Welcome to The Bangkok Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Govt shrugs off Myanmar rallies against Thai sanctions

• A taste of Georgia and Greece in Bangkok!

• The Space & Time Cube Bangkok: Stepping into a digital art wonderland

• History of the monarchy of Thailand

• And more…

Fun Fact

Hands: Handle With Care 

In Thai culture, hand etiquette is indeed important but requires some nuance:

Using both hands to give or receive items, especially from elders or respected figures, shows politeness and respect. This is particularly important with:

• Money

• Business cards

• Important documents

• Gifts

• Items given to monks or elderly people

The left hand consideration isn't as strict in modern Thai society, especially in urban areas like Bangkok. While traditionally less preferred, using your left hand isn't considered offensive in most casual situations. However, when interacting with monks or in formal settings, it's best to use your right hand.

The key thing to remember is context - being more formal with elders and in professional or religious settings, while everyday casual interactions are generally more relaxed. Most Thai people understand that foreigners may have different customs and are usually understanding of minor etiquette differences.

Trivia

✅The Answer to your Trivia last week = B) Northern Thailand

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 does the white elephant on Thailand's former flag symbolize?

A) Military strength

B) Royal power and sacred status

C) Good fortune and wealth

D) Peace and harmony

News 📰

Thai content to watch out for on Netflix in 2025 (Link)

Safe air nationwide, cleanest in Bangkok (Link)

Trump cuts hit Thai refugee camps (Link)

State revenue collection in fiscal 2025 Q1 exceeds target (Link)

Thailand to start selection process in March for next central bank governor (Link)

Thai finance minister supports more US imports to reduce trade surplus (Link)

Govt shrugs off Myanmar rallies against Thai sanctions (Link)

Lifestyle 🕶️

💪 Health & Wellness

Bella Healthy - A cozy spot that's mastered the art of bagels! Their omelette and avocado bagels are fresh, soft, and packed with goodness. Perfect for when you're stuck waiting at government offices (we've all been there 😅). Their spicy salmon bagel and Thai tea combo is a winner, and they're all about healthy options if you're trying to balance out all that Bangkok street food. (Link)

Food Take a Bowl (G Tower) - These folks take their salads seriously! They actually weigh ingredients to make sure you're getting your money's worth (how thoughtful is that?). The cob salad is a standout, and their paninis are grilled to perfection. Great for when you want something fresh but filling. Pro tip: their sandwich game is just as strong as their salads! (Link)

Cheeks Thai Boxing Club - Want to learn Muay Thai without the intimidation factor? This is your spot! Their super friendly trainers who'll make you feel right at home. Fair warning: it gets pretty steamy during workouts, but hey, that's just part of the Bangkok experience! 💪 Each session is well-structured with warm-ups, pad work, and conditioning - perfect for both beginners and experienced fighters. (Link)

🍽️ Restaurants

Polo Fried Chicken - This place serves up homestyle fried chicken that's all about comfort. The secret weapon? Those addictive crispy fried shallots on top! Their papaya salad is seriously tangy (consider yourself warned 🌶️), and heads up - it's cash only. The mushroom larb is a surprising star if you want to try something different. (Link)

ARGO GEORGIAN GREEK BAR & GRILL - A taste of Georgia and Greece in Bangkok! Their khachapuri (Georgian cheese bread) has that perfect soft crust, and the stuffed cabbages will transport you straight to Eurasia. The tomato salad is simple but done right - good olive oil makes all the difference. It's basically a little piece of Europe in Thailand. (Link)

Shu Daxia Mala Hotpot ร้านหม่าล่า กรุงเทพ @MBK - Think hot pot with a side of drama! The place looks like a dragon palace (complete with Chinese costumes you can try on), and they even have karaoke rooms. The Wagyu is a must-try, and their pork liver is surprisingly delicious. Pick the tomato or mala soup base - you can't go wrong with either. (Link)

☕ Cafes

KAYY COFFEE - Coffee with a side of puppy love! Their flat white with oat milk is spot-on, and the blueberry cheesecake hits just the right level of sweetness. The space is huge with different seating areas, and bonus: there are adorable resident dogs to keep you company while you sip your coffee! (Link)

Mono cafe bkk l coffee all day breakfast - An early bird's dream in a city that loves to sleep in! The pancakes here are something special, and they've got a great selection of both local and international coffee beans. Head upstairs if you want a quieter spot to work or chat. The staff speaks English well, which is always a plus. (Link)

🍹 Bar & Rooftop Bars

Garden Dome Bar - A hidden bar tucked away in Ratchada! This place nails the cool factor with its impressive design and creative cocktails. Perfect date spot with beautiful decor and skilled bartenders who know their stuff. It's one of those places that makes you feel like you're in on a Bangkok secret (Link)

Milley isc- nice music with very energetic staff always recommended and entertain for more drinks, good vibe :) Famous mixed music. A bit nostalgic with old yet popular music. Really enjoy, especially when we are with a group of friends. However, the prices are high so be prepared! (Link)

👫 Activities

The Space & Time Cube Bangkok - Ever wanted to step into a digital art wonderland? This place uses some fancy 3D holographic tech to create mind-bending installations. It's like being inside a future-meets-art experiment, and they've even got interactive games mixed in. Perfect for those Instagram-worthy shots! 📸 (Link)

💎 Hidden Gems

Fo Sho Bro Bangkok - This spot is serving up Thai-European fusion in the most photogenic setting ever! Their yuzu honey tea is perfectly balanced, and you can enjoy it in their beautiful garden. It's pet-friendly too, so bring your furry friends along! 🐾 Just try to avoid peak hours unless you don't mind a wait - this place can get pretty popular. (Link)

Social 👥

🥳 Social Events & Networking

February 11th I 17:30 - 20:30 I The Chinatown Experience (Link)

February 12th I 10:00 - 18:00 I Make New Friends and Connections with Social Coworking (Link)

February 12th I 19:00 - 23:00 I Party in Asok - Games and Icebreakers @ The Deck (Link)

February 13th I 19:00 - 21:00 I Thursday Board Games Meet up (Link)

February 14th I 20:00 - 23:00 I Single meet single on valentines & make new friends (Link)

February 15th I 18:00 - 22:00 I Game Night - Simple Games (Link)

February 15th I 19:00 - 21:00 I Valentine's Special Fast Friending - Meet new friends! (20-40/Hosted) (Link)

February 15th I 19:00 - 22:00 I Language Exchange & Party & Social in Bangkok (Link)

February 15th I 20:00 - 23:00 I Single meet single on valentines & make new friends ( Mami rose ) rooftop bar (Link)

February 15th I 20:00 - 23:00 I ❤️ Ladies FREE Entry & Drink ❤️ : Single & Ready to Mingle Rooftop VDay Party (Link)

🌏 Exhibitions & Expos

February 8th to February 23rd I 11:00 - 22:00 I Bangkok Design week BKKDW 2025 (Link)

February 12th to February 13th I Glassman Asia 2025 @BITEC - Hall 1 - 2 (Link)

February 12th to February 15th I 10:00 - 18:00 I FOOD PACK ASIA 2025 @BITEC - EH 103-104 (Link)

February 12th to February 15th I 10:00 - 18:00 I Thailand Industrial Fair 2025 @BITEC - EH 103-104 (Link)

Today’s Expat Story 🗺️

Maria’s Story

Maria, a photographer from Brazil, moved to Bangkok in search of inspiration and adventure. The city’s vibrant culture and dramatic skyline have given her countless photo opportunities, from bustling street markets to serene temple courtyards.  

Maria’s favorite neighborhood is Thonglor, where she loves to sip coffee at Roots Coffee Roasters and capture Bangkok’s eclectic mix of old and new architecture. Her weekends are often spent exploring Bangkok’s art galleries, like the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre, or taking a ferry ride across the Chao Phraya River for unique riverside shots.  

One unforgettable moment for Maria was photographing a sunrise at Wat Arun. Watching the sun light up the temple’s intricate details was a magical experience. Her advice? “Always have your camera ready - Bangkok’s beauty often comes when you least expect it.”

Thailand: Culture & History 🇹🇭

The Thai monarchy's organized history spans nearly 800 years, developing through several key periods:

The Sukhothai Period began in 1238 when Si Inthrathit established the first Thai kingdom. This era laid the foundation for Thai monarchical tradition.

The Ayutthaya Kingdom followed, becoming one of Southeast Asia's most powerful kingdoms, until it fell to Burmese forces in 1767.

After a brief period under the Thonburi Kingdom, the Chakri Dynasty began in 1782, establishing Bangkok as the new capital. This dynasty continues to the present day.

A significant transition occurred in 1932, when Thailand became a constitutional monarchy, shifting from absolute to constitutional rule while maintaining the monarchy as head of state.

The current monarch is King Rama X (Vajiralongkorn), continuing the Chakri Dynasty's line. Each Chakri king is traditionally known by the title "Rama" followed by their number in the dynasty.

Thai monarchs have historically played a central role in preserving Thai culture and national identity through various periods of change and modernization

Click here to view the Thai Royal Family Tree.

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❤️ Simeon & Nat

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