Welcome to The Bangkok Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• The Quirky Driving Rituals of Thailand

• Revolutionizing education with AI

• Bangkok's crown jewel for sunset at Sala Rattanakosin Eatery and Bar

• Thailand’s Heartbeat: Luk Thung and Mor Lam

• And more…

Fun Fact

Honk if You’re Superstitious! The Quirky Driving Rituals of Thailand

Driving in Thailand isn’t just about dodging traffic—it’s a cultural experience. One of the more unique traditions? Honking your horn near shrines or when taking sharp curves.

Why, you ask? According to Thai animistic beliefs, spirits are said to hang out in places like shrines or lurking around those winding road curves. Honking is like sending them a friendly "Heads up, I’m passing through!" or even a little nod of respect. Think of it as spiritual honk-etiquette—some even say it’s a way to keep the spirits on your side, a kind of mystical insurance policy.

So, don’t be alarmed if you hear a symphony of honks while driving through the Thai countryside or past sacred spots. It’s not road rage; it’s just the drivers tipping their hats (or horns) to the unseen.

Trivia

✅The Answer to your Trivia last week = C) Luk thung & Mor lam

Here’s your trivia question of the week! Think you know the answer? Find out if you’re right in next week’s newsletter. No cheating!

Which city in Thailand is known for its ancient ruins and temples, often referred to as the "Venice of the East"?

A) Ayutthaya

B) Chiang Mai

C) Sukhothai

D) Lopburi

News 📰

Curing loneliness - (Link)

Revolutionizing education with AI - (Link)

Siam Society marks 120 years with Rama V musical - (Link)

US tariffs prompt relocations to Thailand - (Link)

Lifestyle 🕶️

💪 Health & Wellness

Patom Organic Living - This enchanting café feels like stepping into a lush garden paradise, where the chaos of Bangkok melts away with every sip of their legendary Thai tea. Beyond just being a café, it's a sanctuary for organic living enthusiasts, serving up divine Thai desserts that'll make your taste buds dance with joy. With its serene green spaces and commitment to all things organic, this hidden gem has rightfully earned its spot as the city's finest café – trust us, your Bangkok adventure isn't complete without experiencing this slice of paradise! (Link)

Radiance Wholefoods Co., Ltd. - is the answer to every natural beauty & health lover's prayers in Bangkok! This treasure trove of organic goodness is a game-changer for those hunting down natural skincare products without the eye-watering price tags. From aromatic essential oils and pure rose water to natural body wash and shampoo, they've got everything your eco-conscious heart desires. The cherry on top? They're one of the few spots in town where you can get your hands on hard-to-find Kombucha! With unbeatable prices and a fantastic selection of products, this store isn't just a shop – it's your new wellness best friend in Bangkok. (Link)

Preme Spa - is where Bangkok's hustle and bustle transforms into pure bliss! This local gem stands out with its dream team of skilled and experienced therapists who know exactly how to melt away your stress. Tucked away from the city's chaos, their cozy private spaces create the perfect environment for deep relaxation. Their carefully crafted programs go beyond your typical massage experience, offering treatments that will leave you feeling like you're floating on a cloud. Preme Spa is your ultimate sanctuary for rejuvenation! (Link)

🍽️ Restaurants

Sala Rattanakosin Eatery and Bar 🇹🇭 - is Bangkok's crown jewel for sunset dining, offering a front-row seat to the majestic Wat Arun temple! This Thai culinary haven combines breathtaking views with delectable flavors, featuring a rooftop that'll make your jaw drop. While vegetarians might find the menu a bit limited, their four-course dining experience is a Thai gastronomy journey worth every baht. Don't even think about skipping dessert – their signature dark chocolate with homemade cherry jam is the stuff of dreams. Between the friendly staff, sophisticated atmosphere, and that million-dollar temple view, it's the perfect spot to make memories with someone special. (Link)

Bar Storia Del Caffe - brings a slice of European elegance to Bangkok's dining scene! This cozy gem is where comfort meets class, serving up Italian dishes that'll transport your taste buds straight to the Mediterranean. Their crab pasta has achieved legendary status among regulars. The intimate, uncrowded atmosphere makes you feel like you've discovered your own secret dining spot, and the attentive service turns every meal into a special occasion. Sure, parking might be a bit tricky if you're driving a larger vehicle, but trust us – the culinary delights waiting inside are worth a little parking puzzle! (Link)

Le Dalat 🇻🇳 - whisks you away to Vietnam without leaving Bangkok! This authentic Vietnamese restaurant hits all the right notes with its stunning traditional décor and staff elegantly dressed in uniforms. The menu is a treasure trove of Vietnamese classics – from perfectly crispy spring rolls to sizzling grilled pork. This place is a MUST visit! You'll swear you're dining in Hanoi rather than Bangkok! (Link)

☕ Cafes

Samantao Heritage Coffee - is where traditional Thai coffee culture meets serene garden vibes! Their standout Thai heritage coffee with butter showcases an innovative twist on local coffee craftsmanship, delivering a uniquely silky mouthfeel that coffee enthusiasts will want to analyze sip by sip. Set in a tranquil Thai garden, this coffee sanctuary offers a refreshing break from typical city cafes. The brewing method brings out a naturally sweet profile in their signature butter coffee, though those who prefer their coffee less sweet should note that customization might be limited. You can spend hours here nursing your coffee while soaking in the peaceful garden atmosphere. (Link)

Craft @ Kimpton Maalai Bangkok - elevates the typical cafe experience with a garden-meets-specialty-coffee concept that welcomes both coffee lovers and their four-legged friends! This elegant cafe space features thoughtfully designed indoor-outdoor seating with plush couches overlooking a serene pond – perfect for savoring your morning brew. While they've made their mark with an expertly crafted Thai milk tea that hits all the right notes (a must-try for tea enthusiasts), their cafe menu extends beyond beverages to create a comprehensive all-day experience. The barista team, led by the exceptional Masato, demonstrates the kind of attentive service that turns first-time visitors into regulars. (Link)

🍹 Bar & Rooftop Bars

Penthouse Bar & Grill Park Hyatt - soars above Bangkok's skyline as the epitome of rooftop luxury dining. This isn't just another sky-high venue – it's a paradise food lovers with a view that'll make your heart skip a beat! Their beef degustation experience showcases three different cuts that practically melt on your tongue. But what truly sets this place apart is the seamless marriage of impeccable service and breathtaking city views – imagine savoring that perfect bite of beef while Bangkok's lights twinkle below you. It's fine dining that manages to hit that sweet spot between special occasion-worthy and genuinely outstanding cuisine. (Link)

Siwilai Radical Club - breaks the mold of typical Bangkok bars by creating something truly special – a social sanctuary where solo visitors become part of the family! This isn't just a bar; it's a vibrant community where the barrier between strangers dissolves faster than ice in your Hibiki Highball. The standout "Wasted" cocktail masterfully balances spirits with sour notes, proving that their mixologists know their craft. But the real magic here is the vibe – imagine a place where the music hits just right, the staff feels like old friends, and even if you walk in alone, you'll likely leave with new connections. It's a rare gem where premium drinks meet genuine social connection, making it the perfect spot for both seasoned bar hoppers and solo adventurers looking to experience Bangkok's more sophisticated nightlife scene. (Link)

👫 Activities

Afternoon tea at Author’s Lounge - epitomizes refined afternoon tea in Bangkok, where colonial elegance meets contemporary sophistication! The stunning interior sets the perfect stage for an intimate tea experience, while attentive service ensures your visit is nothing short of memorable. Though portions are delicately sized compared to Western standards, each carefully crafted bite delivers on flavor and satisfaction. Just remember – the afternoon tea sets are priced per person, not per couple, so be sure to clarify when booking. It's the perfect spot to step away from Bangkok's bustle and indulge in a properly civilized afternoon of tea, treats, and timeless ambiance. (Link)

💎 Hidden Gems

Talat Phlu 

Talat Phlu is a living time capsule that captures the soul of old Bangkok along the historic Khlong Bangkok Yai canal! This 200-year-old market in Thonburi isn't just a place to eat – it's where Bangkok's past lives on in every steaming wok and weathered shophouse. Picture this: the clack of Chinese chess pieces mingles with the sizzle of traditional cooking methods, while the distant rumble of trains adds rhythm to daily life. The market's legendary Thai tea and time-honored desserts tell stories of recipes passed down through generations. Unlike Bangkok's modernized markets, Talat Phlu preserves authentic scenes of Thai life that are becoming increasingly rare: elderly vendors carefully crafting traditional sweets, neighbors gathering for chess matches on street corners, and the gentle pace of canal-side living. For visitors seeking the genuine soul of old Thailand, this market offers an unfiltered glimpse into how Bangkok used to be – a precious slice of heritage that somehow survived the city's rush toward modernity. (Link)

Social 👥

🥳 Social Events & Networking

November 19th I 18:00 - 22:00 I Bangkok Entrepreneur / Wantrepreneurs and Angel Investors Meetup (Link)

November 21st I 19:00 - 20:00 I Pickleball 101 - Learn the basic rules and swings! (Link)

November 22nd I 14:00 - 17:00 I Explore Nature & Art: Meet up at Galleries’ Nights with Just a Garden (Link)

November 23rd I 18:00 - 20:00 I Monthly Board Games Meet up (9/2024) (Link)

November 24th I 15:30 - 18:30 I Picnic in the Park #10 (Benjakitti Park) (Link)

November 24th I 7:30 - 8:40 I [Lumphini park] Let's go with the flow in the park (Link)

🌏 Exhibitions & Expos

November 20th to November 23rd I 10:00 - 18:00 I METALEX 2024 @ BITEC - Hall EH98-104 (Link)

November 21st I 9:30 - 16:30 I Wow!Taiwan X Thailand: Smart Energy Forum @ QSNCC - Meeting Room 203, Level 2 (Link)

November 21st to November 23rd I 10:00 - 18:00 I TAIWAN EXPO 2024 @QSNCC - Exhibition Hall 5, Level LG (Link)

November 23rd I 19:00 - 22:00 I Imagine Dragons: LOOM WORLD TOUR LIVE IN BANGKOK @QSNCC - Exhibition Hall 1-2, Level G (Link)

November 24th I 7:00 - 12:00 I Amway Health Run 2024 @QSNCC - Exhibition Hall 6, Level LG (Link)

Today’s Expat Story 🗺️

Aiden’s Story

Aiden, originally from the United States, moved to Bangkok for a teaching position. With a passion for languages, he was eager to immerse himself in Thai culture and learn the language firsthand. His first few months were challenging—adjusting to the local teaching style and the bustling city life was overwhelming.

However, he soon found his rhythm, making friends with fellow teachers and joining local cooking classes to learn how to make his favorite Thai dishes, like pad kra pao. Aiden’s favorite spot in the city is the Thonglor area, where he loves discovering new cafes and live music venues. The community there made him feel at home quickly.

One of Aiden’s most cherished memories is celebrating his first Loy Krathong festival, where he and his students floated krathongs down the river. The ceremony made him feel connected to his new home and deepened his appreciation for Thai traditions. Aiden’s advice to others considering a move to Bangkok is to embrace every opportunity to engage with the culture, as it makes the experience much more enriching.

Thailand: Culture & History 🇹🇭

Thailand’s Heartbeat: Luk Thung and Mor Lam

If music is the soul of a culture, then Luk Thung (Thai country music) and Mor Lam (folk music from Isan) are the heartbeat of Thailand. These genres aren't just popular; they're a way of life, deeply rooted in the nation’s identity and beloved across generations.

What is Luk Thung?
(Thai: ลูกทุ่ง, pronounced [lûːk tʰûŋ], meaning "child of the field song") Think of it as Thailand’s answer to country music but with its own unique twist. It is a heartfelt genre of Thai music born in the central plains of Thailand after World War II. Evolving from phleng Thai sakon in the early 20th century, this music became a voice for rural life, capturing the joys, struggles, and aspirations of the Thai countryside.

The town of Suphan Buri emerged as the heart of luk thung, producing iconic artists like Suraphol Sombatcharoen and Pumpuang Duangjan, whose legacies still resonate today. While rooted in central Thailand, the genre found deep popularity in the northeastern Isan region, drawing inspiration from mor lam traditions and incorporating the Isan language into its lyrics.

Luk Thung lyrics often tell tales of rural life, heartbreak, national pride and dreams of a brighter future, resonating with anyone who’s ever loved, lost, or struggled to make ends meet. Add in traditional Thai instruments like the Khene and Phin, and you’ve got a sound that’s both nostalgic and toe-tapping.

And Mor Lam?
Mor lam means 'expert song', or 'expert singer', referring to the music or artist respectively from the northeastern region of Isan. A defining feature of lam singing is its flexible melody, which adapts to the tonal nuances of the words being sung. Traditionally, performers would craft the tune as an interpretation of a klon poem, accompanied by the khene—a traditional reed mouth organ. Modern lam often incorporates electrified instruments and is typically faster-paced compared to the slower tempos of its traditional and some Lao counterparts. Its strong rhythmic beats, vocal leaps, and conversational delivery create a distinctive style that some liken to American rap, but with its own cultural flair.

Mor lam often centers on themes of unrequited love and the struggles of rural life in Isan and Laos, balanced with a touch of wry humor. In its heartland, lam performances are integral to local festivals and ceremonies. Its popularity has spread beyond its native regions, carried by migrant workers who cherish it as a cultural connection to their roots.

Why They’re So Popular
Both genres are more than just music—they’re a cultural connection. Whether blasting from a market stall, serenading a wedding, or kicking off a Songkran water fight, Luk Thung and Mor Lam bring people together. They bridge the gap between Thailand’s bustling cities and its rural heartland, making everyone feel like they belong.

So, if you’re in Thailand, don’t miss the chance to experience these iconic sounds. Tune into a local radio station, or join a festival—because nothing captures the soul of Thailand quite like Luk Thung and Mor Lam. 🎵

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❤️ Simeon & Nat

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