Welcome to The Bangkok Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Cholera alert in Tak after breakout across Myanmar border

• OR TOR KOR Market - is a foodie paradise that'll blow your mind!

• Creative playground at Baan Puen Cafe

• The Bridge on the River Kwai stands as a powerful reminder of World War II history

• And more…

Fun Fact

Do you know Sriracha Chili Sauce originates in Thailand?

Sriracha sauce has deep family roots in Thailand, with its origin traced back to one man - Khun Gimsua Timkrachang - in the coastal town of Sriracha in Chonburi province? What's even more interesting is that one of his daughters, Laor Suwanprasop, brought the family recipe to Bangkok in 1932 and started winning gold medals for it! Her sauce, called "Gold Medals," is still made by hand today by her son Khun Lakud in a 150-year-old shopfront in Bangkok's old town.

But here's the really spicy twist: The original recipe sparked multiple famous Thai Sriracha brands, all created by different members of the same extended family! It turns out Khun Gimsua shared his recipe freely with his children and relatives, leading to what could be called a "sauce dynasty." Several of Thailand's most famous Sriracha brands - including Grand Mountain, Three Mountains, and Sriracha Panich - were all started by different branches of the same family tree.

The sauce's heritage is so significant that in 2012, "sriracha" became one of less than a dozen Thai words ever to be included in the Oxford English Dictionary - and was actually the very first Thai food-related word to make it in! Talk about a hot legacy!

To read more about the story check out - Secret Sauce: Sriracha, a Bangkok Story

Trivia

✅The Answer to your Trivia last week = A) Bridge on the River Kwai

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!

What is the name of Thailand’s traditional form of puppetry?

A) Karagoz

B) Wayang

C) Nang Yai

D) Bunraku

News 📰

Cholera alert in Tak after breakout across Myanmar border (Link)

Thai govt hails use of 1441 cybercrime hotline (Link)

Thai economy 'most tiresome' thing in 2024: poll (Link)

Casino legalisation bill gives government the final say (Link)

Lifestyle 🕶️

💪 Health & Wellness

Ohkajhu @ ONE Bangkok - is your go-to spot to find healthy options without sacrificing flavor. They're dishing out international cuisine with plenty of veggie-forward options, and the portions are super generous. Whether you're team vegan or not, they've got something delicious waiting for you. Plus, the ambiance makes healthy eating feel like a treat! (Link)

Yole - is proof that healthy-ish desserts can be absolutely amazing. This froyo spot lets you go wild with toppings, and their Cookie sauce? Pure magic! It's the perfect sweet fix when you want something that won't leave you feeling guilty afterward. The portions are just right - satisfying your dessert craving without going overboard. (Link)

The SPACE BKK - is making Pilates accessible and fun for everyone. Whether you're a reformer pro or just starting out, they've covered you with group and private sessions that won't break the bank. It's the perfect spot to start or level up your fitness journey. (Link)

🍽️ Restaurants

Phed Mark - Mark Wien's Spicy Basil Rice - Bangkok - is where pad kaprao dreams come true! Created by food lovers for food lovers, this cozy spot specializes in one thing: the most epic spicy basil stir-fry you'll ever taste. If you're looking for authentic Thai comfort food done right, with that perfect holy basil kick, this is your place. (Link)

Pepe Bangkok I Food & Wine - is serving up Asian fusion that'll make your taste buds do a happy dance. The atmosphere is eclectic and fun; each dish is like a creative culinary adventure. Their duck liver appetizer is the star of the show, and while some creamy dishes might be a bit rich, they're still totally irresistible. The combo of great food, chill music, and city views makes for a perfect night out. (Link)

High Tide Eatery & Bar - offers that perfect mix of delicious food and stunning views. Watching the boats cruise down the Chaophraya River while enjoying Thai and international dishes? Yes, please! Just remember to book ahead if you want those outdoor seats. The live music adds a nice touch, though it might be a bit pricey - but hey, those river views are worth it! (Link)

☕ Cafes

Blue Chéri Cafe (Ploenchit) - is the perfect spot for a serious caffeine fix, plus some delicious bites. Their americano will definitely kick your brain into gear, and the bagel with cranberry cream cheese? Amazing.. The cold brew comes with this cool giant ice ball that keeps your drink from getting watery, and their yuzu espresso is a game-changer. Plus, they'll warm up your banana chocolate muffin - a nice touch! The clean and airy space makes it perfect for working or just chilling. Don't leave without trying their Blue Cheri sunset drink - it's got this perfect sweet-sour balance that'll make your taste buds happy. (Link)

Café Velodome - COFFEE, All Day Breakfast, Bakery, Gelato - is bringing their A-game with an all-day breakfast that'll make you want to skip all other meals. Being connected to a hotel means everything is spotless, but the friendly staff makes this place shine. Their Thai Tea with cheese cream is an absolute must-try! The whole vibe is aesthetic goals, and the best part? The prices won't make your wallet cry. Perfect spot for a chill breakfast or afternoon coffee break. (Link)

🍹 Bar & Rooftop Bars

Inside Bar Bangkok Sathon - is full of surprises! Don't let its laid-back appearance fool you - this place knows how to party. We're talking live DJs, ice sculpture carving shows, and free shots at closing time! The bartenders treat you like family and mix up some seriously good cocktails. Sure, it's a bit pricey, but the experience makes it worth every baht. And…the toilets are... interesting (you'll have to see for yourself!). (Link)

COCOA XO - Chocolate & Cognac Bar - is a chocolate and cognac heaven tucked away in Centara Grand at CentralWorld. Imagine the most elegant chocolate shop had a baby with a high-end bar - that's COCOA XO. The staff really know their stuff and treat you like VIP. Its glowing red accents and cozy vibes make it the perfect spot to treat yourself to some fancy chocolate and expertly crafted cocktails. Sure, it's on the luxurious side, but sometimes you deserve to fancy it up a bit! Perfect for date night or when you just want to feel extra special. (Link)

👫 Activities

Baan Puen Cafe & Creative Space - Art Cafe - is where you can unleash your inner artist while enjoying some tasty treats! This isn't your typical cafe - it's a creative playground where you can try all sorts of fun painting activities with your friends. Want to paint your own shirt? Paint a canvas? Create some splatter art? They have all the necessary equipment and delicious food to fuel your creativity. It's the perfect spot for a unique hangout with friends or when feeling crafty. (Link)

💎 Hidden Gems

OR TOR KOR Market - is a foodie paradise that'll blow your mind! This isn't just any local market - like the luxury edition of Thai markets, but without the tourist trap vibes. The place is huge and spotlessly clean (a big plus!), packed with premium everything, from exotic fruits and fresh seafood to every single spice you could need for Thai cooking. The eat-in area is where the magic happens - think sizzling BBQ, mouthwatering local dishes, and the kind of mango sticky rice that'll make you forget about your diet. Sure, prices are slightly higher than your average market, but the quality is worth it. AND it's right next to Chatuchak Weekend Market! Making it easy to reach by public transport. If you want to experience high-quality Thai market culture without the chaos, this is your spot! (Link)

Social 👥

🥳 Social Events & Networking

December 24th I 19:00 - 23:00 I The Christmas Event - Play board games and socialize (Link)

December 25th I 10:00 - 12:00 I Coffee, Chess and Croissants (Link)

December 25th I 17:30 - 21:30 I Thai BBQ Buffet Xmas Party🎉🎉 (Link)

December 26th I 19:00 - 22:00 I Flicks & Chill: Movie Night @ ASAI (Link)

December 27th I 19:00 - 23:00 I Meet People Social Bangkok | Cultural International Party (Link)

December 28th I 18:00 - 22:00 I End of 2024 Party (Link)

🌏 Exhibitions & Expos

December 16th to April 16th 2025 I 10:00 - 20:00 (Last entry at 19:00) I SPACE JOURNEY BANGKOK @BITEC - BITEC BURI (Link)

Today’s Expat Story 🗺️

Anna’s Story

Anna, a graphic designer from Amsterdam, relocated to Bangkok three years ago to join a global creative agency. Moving halfway across the world alone was daunting, but Bangkok’s vibrant expat community quickly made her feel at home.

Anna’s weekdays are filled with brainstorming sessions and client pitches, but she spends her weekends indulging in her passion for art and culture. You’ll often find her exploring the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre or taking pottery classes at Attic Studios.

Her favorite escape? A weekend trip to Pai, where she hiked through misty mountains and enjoyed serene hot springs. Anna says Pai’s tranquil vibe was the perfect antidote to the city's buzz.

Thailand: Culture & History 🇹🇭

The Bridge on the River Kwai stands as a powerful reminder of World War II history in Kanchanaburi, Thailand.

Built in 1943 as part of the infamous Death Railway linking Thailand to Burma (now Myanmar), it represents one of the most significant wartime construction projects undertaken by Japanese forces using Allied prisoners of war (POWs) and Asian civilian laborers.

The original bridge was actually built as two bridges - one made of wood as a temporary crossing, followed by a permanent steel bridge a few months later. Despite what many people believe (partly due to the famous 1957 film), the bridge wasn't built over the River Kwai initially - it spanned the Mae Klong River. The river was renamed Khwae Yai River in the 1960s due to the movie's popularity and tourist interest.

The construction came at an enormous human cost. Approximately 61,000 Allied POWs were forced to work on the railway, with about 12,621 dying from exhaustion, malnutrition, disease, and brutal treatment by their captors. Even more devastating, around 90,000 Asian civilian laborers (mostly from Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand) perished during the construction - earning it the infamous nickname "Death Railway."

While Allied bombing raids damaged the bridge during the war, it was later repaired and is still functional today. The current bridge is a tourist attraction, with visitors able to walk across it and ride trains that still use the line. A nearby museum, the JEATH War Museum (named for Japan, England, America/Australia, Thailand, and Holland), and several war cemeteries help preserve the memory of those who suffered and died during its construction.

Today, the Bridge on the River Kwai serves as both a functioning railway bridge and a somber memorial to the prisoners of war and laborers who lost their lives building it. Each year, thousands of visitors come to pay their respects and learn about this significant piece of World War II history, while regular ceremonies and events help ensure that the sacrifices made here are never forgotten.

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❤️ Simeon & Nat

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