T17:01

Greg interviews old friend of the podcast Rikker Dockum, Thai language expert extraordinaire about the Listen

Greg&Ed Return to Thailand With a Few Thoughts on Travel [S6.E52] from 2023-08-15T17:01

The guys trade stories about their recent trips, Greg to Canada and Ed to Singapore. Ed begins with a few observations about the island nation. First, Singapore lived up to its reputat...

Democracy in Asia: Its History, Variants and Purpose with Ajarn Ployjai Pintobtang, Part 2 [S6.E51] from 2023-08-01T17:01

This is part two of a two-part interview with Khun Ployjai Pintobtang, a lecturer in history at Chiang Mai University, about the history of democracy in Thailand and Asia. The discussi...

Democracy in Asia: Its History, Variants and Purpose with Ajarn Ployjai Pintobtang, Part 1 [S6.E50] from 2023-07-25T17:01

This is Part One of a two-part interview with Khun Ployjai Pintobtang, a lecturer in history at Chiang Mai University, about the history of democracy in Thailand and Asia. Ed begins by...

What Age is the Best Age to Relocate to Thailand? [S6.E49] from 2023-07-18T17:01

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 ...

An Intro to Meditation and How it Works with Phra Pandit [S6.E48] from 2023-07-11T17:01

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 P...

The Where, Why&How Much of Choosing the Right Hospital [S6.E47] from 2023-07-04T17:01

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 cos...

Legal Talk: What to do if You Get Stopped by the Thai Police [S6.E46] from 2023-06-27T17:01

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 ...

Expat Identity: Do You Really Want to be Treated Like a Thai? [S6.E45] from 2023-06-20T17:01

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...

Retouristing with Jim Cirillo: Using Thailand to Reinvent Yourself [S6.E44] from 2023-06-13T17:01

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 T...

Questions, Queries&Complaints About Bangkok's Transport Systems [S6.E43] from 2023-06-06T17:01

Sparked by a recent news story, Greg and Ed consider the ways in which Thai public t...

The Roaming Cook On Thonburi’s Endless Old-School Food Options [S6.E42] from 2023-05-30T17:01

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...

After the Election: A Look at What Happened and What's Next [S6.E41] from 2023-05-23T17:01

Greg and Ed go over the election results, with Ed leading the way and doing his best to evaluate his pre-election predictions. First, Ed discusses the obvious way the election was NOT ...

When You're the Victim: Stories of Crime in Bangkok [S6.E40] from 2023-05-16T17:01

Greg and Ed discuss their personal exper...

Blood Donation in Thailand: Explaining the Dire RH- Shortage [S6.E39] from 2023-05-09T17:01

Greg interviews Ryan Cullinan of the Thailand RH- Blood Donation Facebook group. The guys open with a discussion of the ...

An Election Looms: What Are the Major Political Parties Offering Thais? [S6.E38] from 2023-05-02T17:01

In this show, Ed does his best to summarize the Thai political parties contesting the upcoming elections, as well as their various policy positions. As an overview, Ed notes a couple g...

Is Bangkok a Livable City? We Compare it to 6 Urban Planning Benchmarks [S6.E37] from 2023-04-25T17:01

In a unique episode, the guys take six characteristics of a ‘livable city’ (established by renowned urban planner Listen

Fake vs Real: The Hidden Risks in Thailand's Counterfeit Economy [S6.E36] from 2023-04-18T17:01

Greg interviews Wiramrudee ‘Pink’ Mokkhavesa, an attorney at the law firm of Tilleke & Gibbins in Bangkok. Tilleke is one of the most well-known...

The Pitfalls, Loopholes and Risks of Riding a Motorbike in Thailand [S6.E35] from 2023-04-11T17:01

Greg and Ed take up the somewhat grim topic of motorbike accidents in Thailand. As this episode is essentially the Songkran episode for this year, the timing could not be more appropri...

Hot Thai Kitchen's Pailin Talks About Thai Food, Western Tastes&Her New Cookbook [S6.E34] from 2023-04-04T17:01

Greg interviews Pailin Chongchitnant of Hot Thai Kitchen, a returning guest from Season 3, Episode 4. Pailin begins with a basic ...

Thai Politics: Where We Are, Why We’re Here, and What’s Coming Next [S6.E33] from 2023-03-28T17:01

Greg begins by explaining the momentous time we live in: soon there will be a general election in the Land of Smiles. He turns to Ed, allegedly a professor of political science, to giv...

Authors Paul&Yuangrat Wedel Discuss the History of Radicalism in Thailand - Part 2 [S6.E32] from 2023-03-21T17:01

This is the second part of a two part interview with Paul and Yuangrat Wedel, longtime scholars and writers on Thai history and society. The first part of the interview focused on the ...

Authors Paul&Yuangrat Wedel Discuss the History of Radicalism in Thailand - Part 1 [S6.E31] from 2023-03-14T17:01

Greg and Ed interview a fascinating and very erudite couple, Paul and Yuangrat Wedel. Paul, a native of New Jersey, met Yuangrat, a native of Nakhon Si Thammarat, in Bangkok in the lat...

Bangkok vs the World: Reading the Data to See How We Stack Up [S6.E30] from 2023-03-07T17:01

Greg and Ed look at a few recent world rankings to see where Thailand fits into a world with nearly two hundred different countries. First, Greg brings up the Listen

Richard Barrow on Twitter Trolls, Upset Officials&Train Guides [S6.E29] from 2023-02-28T17:01

This is Part 2 of our epic interview with Richard Barrow, giant among expats in Thailand. In the second half of the discussion, Richard continues with explaining his slow rise as a ‘ci...

Richard Barrow on Life in Samut Prakan and Finding a Niche Online [S6.E28] from 2023-02-21T17:01

Greg and Ed meet the icon Richard Barrow in Samut Prakan and interview him about his unusual life in Thailand. Richard begins by explaining his life roaming Asia as a young man on his ...

What Does ChatGPT's Artificial Intelligence Make of Bangkok? [S6.E27] from 2023-02-14T17:01

Unless you’ve been living under a rock lately, you’ve probably heard of ChatGPT, a brand new AI writing tool that produces some shockingly advanced stuff. It’s only a few months old bu...

Talking Acting&American Grub with Actor "Poo" Boonthanakit [S6.E26] from 2023-02-07T17:01

Ed interviews Sahajak “Poo” Boonthakit, Thai actor and entertainer. K. Poo begins by explaining his unusual childhood: his father was a Thai diplomat and when Poo...

Is Thailand Really the "Land of the Free"? [S6.E25] from 2023-01-31T17:01

Greg and Ed get all deep by asking the question “Is Thailand really the Land of the Free?” And what does “freedom” even mean? Many people know that the word ‘Thai...

Bangkok’s Dark Side: Justin Dunne on His Creepy “Bangkok Haunt” Tours [S6.E24] from 2023-01-24T17:01

Greg interviews Justin Dunne of ‘Bangkok HauntListen

What Do You Miss Most About Thailand? Overseas Listeners Let Us Know [S6.E23] from 2023-01-17T17:01

In a special listener voicemail show, Greg and Ed discuss what listeners miss most about Thailand. The guys go through a bunch of different messages, each express...

The Extraordinary Life of the Siamese Twins: Chang and Eng Bunker [S6.E22] from 2023-01-03T17:01

We dive back into history with the remarkable story of Chang and Eng Bunker, more famously known as the Siamese Twins.

Listen

Ed Gets Schooled: Linguist Stu Jay Raj Critiques a Thai Conversation Part 2 [S6.E21] from 2022-12-27T17:01

In Part Two of Ed’s Thai lesson with guru Stu Jay Raj, the two push through Ed’s sample Thai conversation. Stu continues to emphasize the importance of proper pro...

Ed Gets Schooled: Linguist Stu Jay Raj Critiques a Thai Conversation [S6.E20] from 2022-12-20T17:01

Ed goes back to school and gets a Thai lesson from the master himself, Stu Jay Raj. Ed recounts a common backstory, wherein he made serious effort to learn Thai d...

A Lawyer’s Take on Thailand’s Controversial Foreign Land Ownership Law [S6.E19] from 2022-12-13T17:01

Greg interviews Bangkok-based lawyer Dave Lawrence about the ins and outs of foreigners owning land in Thailand. Dave begins with his backstory: he went to law sc...

Un-Jaded: Seeing Bangkok’s Best Through New Eyes [S6.E18] from 2022-12-06T17:01

In a show fueled by a visit by Greg’s mother, the guys discuss first impressions of Bangkok, and whether or not they have become jaded as long term expats. Greg i...

Promoting Plant-Based Sustainable Living in Bangkok [S6.E17] from 2022-11-29T17:01

Ed interviews Max and Jo Hellier of Root the Future, a small social enterprise based in Bangkok that promotes sustainable living and plant-based diets. Max and Jo...

Bangkok Taxis: New Solutions for Old Problems [S6.E16] from 2022-11-22T17:01

Greg and Ed discuss a topic first brought up in a bonus show back in season 2: what to do about taxi drivers who won’t take you where you want to go? Although the...

MuvMi’s Electric Tuk-Tuks Want to Change How Bangkokians Get from A to B [S6.E15] from 2022-11-15T17:01

Greg interviews Tim Koncewicz from electric tuk-tuk company MuvMi to chat about their mission to provide a saf...

Expat Confessions: Things We Should Have Done by Now, But Haven't [S6.E14] from 2022-11-08T17:01

Greg and Ed bare their souls with ‘expat confessions’: things in Thailand they are embarrassed to say they have never seen or done, but that they should have, giv...

Buddhist Scholar Justin McDaniel Discusses the History&Meaning of Thai Amulets [S6.E13] from 2022-11-01T17:01

Greg interviews Buddhist scholar Justin McDaniel on the topic of Buddhism amulets. Justin is a true scholar of religion, especially Asian religions such as Buddhi...

Bangkok in Memoriam: A Look Back at a Few Places We Miss the Most [S6.E12] from 2022-10-25T17:01

Every Bangkok newbie has places that are near and dear to them, and which play a role in their early days of getting settled and finding your groove in Bangkok. Listen

Cause&Effect: The Thailand Clean Air Network Talks Health and Poison Air [S6.E11] from 2022-10-18T17:01

Greg interviews Khun Weena from the Thailand Clean Air NetworkListen

Is Thailand a Woke-Free Zone? [S6.E10] from 2022-10-11T17:01

Greg and Ed open up a can of snakes (this is Thailand after all) and discuss whether Thailand is a ‘woke-free’ zone. The guys begin by realizing that the word ‘wo...

Amy Lefevre Joins to Talk Careers, Cliques and Finding Your Level in Bangkok [S6.E9] from 2022-10-04T17:01

With interest in Thailand returning to pre-pandemic levels and the podcast getting an increasing number of emails asking for advice on living and working here, Gr...

The Best Apps for Making Life in Thailand Fun and (Dare We Say It) Easy [S6.E8] from 2022-09-27T17:01

Greg and Ed dive into the crowded App and Play stores to discuss the various phone apps that make living in Bangkok easier. Greg begins by giving props to our exc...

Environmental Journalist James Fahn Updates His Outlook on Thailand’s Eco-Efforts [S6.E7] from 2022-09-20T17:01:06

Greg interviews James Fahn, the Executive Director of Internews’ Earth Journalism Network. Greg begins by opening a discussion about James’ book “ Listen

22 Years Later: Ed Boils Bangkok Down to 5 Reasons He Stays [S6.E6] from 2022-09-13T17:01:52

Ed reminisces on 22 years in Thailand and tries to summarize exactly why he has decided to stay for so long. It’s hard to sum up, of course, but Ed manages to com...

Finnish Ambassador Jyri Järviaho on Diplomatic History, Economic Trade&Vodka [S6.E5] from 2022-09-06T17:01:09

Greg interviews Jyri Järviaho, Finland’s Ambassador to Thailand. Although Greg makes a valiant attempt at pronouncing the A...

The Mystery of Old Western Songs in Thailand That Won’t Die [S6.E4] from 2022-08-30T17:01:56

Greg and Ed discuss the fascinating topic of old Western pop songs that enjoy a shocking degree of popularity in Thailand. For those foreigners who have spent any...

Stu Jay Raj on Cursing, Dirty Talk&the Importance of Tones Part 2 [S6.E3] from 2022-08-23T17:01:05

Greg finishes up his interview with linguist and raconteur Stu Ja Raj Listen

Stu Jay Raj on Cursing, Dirty Talk&the Importance of Tones [S6.E2] from 2022-08-16T17:01:05

Greg interviews our old pal Stu Jay Raj - linguist, polyglot, and true Renaissance man. As you would expect, the topic is the Thai language and foreigners’ strugg...

Coming Up On Season 6...! [S6.E1] from 2022-08-09T17:01:53

As is tradition, Greg and Ed spend the first episode of the brand new season 6 (!) looking back, looking forward, and discussing podcasting as a whole.  Listen

A Virologist Talks Vaccine Research&Thailand's Scientific Street Cred [S5.E71] from 2022-07-26T17:01:22

In the last episode of Season 5, Greg interviews Samaporn Teeravechyan, also known as Dr. Joy. Dr. Joy works at the National Center for Genetic Engineering and Bi...

Gotcha! Ten Situations When the Score is Bangkok 1, You 0 [S5.E70] from 2022-07-19T17:01:46

Bangkok’s a big city that’s got her own rules. You can try to fight them, but in the end, in certain situations, no matter how much you beg and plead, Bangkok win...

The Million Baht Kid: Returning to Thailand After Growing Up Abroad [S5.E69] from 2022-07-12T17:01:47

Ed interviews Emily from Calgary, Canada, a unique ‘expat’ in Thailand if there ever was one. Emily was born 19 years ago in Nong Khai, Thailand, to a Canadian fa...

Fun AND Educational? Some Notable Bangkok Firsts [S5.E68] from 2022-07-05T17:01:33

In a new concept, Greg and Ed discuss various Bangkok ‘Firsts’ in an effort to improve their knowledge of the city’s history and development. Loosely based on a t...

Luxembourg Ambassador Jean-Paul Senninger Talks Diplomacy&Cultural Identity [S5.E67] from 2022-06-28T17:01:21

Greg interviews the Luxembourgian Ambassador to Thailand, Jean-Paul Senninger. As a diplomat with a long list of postings around the world, from his home base at ...

Pot Luck Surprise! The Highs and Lows of Weed in Thailand [S5.E66] from 2022-06-21T17:01:07

Greg and Ed discuss the recent decriminalization of cannabis in Thailand, the recent changes around town it’s caused, and whether or not they think it will last. ...

From Toothbrushes to Curses: Storytime With Christopher G. Moore [S5.E65] from 2022-06-14T17:01:09

This is Part Two of Greg’s recent interview with uber-expat Christopher G. Moore, author, raconteur, and general man-about-town. In true Renaissance guy fashion, ...

From Page to Screen: Christopher G. Moore on Hard-Boiled Bangkok [S5.E64] from 2022-06-07T17:01:06

Greg interviews Christopher G. Moore, long-time friend of the podcast and senior Bangkok expat, known for his extensive fiction and non-fiction writing as well as...

Understanding Thailand: Some Rules of Thumb That Explain a Lot [S5.E63] from 2022-05-31T17:01:50

Greg and Ed pull together all their accumulated wisdom about Thai culture and society into six pithy theories to aid expats and tourists alike. Ed begins with his cl...

Seeing Thailand Through Film: Director Paul Spurrier [S5.E62] from 2022-05-24T17:01:55

Ed interviews Paul Spurrier, a...

Busting Some Myths About Prostitution in Thailand [S5.E61] from 2022-05-17T17:01:01

Ed leads a discussion and semi-rant about a persistent myth regarding the history of prostitution in Thailand that was recently perpetuated by a Listen

Achievement Unlocked! Even More Expat Merit Badges [S5.E60] from 2022-05-10T17:01:32

Because the first show was so fun to do - and full of great listener-generated ideas! - Greg and Ed revisit the idea of expat ‘merit badges,’ a recognition of classi...

Author Chris Baker Discusses Thai History, Culture&Conflict [S5.E59] from 2022-05-03T17:01:34

Greg and Ed interview expat legend Chris Baker, co-author (along with his wife Pasuk Phongpaichit) of Listen

Greg’s Canada Trip: Thoughts on Reverse Culture Shock [S5.E58] from 2022-04-26T17:01:13

It’s Greg’s turn for some reverse culture shock as he relates his return to Thailand from the Great White North of Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Ed first notes the di...

The Psychology of Tourist Scams with Tourism Expert Ding Xu [S5.E57] from 2022-04-19T17:01:03

Anyone who has been to Thailand knows the old “Ohhh, the temple is closed today, why don’t you come with me to this gem store?” Despite warnings in literally ever...

Thai Games: From Playgrounds to Cards to Beetle Fighting [S5.E.56] from 2022-04-12T17:01:20

Thanks to a suggestion from a listener Greg and Ed discuss the fascinating topic of games that are common - if not unique - to Thailand. Both guys have some famil...

Rules&Etiquette: Public Speaking as a Buddhist Monk [S5.E55] from 2022-04-05T17:01:02

Greg interviews our old friend and recurring guest Phra Pandit, about public speaking as a Buddhist monk. Beginning with some public speaking basics, such as the thr...

The World Happiness Index: How Does Thailand Measure Up? [S5.E54] from 2022-03-29T17:01:15

In the wake of the 2022 World Happiness Report Listen

Photographer Dax Ward on Capturing Bangkok's Abandoned Beauty [S5.E53] from 2022-03-22T17:01:48

Greg interviews Dax Ward, an adventurous phot...

Saying Too Much: Dealing With Self-Censorship in Thailand [S5.E52] from 2022-03-15T17:01:39

Greg and Ed tackle the uncomfortable topic of self-censorship in Thailand, especially as it pertains to the podcast itself, and the churning, roiling issue of wha...

The Middle Path: Is Thailand an In-Between Country? [S5.E51] from 2022-03-08T17:01:23

Greg and Ed consider the tricky question of Thailand’s role in the global order. Sparked by a question from one of his students about what Thailand’s response to ...

History on Video: Bangkok Pat Talks Exploring&Storytelling [S5.E50] from 2022-03-01T17:01:35

Greg interviews ‘Bangkok Pat,’ whose videos on Bangkok’s historical secret...

Would a Bangkok by Any Other Name Smell as Sweet? [S5.E49] from 2022-02-22T17:01:20

Greg and Ed discuss the significance of the recent decision by the Thai parliament to accept a change to the official English name of Bangkok that was proposed by th...

History and Insight: Exploring Thailand’s Indian Community [S5.E48] from 2022-02-15T17:01:02

One of the great things about Thai culture is the many facets that make up the whole. One of them is the Indian community, and Greg is happy to welcome Ram Sachde...

Great Thailand Advice We Ignored…But Shouldn’t Have [S5.E47] from 2022-02-08T17:01:57

As Thailand starts to get back to bid-ness, there will likely be a whole lot of n00bs coming in to tour, work and live. Most who have been here for a while alread...

George Dupont: The Only Thai to Fight in the US Civil War [S5.E46] from 2022-02-01T17:01:26

We recount the fascinating story of George DuPont, the only Thai person who fought in the American Civil War. The first record of George in the U.S. is in 1859, b...

Is Thailand Really LGBTQ Friendly? It’s Complicated [S5.E45] from 2022-01-25T17:01:05

Greg interviews Benjamin Lord, an American who moved to Asia straight out of college at NYU. He is on the show to discuss life as a gay man in Thailand. After spe...

Ed's Big List: 10 Differences Between the US and Thailand [S5.E44] from 2022-01-18T17:01

With Ed being stuck in the US, he relates ten experiences he has had during his stay in Ohio that he doesn’t think he would ever have in Thailand, introducing the...

Anger, Anxiety&Death: How Buddhism Deals with the Big Issues [S5.E43] from 2022-01-11T17:01

Greg interviews Phra Pandit, the resident Bangkok Podcast expert on all things Buddhism, about negative emotions such as anxiety and anger and how Buddhism deals ...

The Bangkok Podcast Covid Christmas Clusterf#@k Extravaganza [S5.E42] from 2022-01-04T17:01

It’s a COVID Christmas Craptacular! The guys discuss all the ways that COVID has made the holiday season difficult for expats and travelers to Thailand. To start ...

Riding the Rails: Catching up with Bangkok’s New Train Lines [S5.E41] from 2021-12-21T17:01

When Greg and guest-host Scott moved here at the turn of the century, Bangkok had about 22km of train lines (not counting the SRT diesel trains). Now there are 21...

The Times They Are a-Changing: Thailand’s Demographic Shift [S5.E40] from 2021-12-14T17:01

The show welcomes back Dr. Jessica Vechbanyongratana, an economist at Chulalongkorn University, to discuss the cold, hard d...

Bangkok's Seven Deadly Sins: Gluttony [S5.E39] from 2021-12-07T17:01

Greg and Ed finish up the Seven Deadly Sins series with a discussion of ‘gluttony’ in the context of Bangkok - in this case, wanting to eat the largest quantity o...

Tech, Trade&Bridges with Belgian Ambassador Sibille de Cartier [S5.E38] from 2021-11-30T17:01

Greg interviews Belgian Ambassador to Thailand, Madam Sybille de Cartier, formerly Ambassador to Egypt and Sudan, with plenty of diplomatic experience in other po...

Alcohol: Thailand’s Favorite Boogeyman [S5.E37] from 2021-11-23T17:01

In a very topical show Greg and Ed discuss the role that alcohol plays in Thai culture. For a country that seems to love restricting alcohol consumption, be it fo...

The Changing Role of the Foreign Teacher in Thailand [S5.E36] from 2021-11-16T17:01

Hassles and Hope: Thailand’s Big Reopening [S5.E35] from 2021-11-09T17:01

The boys address the big story of the day: Thailand’s long-delayed reopening to tourists, at least from certain low-risk countries. Ed begins by recounting the cu...

What’s the Deal with Solar Power in Thailand? [S5.E34] from 2021-11-02T17:01

Greg interviews Tristan Knowles, an Australian expat in Thailand working for the Asian Development Bank, specializing in infrastructure finance in the Mekong regi...

Thailand in Movies&TV vs. Thailand in Real Life [S5.E33] from 2021-10-26T17:01

On today’s show Greg and Ed address a pretty simple question: When you see Bangkok in movies and in series, are you actually seeing an accurate portrayal of the w...

From Coffee to Conflict: Kenyan Ambassador Lindsay Kiptiness [S5.E32] from 2021-10-19T17:01

Greg interviews Lindsay Kiptiness, the Kenyan Ambassador to Thailand. Ambassador Kiptiness begins by introducing himself and explains his responsibilities as amba...

Dungeons&Dragons&Bangkok: An Alignment Chart for the City [S5.E31] from 2021-10-12T17:01

Greg and Ed confess to their past as Dungeons and Dragons-loving young geeks. Who would have thought? The boys take inspiration from Listen

Building a Thai YouTube Channel for Kids Into a Family Business [S5.E30] from 2021-10-05T17:01

On this episode Greg chats with his buddy Jesse Davis. You might not know Jesse’s name, but if you have kids, chances are they know his daughter. 

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Expat Merit Badges: How Many Do You Have? [S5.E29] from 2021-09-28T17:01

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 ...

Accents, Dialects and Stereotypes with Stu Jay Raj [S5.E28] from 2021-09-21T17:01

Greg interviews returning guest Stu Jay Raj - polyglot, expert language teacher and man about town. Greg begins by asking Stu about his recent series of videos an...

This is Thailand With Scott&Trevor from Talk Travel Asia [S5.E27] from 2021-09-14T17:01

Greg and Ed sit down with old friends and travel experts Trevor Ranges and Scott Coates of the Listen

Bangkok's Seven Deadly Sins: Envy [S5.E26] from 2021-09-07T17:01

Continuing the series on the 7 Deadly Sins, Greg and Ed address the envious Envy. Of course, we love Bangkok, but no place is perfect - so, what are some things i...

Golfasian’s Mark Siegel Talks Fees, Tees&Thai Golf Holidays [S5.E25] from 2021-08-31T17:01

Greg interviews Mark Siegel, the director of GolfasianListen

A Few Surprising Details About Raising a Kid in Bangkok [S5.E24] from 2021-08-24T17:01

In this episode, Greg fills us in on all the special concerns of being a parent in Bangkok. As if being a parent on its own didn’t have enough surprises, it turns...

From Dreams to Comedy: Teaching Thai With a Twist [S5.E23] from 2021-08-17T17:01

Greg interviews Kru Nan from the “You Too Can Learn Thai” podcast. Greg begins with the theory of the ‘critical period,’ that the human brain is primed to learn l...

Don’t be That Guy: Expat Stereotypes to Avoid [S5.E22] from 2021-08-10T17:01

Greg and Ed discuss some negative expat stereotypes - roughly the person you (probably) don’t want to become while living in Thailand...at least forever. We all f...

The Bombing of Bangkok During World War 2 [S5.E21] from 2021-08-03T17:01

Greg interviews Khun Panarat Anamwathana Listen

Cultural Refresher: Books&Movies to Rouse Your Thailand Mojo [S5.E20] from 2021-07-27T17:01

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-timer...

Fostering Hope in Khlong Toey with Bangkok Community Help [S5.E19] from 2021-07-20T17:01

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 Listen

Ed Reports Back: Visiting the Phuket Sandbox [S5.E18] from 2021-07-13T17:01

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 al...

Some Good (and Bad) Ways That Being an Expat Has Changed Us [S5.E17] from 2021-07-06T17:01

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 Tha...

Entrepreneur Derek van Pelt on Business and Success in Thailand [S5.E16] from 2021-06-29T17:01

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 na...

Between Two Worlds: Raising a Western Kid in an Eastern Culture [S5.E15] from 2021-06-22T17:01

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 sc...

Tourism, Covid&Secret Recipes with Chin From Chili Paste Food Tours [S5.E14] from 2021-06-15T17:01

Greg interviews Chin Chongtong, the founder of Chili Paste Food Tours<...

Dealing With Annoying Expat Requests [S5.E13] from 2021-06-08T17:01

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 abou...

History&Diplomacy with Canadian Ambassador Sarah Taylor [S5.E12] from 2021-06-01T17:01

Greg and Ed interview Dr. Sarah Taylor, the Canadian Ambassador to Thailand to discuss her role in Thailand, Thailand’s role in Asia, and what Canada and Thailand...

Bangkok's Seven Deadly Sins: Sloth [S5.E11] from 2021-05-25T17:01

The guys return to their ‘Seven Deadly Sins’ series to discuss the sin of ‘Sloth.’ Greg notes in an introduction that sloth can be a little hard to define in that...

Co-Producer Oliver Ackermann on Making The Serpent in Bangkok [S5.E10] from 2021-05-18T17:01

Greg and Ed interview Oliver Ackermann, one of the co-producers of the Thailand-based Netflix series “The Serpent,” about 1970s era serial killer Charles Sobhraj....

Joe Cummings Talks Thai Ganja, Protests and CIA Recruitment [S5.E9] from 2021-05-11T17:01

This is the second episode of Greg and Ed’s interview with Joe Cummings, expat extraordinaire. This episode begins with a bang as the guys discuss the future of c...

Joe Cummings Talks Movies, Writing and Tourism Recovery [S5.E8] from 2021-05-04T17:01

Greg and Ed do a tag team interview of legendary Thailand expat Joe Cummings, a renaissance man and expert on Thai culture if there ever was one. Joining us durin...

Bonus Episode: Vaccine Travel and Quarantine! from 2021-05-04T02:00

Hey there! This type of content usually goes out to our patrons only, but we figured it was important and relevant to everyone, so we're putting it out to y'all!

Our buddy Kevin and his w...

A Few Unwritten Thai Cultural Rules You Gotta Learn [S5.E7] from 2021-04-27T17:01

Utilizing a topic suggested by listener Wes, Greg and Ed discuss the unwritten ‘rules’ of Thai culture - the ones that everyone knows but aren’t written down anyw...

Being Funny in Bangkok: Three Local Comedians Weigh In [S5.E6] from 2021-04-20T17:01

Greg interviews three local comedians, Justin St-Denis, Chris Raufheisen, and Tana Sukke, Listen

Is There an Expat Hierarchy - and Does it Even Matter? [S5.E5] from 2021-04-13T17:01

We think almost every long-term expat has been asked how long they’ve been here before, only to see the challenge, throw down their card, and ask the inevitable: ...

The Ups and Downs of Retiring in Thailand [S5.E4] from 2021-04-06T17:01

Greg interviews Colonel Johnny Thoyts, an old friend who has been retired in Thailand for over 20 years. Johnny has had an interesting time in Thailand - as the f...

Oh Crap, What Now? Losing Your Job in Thailand [S5.E3] from 2021-03-30T17:01

The guys discuss the sticky situation of what it means to lose your job in Thailand as an expat, and the relative insecurity that all of us have, no matter how lo...

Fighting the HIV Stigma in Thailand [S5.E2] from 2021-03-23T17:01

Greg interviews Midnight Poonkasetwattana and Inad Rendon, the Executive Director and Program Director at Listen

Looking Back, Looking Forward: Welcome to Season 5! [S5.E1] from 2021-03-16T17:01

Welcome to season 5! Greg and Ed discuss the new season, which admittedly is mostly a continuation of the last season - if it ain’t broke, etc. But some nostalgia...

Short Break! from 2021-03-09T17:01

Hey guys, Greg and Ed are taking this week off for a short break, but we'll be back with the first episode of SEASON FIVE (OMG) of the show on March 17. See you then!

Becoming Thai: Talking With Chris Larkin from ThaiCitizenship.com [S4.E72] from 2021-03-02T17:01

Greg interviews Chris Larkin, creator of ThaiCitizenship.com, a website that answers all the confusing, conflicting, confounding questions about g...

Wonderful Weirdos: Tales of Bangkok Characters Good, Bad&Strange [S4.E71] from 2021-02-23T17:01

If Thailand is good for one thing, it’s ‘interesting’ expats, and Greg and Ed keep it light with a humorous discussion of some of the crazy characters they’ve met...

Ganjapreneur Kitty Chopaka Discusses the Marijuana Landscape in Thailand [S4.E70] from 2021-02-16T17:01

Ed interviews Chokwan ‘Kitty’ Chopaka, an expert on the cannabis industry in Thailand. The interview begins with a discussion of how Kitty ended up in this field ...

Neighborhood Focus: Soi Suan Phlu [S4.E69] from 2021-02-09T17:01

In a return to our Neighborhood Focus series, Greg and Ed check out Soi Suan Phlu and some of the surrounding area, broadly known as either Sathorn or Yen Akat. W...

Mark Wiens on the Joy of Eating Thai Food [S4.E68] from 2021-02-02T17:01

Greg interviews Mark Wiens, an old friend known far and wide for his awesome YouTube videos about eating food. Good food. Weird food. Scary food. Any type of food...

Bangkok Podcast 54: Daniel Fraser from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

In our continuing series on learning Thai, we're joined by Dan Fraser - co-founder of Smiling Albino adventure travel company, film actor, television host, and of course, speaker of Thai. Dan gi...

Bangkok Podcast 49: Is Learning Thai Hard? from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

We've done a fair number of shows so far about learning Thai, but one of the most fundamental questions has yet to be discussed - is learning Thai actually hard, or do we foreigners just make it...

Bangkok’s Seven Deadly Sins: Greed [S4.E67] from 2021-01-26T17:01

This week Greg and Ed return to the Seven Deadly Sins series with a discussion of GREED in Thai culture. As an opening caveat, Greg makes clear that greed exists ...

Sawatdee Cough: Bangkok’s Air Pollution Crisis [S4.E66] from 2021-01-19T17:01

Greg interviews Khun Weena, founder of the Thailand Clean Air Network Listen

The Eclipse That Changed the Course of Thai History [S4.E65] from 2021-01-12T17:01

Kicking 2020 to the Curb: New Year’s Eve Stories from Better Times [S4.E64] from 2021-01-05T17:01

In order to wash the bad taste of New Year’s Eve 2021 out of our mouths, Greg and Ed discuss what New Year’s Eve means in Bangkok. Normally it’s one of the bigges...

Confronting Thailand's Problem With Violence Against Women Part 2 [S4.E63] from 2020-12-29T17:01

The issue of violence against women in Thai culture is not often discussed. Awareness is low and even when the topic is brought up, the default reaction is to shu...

Confronting Thailand’s Problem With Violence Against Women Part 1 [S4.E62] from 2020-12-22T17:01

The issue of violence against women in Thai culture is not often discussed. Awareness is low and even when the topic is brought up, the default reaction is to shu...

The Annual Bangkok Podcast Listener Q&A Spectacular [S4.E61] from 2020-12-15T17:01

It’s been a while, but the guys jump into a Q&A show, where they answer questions from listeners. The topics are incredibly wide-ranging - everything from our fir...

Artist Alex Face on his Iconic Work, Inspiration, and Space Art [S4.E60] from 2020-12-08T17:01

Greg interviews celebrated Thai artist Alex Face (https://www.facebook.com...

How Would You Rate Your Thai Cultural Assimilation? [S4, E59] from 2020-12-01T17:01

Greg and Ed dive into a great question for expats in Thailand: to what extent are you actually integrated into mainstream Thai culture? Greg posted a quick survey...

Bangkok’s Craft Brew Godfather: A Chat With Khun Chit [S4.E58] from 2020-11-24T17:01

Greg interviews the fascinating Wichit Saiklao, godfather of craft beer in Thailand and founder of Listen

Thailand’s Freedom-of-Expression Minefield [S4.E57] from 2020-11-17T17:01

Greg and Ed consider the issue of freedom of expression in Thailand and the extent to which it is or is not compatible with Thai culture. The topic is sparked by ...

Linguist Rikker Dockum on Raising Multilingual Kids (S4.E56) from 2020-11-10T17:01

Greg interviews repeat guest Rikker Dockum about the ups and downs of raising bilingual children, beginning with an update on (now Dr) Rikker’s life back in the U...

Bangkok's Seven Deadly Sins: Wrath [S4, E55] from 2020-11-03T17:01

The boys reenter the world of the Seven Deadly Sins with a discussion of ‘Wrath’ in Thai culture. What’s the angle? Well, here is Ed’s theory: every society has r...

Phra Pandit on the Buddhist Concepts of Birth, Death&Rebirth [Season 4, Episode 54] from 2020-10-27T17:01

In this episode of Bangkok Podcast Metaphysics, Greg interviews our favorite guest, Phra Pandit, about notions of heaven and hell in Thai Buddhism. Phra Pandit be...

Greg (Con) and Ed (Pro) Debate the Merits of Thai Massage [Season 4, Episode 53] from 2020-10-20T17:01

In this episode, the guys debate the pros and cons of one of Thailand’s most famous cultural pastimes. Despite being friends for going on 20 years now and agreein...

Bangkok’s Evolving Health&Fitness Mindset [Season 4, Episode 52] from 2020-10-13T17:01

If you’ve been in Bangkok for any length of time you’ve seen the ‘healthy lifestyle’...uh...lifestyle...change a great deal. But why, how, and to what end? Greg i...

David Robinson Talks Heritage and Creativity on the Chao Phraya River [Season 4, Episode 50] from 2020-10-08T00:18:32

Greg interviews David Robinson, co-founder of the Creative District Foundation, which promotes the mighty Chao Phraya River community for tourism and cultural pur...

Neighborhood Focus: Chinatown&Talad Noi [Season 4, Episode 51] from 2020-10-06T17:01

Greg and Ed return to their ‘Neighborhood Focus’ series with a review of the Chinatown-Talad Noi area of Bangkok, a neighborhood is near and dear to the boys’ hea...

The Unique Role That Teachers Play in Thai Culture [Season 4, Episode 49] from 2020-09-22T17:01

Ooooh, topical! This week, Greg and Ed discuss the unique role of teachers in Thai society, where educators occupy a uniquely reverential role, often in stark con...

An Economist Speaks: The Numbers on Thailand's COVID Economy [Season 4, Episode 48] from 2020-09-15T17:01

First, we want voicemails from our listeners! Become a friend on LINE (scan the QR Code below) and send us your thoughts, greetings, or an awesome joke.  Listen

Ten Laws Expats Should Understand in Thailand [Season 4, Episode 47] from 2020-09-08T17:01

After a brief intro explaining the podcast’s decision to accept advertising (within strict guidelines), Greg and Ed jump into a topic important to anyone travelli...

Jarrett Wrisley&Chalee Kader Discuss Bangkok's Restaurant Biz in the Time of Covid [Season 4, Episode 46] from 2020-09-01T17:01

Greg interviews Jarrett Wrisley and Chalee Kader, well-known and successful restaurateurs in Bangkok. After quick bios, they begin by dispelling some myths about ...

Bangkok’s Seven Deadly Sins: Lust [Season 4, Episode 45] from 2020-08-25T17:01

Greg and Ed continue their ‘Seven Deadly Sins’ series with LUST - yep, we go there. Well, figuratively, anyway. On the record, the guys don’t actually recommend t...

Crossing Cultures: From Small-Town Thailand to the USA&Back Again [Season 4, Episode 44] from 2020-08-18T17:01

Ed interviews Putsawan ‘Poy’ Tipsakorn, a friend and former student of his who did an exchange year in the U.S. while in high school. Ed and Poy begin with her ba...

Holding a Mirror Up to Thailand: Thisrupt's Voranai Vanijaka [Season 4, Episode 43] from 2020-08-11T17:01

This week Greg interviews Khun Voranai Vanijaka, a well-known Thai journalist, social commentator, and founder and editor-in-chief of Listen

A Quarantine Interview&Media Recommendations [Season 4, Episode 42] from 2020-08-04T17:01

After a very strange intro in which Greg extols the virtues of a mi...

Building a House in Thailand [Season 4, Episode 41] from 2020-07-28T17:01

Greg and Ed interview Florian, an old friend of Greg’s and coincidentally the occupant of Greg’s old apartment in Chinatown with a beautiful view of the Chao Phra...

Bangkok's Seven Deadly Sins: Pride [Season 4, Episode 40] from 2020-07-21T17:01

In a new series cooked up by Greg’s evil brain, the guys explore Bangkok through the prism of the Seven Deadly Sins. Each of the seven shows (not in a row, thankf...

Entrepreneur and TV Host Dan Fraser on Filming, Language, and Absorbing Thai Culture [Season 4, Episode 39] from 2020-07-14T17:01

This is Part 2 of Greg’s interview with Dan Fraser, an old friend, Thai TV star, and owner of adventure travel company Smiling Albino. Continuing their conversati...

Entrepreneur and TV Host Dan Fraser on Filming, Language, and Absorbing Thai Culture [Season 4, Episode 38] from 2020-07-07T17:01

Greg interviews Renaissance-Expat Extraordinaire Dan Fraser, an old friend of both Greg and Ed and a former guest of the podcast in season 1. As both the star of ...

The Gun Show: How a Few Thai Cannons Helped Shape History [Season 4, Episode 37] from 2020-06-30T17:01

We return to our Thai history series with a fascinating look at the role that several Thai cannons played in some important historical events. 

Listen

Jobs, Wages and Napoleon Dynamite: The Hard Data on Thailand’s Economy [Season 4, Episode 36] from 2020-06-23T17:01

It’s an extra-long show this week as Greg interviews Jessica Vechbanyongratana, a ...

How Thailand Changed Our Views on Fake Stuff [Season 4, Episode 35] from 2020-06-16T17:01

Inspired by a great post on a ThisruptListen

The Thai Foreign Ministry&Public Communication During COVID-19 [Season 4, Episode 34] from 2020-06-09T17:01

Greg interviews Khun Natapanu Nopakun, the Deputy Spokesperson for the Ministr...

Lockdown: A Few Small Upsides to a BIG Downside [Season 4, Episode 33] from 2020-06-02T17:01

When you are a kid, you are taught to look on the bright side of everything. In that spirit, Greg and Ed search for any possible positives in their lives as a res...

Up Close&Personal With Thai Culture: The National Museum Volunteers [Season 4, Episode 32] from 2020-05-26T17:01

You know how foreigners aren’t allowed to be tour guides in Thailand? Well guess what - there’s an interesting little loophole to that, and it’s a great opportuni...

Big Brother Says Hi: Do You Have More or Less Privacy in Thailand Than at Home? [Season 4, Episode 31] from 2020-05-19T17:01

Greg and Ed tackle the complex question of privacy in Thailand, especially as it compares to privacy back home. But there are lots of types Listen