Welcome to The Bangkok Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Thai visa update scheduled to start on July 15th

• Red Bull and Thai roots?

• Health & Wellness recommendation of the week

• Why do the local love King Rama IX so much?

• And more…

Fun Fact

Did you know that the world's most famous energy drink, Red Bull, has its roots in Thailand?

In 1967, Chaleo Yoovidhya created a drink in Thailand called Krating Daeng, which translates to "Red Bull" in English. This energy-boosting beverage quickly became a favorite among Thai truck drivers and laborers. Fast forward to 1982, when Dietrich Mateschitz, an Austrian working for German manufacturer Blendax, traveled to Thailand and met Chaleo, the owner of T.C. Pharmaceutical. During his visit, Mateschitz discovered that Krating Daeng miraculously cured his jet lag.

Seeing its potential, Mateschitz teamed up with Chaleo in 1984 to co-found Red Bull GmbH. They revamped the drink’s formula, rebranded it, and launched it globally. Today, Red Bull is not only an energy drink icon but also a major supporter of extreme sports and adventure lifestyles worldwide.

So, the next time you sip on a Red Bull, remember its incredible journey from a small Thai beverage to a global phenomenon!

Trivia

✅The Answer to your Trivia last week = B) King Rama IX

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 are the meaning of the colors on the Thailand Flag?

A) The red represents the nation, the white stands for religion, and the blue symbolizes the monarchy.

B) The red represents the land, the white stands for peace, and the blue symbolizes the monarchy.

C) The red represents bravery, the white stands for purity, and the blue symbolizes loyalty.

D) The red represents the land, the white stands for harmony, and the blue symbolizes the royal family.

News 📰

Thai visa update scheduled to start on July 15th (Link)

Bangkok-Vientiane train service is set to begin on July 19th - (Link)

Thailand's central bank governor has stated that the time is not right for a policy rate reduction, citing current economic conditions. - (Link)

ONESIAM TOURIST GRAND GIVEAWAY From July 1st to September 30th 2024- (Link)

Scottish fighter Carrillo says Thai crowd 'the best' - (Link)

Lifestyle 🕶️

💪 Health & Wellness

Earth House | Restaurant | Wine Bar - Every dish is created with love, using locally-sourced, organic produce to highlight the best of each season. Their farm-to-table menu brings Mediterranean flavors to life with handcrafted pastas, flavorful tapas, and a curated selection of natural wines. (Link)

Nutrichef - They craft delicious, nutritious meals using high-quality ingredients tailored to your dietary needs. Whether you’re into clean eating, keto, or just want balanced meals, Nutrichef has you covered with their convenient delivery service. Say goodbye to meal prep stress and hello to tasty, healthy living! (Link)

BASE - Group Class Fitness Training (Link)

🍽️ Restaurants

THE SIXTH 6th 🇹🇭 - This restaurant is located in Phra Nakhon, Bangkok. It’s a hip, cozy spot with only five tables, serving up fantastic authentic Thai food. Run by a young, friendly local couple, it boasts a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere, making it the perfect place to enjoy delicious tasty meals and chill vibes. (Link)

HELENA Greek Kitchen 🇬🇷 - Located in Watthana, Bangkok. This is a must-visit Greek eatery, blending delicious dishes, a serene atmosphere, and warm hospitality. Inspired by the Greek islands, its design immerses you in a dreamy Mediterranean escape. Menu highlights include fresh seafood, grilled sea bass, sangria, and exceptional hummus. (Link)

Pala Pizza Romana & Bistrot 🇮🇹 - This charming restaurant serves up a delightful menu of authentic Italian dishes, from crispy pizzas to mouthwatering pasta. With its genuine flavors and friendly service, Pala Pizza is a must-visit for Italian food lovers in Bangkok. (Link)

☕ Cafes

CUM Coffee - located in Thonglor, Bangkok. The cafe’s cheeky name, has made it incredibly popular since the beginning of this year (everyone with good sense of humor certainly saw it cumming). They offer excellent service, amazing atmosphere, great variety of beverages, Thai and Western food options. (Link)

Natura Cafe - This is where vibrant greenery meets cozy comfort. Enjoy organic coffees, teas, and farm-to-table dishes in a serene setting. Try their signature Matcha Latte or refreshing Iced Butterfly Pea Tea, and smoothie Bowl. (Link)

Wallflower Cafe - Nestled in the heart of Chinatown, Wallflower Cafe began as a quaint flower shop in the alleys of old Yaowarat. Today, it’s a vibrant social haven for Bangkokians.

By day (11:00 AM to 6:00 PM), the cafe offers beautifully decorated pastries and delicious meals. As evening falls (6:00 PM to midnight), head upstairs to the rooftop bar for dinner and unique drinks.

Whether you’re there for a daytime treat or an evening cocktail, Wallflower Cafe is the perfect spot to unwind and soak in the charm of Chinatown. (Link)

🍹 Bar & Rooftop Bars

Bar.Yard - Located in Pathum Wan, on top of Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok. This tropical rooftop bar combines the fun of an American backyard barbecue with a vibrant, breezy haven of lush greenery and tropical-inspired decor. Enjoy stunning views, lively vibes, and a unique blend of flavors high above the city! (Link)

The Rabbit Hole - Tucked behind an unassuming wooden door, Rabbit Hole is a three-story cocktail paradise in Bangkok. This bar combines industrial design with luxurious touches, featuring exposed brickwork, a marble-topped bar, and shelves brimming with bottles. The beautifully crafted cocktails are categorized by characteristics. Finding Rabbit Hole might be tricky, but the adventure is worth it! (Link)

Havana Social - a hidden 1940s vintage cocktail bar that takes you back to when Havana was the Las Vegas of the Caribbean. Enjoy sultry Latin beats, expertly crafted cocktails, and the finest cigars in an atmosphere that captures the vibrant essence of old Cuba. They have live music every Friday & Saturday - Don’t miss this! Step inside and let Havana Social transport you to the heart of Havana's golden age. (Link)

👫 Activities

March 15th to July 31st I 10:30 to 21:00 I Da Vinci Alive Bangkok at ICONSIAM Attraction Hall 6F - (Link)

PaintBar Bangkok- Looking for a fun and creative outing? Paintbar Bangkok is the perfect spot! Join their Sip and Paint Fridays, family-friendly Sundays, and romantic Date Nights. Whether you're an art pro or a newbie, their talented artists guide you through every brushstroke. (Link)

Flow House Bangkok - Looking for nonstop fun? Head to Flow House Bangkok and ride the waves on the FlowRider, perfect for both pros and beginners. Indulge in delicious food and drinks, relax by the pool, and soak in the laid-back vibe. With lively events and a cool atmosphere, Flow House Bangkok is the ultimate spot for adventure and relaxation in the city. (Link)

💎 Hidden Gems

The Artist’s House - Here, you will find old traditional houses, a boardwalk leading to the gallery is lined with shops, cafes, local restaurants, and a temple. The Artist's House has a tall, white stupa dating back to the Ayutthaya period. In this building, you will get to see plenty of traditional paintings, masks and puppets. (Link)

Social 👥

🥳 Social Events & Networking

July 15th I 19:00 - 22:00 I Bangkok Travel Meetup - Breaking A Guinness World Record! - (Link)

July 18th I 19:00 - 22:00 I BlaBla Language Exchange Bangkok - (Link)

July 19th I 19:00 - 22:00 I Drinking with Strangers #1 - The Return of Billy! - (Link)

July 20th I 19:00 - 22:00 I Language Exchange & Party & Social in Bangkok (Link)

🌏 Exhibitions & Expos

July 17th to July 20th I 17-19 July (10:00 - 18:00)/ 20 July (10:00 - 16:00) I Mega Show Bangkok 2024 at BITEC EH 98 - 101 - (Link)

July 17th to July 18th I 10:00 - 18:00 I Thailand MICE X-Change 2024 at BITEC BHIRAJ Hall 1-3 - (Link)

Today’s Expat Story 🗺️

Georgi’s Story

Georgi’s leap to Bangkok was motivated by love (Aww ❤️). He left the UK to be with his better half, whom he met in the UK and later became his wife, making the big move a no-brainer.

Leaving the UK, he was also drawn by the city’s affordable living costs, incredible travel destinations, and blazing-fast internet. His wife, a local, made the transition smoother by helping him navigate the new environment, although immigration remained a tedious hurdle due to constantly changing regulations. Despite these challenges, Georgi embraced his new life with enthusiasm.

Adapting to Bangkok’s culture didn’t require a drastic lifestyle change for Georgi. He found that most expats tend to stick together, forming their own social circles unless locals join in. Being an introvert, Georgi maintained his usual routine, finding comfort in familiar activities and the support of the expat community. He discovered that patience is key in Bangkok, as the city’s pace can be surprisingly relaxed despite its size.

Learning a few basic Thai phrases and adapting to the local accent proved crucial for effective communication, as a British accent isn’t always understood. Georgi’s advice to newcomers is to be patient, make an effort to learn the language, and embrace the local culture.

The most rewarding part of Georgi’s expat experience has been exploring Thailand’s stunning landscapes with his wife. They have traveled to almost every corner of the country, from serene beaches to lush mountains, discovering that it takes years to see and experience it all. For Georgi, having his wife by his side and the endless opportunities for adventure have made his Bangkok journey so far truly unforgettable.

Thailand: Culture & History 🇹🇭

Why Did People in Thailand Love King Bhumibol Adulyadej (King Rama IX) So Much?

A King for the Ages

King Bhumibol Adulyadej, aka King Rama IX, was more than just a monarch—he was Thailand's beloved national treasure. His epic reign of over 70 years (1946-2016) made him the world's longest-reigning monarch at the time. This incredible tenure brought stability and comfort to the Thai people through numerous political and social upheavals, making him a rock in a sea of change. His presence during challenging times earned him a special place in the hearts of his subjects .

Champion of the People

King Bhumibol was a people's champion, spearheading thousands of development projects focused on rural upliftment, agriculture, and sustainable living. His Royal Projects tackled critical issues like poverty and water management, significantly improving lives across Thailand. He wasn’t content with just sitting on a throne; he traveled to remote areas, engaging directly with locals to understand and solve their problems. This hands-on approach earned him immense love and respect from his people .

Relatable Royalty

Despite his royal status, King Bhumibol was the epitome of humility and simplicity. He often wore modest clothes and led a simple life, making him incredibly relatable to the average Thai citizen. His talents as a musician, painter, and photographer further connected him with his people on a personal level. These hobbies showed that he was not just a distant figure but someone who shared common interests with his subjects .

Moral Compass

King Bhumibol was also Thailand's moral compass. His wise counsel and mediation during political crises earned him great reverence. Though a constitutional monarch, his opinions were highly valued and often helped guide the nation through turbulent times. His moral authority provided a sense of direction and stability that was deeply appreciated .

Economic Innovator

Economically, King Bhumibol was a visionary. His Sufficiency Economy Philosophy promoted sustainable development and self-reliance, playing a crucial role in Thailand's growth. This philosophy encouraged a balanced approach to economic growth, emphasizing environmental stewardship and long-term benefits. His innovative economic initiatives helped Thailand navigate through financial challenges and promoted a sustainable future .

In essence, King Bhumibol Adulyadej was adored and respected for his unwavering dedication to his people, his humble lifestyle, and his vast contributions to Thailand's development. He was not just a king; he was a beloved father figure and guiding light for the nation. His deep connection with his people ensured that his legacy would endure long after his reign .

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❤️ Simeon & Nat

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