Welcome to The Bangkok Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Thailand is home to the world's smallest mammal.

• Stormy Summer in Thailand

• Explore the coolest Train Night Market

• Buddhism in Thailand: with nearly 95% of the population following Buddhist practices

• And more…

Fun Fact

The Bumblebee Bat of Thailand

Talk about tiny wonders! Thailand is home to the incredible bumblebee bat, officially known as Kitti's hog-nosed bat, which holds the impressive title of the world's smallest mammal. These minuscule creatures are truly remarkable - they're literally the size of a large bumblebee, weighing just 2 grams and measuring about 30-40mm in length!

These tiny flying mammals make their homes in limestone caves along the western border of Thailand with Myanmar. Despite their diminutive size, they're fully functional bats with all the features of their larger cousins - just packed into an impossibly small package. Their tiny wings flutter at high speeds as they dart around catching insects in the twilight hours.

Trivia

✅The Answer to your Trivia last week = D) 90-95%

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 most popular form of public transportation in Bangkok?

A) Taxis

B) BTS Skytrain

C) Tuk Tuk

D) Motorbikes

News 📰

Thailand faces grim employment prospects (Link)

Expressway bridge under construction in Bangkok collapses, killing at least 5 people (Link)

Anutin issues summer storm warning for Thailand (Link)

Generali Thailand Accelerates Growth with 2025-27 Strategy (Link)

Thai commission to advance digital transformation (Link)

Lifestyle 🕶️

💪 Health & Wellness

May Kaidee Tanao Vegetarian & Vegan Restaurant - Found a Thai food paradise! This gem serves up mouthwatering vegetarian and vegan Thai dishes that'll make you forget meat exists. While slightly pricier than street food, the generous portions and fresh, aromatic flavors make it totally worth it. The Pad Thai and Pad See U are absolute must-tries. The super friendly staff is always ready to help with recommendations, making the whole experience even better. If you're plant-based in Bangkok or just love amazing Thai food, put this on your must-visit list! (Link)

IV LYFE - Need a serious wellness boost? This luxury health and skin care clinic in the InterContinental Hotel is the answer! You must try their Recovery IV treatment; you will feel an instant energy and focus boost. The whole experience feels premium from start to finish with professional staff, pristine facilities, and a relaxing atmosphere that puts you completely at ease. Regular customers rave about improved immunity, rejuvenation, and noticeably healthier skin (the Vita Glow drip is apparently magical for your complexion). Perfect for when you need some serious self-care in Bangkok's bustling center. A true wellness game-changer! (Link)

D-Sports Stadium - Found the ultimate active playground in Bangkok! This multi-sport venue offers everything from baseball and badminton to ping-pong, basketball, and even climbing. The location's a bit tricky (look for the lift at the exterior of Don Don Donki supermarket), but totally worth hunting down. Perfect for burning off energy after too many pad thais! Plan to spend at least 3 hours here - time flies when you're having fun, and there's so much to try. Pro tip: bring workout clothes (they have showers). (Link)

🍽️ Restaurants

Mango Tree - Thai cuisine elevated to an art form! Mango Tree creates the perfect dining atmosphere with its beautiful, thoughtful design that immediately sets you up for something special. The service hits that sweet spot between attentive and friendly without being intrusive. But the real star? The food! Each dish arrives like a masterpiece, bursting with authentic Thai flavors that dance on your palate. Try the jumbo lump crab curry and pad Thai - both are absolutely phenomenal. Perfect for a romantic dinner or special occasion when you want to experience Thai cuisine at its finest. (Link)

Amritsr Restaurant Sukhumvit Soi 11 - Indian Restaurant in Bangkok - Craving authentic Indian flavors in Bangkok? Look no further! This restaurant delivers genuinely delicious Indian cuisine that transports you straight to the subcontinent. The garlic naan is perfectly baked, and the butter chicken and mutton dishes are bursting with rich, complex flavors. You will practically lick the plate clean after having their biryani! The immersive, well-decorated ambiance enhances the whole experience, making you feel like you've stepped into a little corner of India. Staff are super attentive and helpful with recommendations. Perfect when your taste buds need a break from Thai food but you still want something spectacular! (Link)

Antonio's - Italian food heaven in Bangkok! This cozy, authentic Italian restaurant feels like being welcomed into someone's home. The owner and staff will treat you like family while serving up some seriously impressive dishes. The ravioli here is nothing short of legendary - people literally call it "to die for." The lamb shank is another standout, cooked to perfection. For steak lovers, the Rib Eye with two sauces (red wine pepper and truffle) justifies its higher price tag with every bite. Don't leave without trying their strawberry Mille-feuille for dessert - pure bliss! Great for date nights or treating yourself to a memorable Italian feast in the heart of Thailand. (Link)

☕ Cafes

One Chan by SmirVe - This cute yellow-toned café isn't just Instagram-worthy (though the photo corners are perfect for your feed) - it's also practical! Beyond serving delicious food and drinks at reasonable prices, it doubles as a co-working space and event venue. The staff goes above and beyond to accommodate your needs, whether you're there to snap pics, get some work done, or just enjoy their tasty menu. The bright, cheerful atmosphere makes it impossible to leave without a smile. Perfect for digital nomads, friend meet-ups, or anyone who appreciates good vibes with their coffee! (Link)

Kope Hya Tai Kee Na @The Giant Swing - Step back in time at this nostalgic Thai coffee shop! With its retro decor and simple wooden furniture, this spot oozes authentic old-school charm. Their strong, flavorful coffee (try the Thai iced coffee!) will kick-start your day, while traditional Thai dishes like Pad-Kra-Praow will satisfy your hunger. This spicy stir-fried basil with minced pork, rice and a crispy fried egg is a texture and flavor explosion! Important to note: it's cash-only, and you order at the register before finding your table. Despite the high foot traffic, there's usually seating available even during busy mid-morning times. A perfect spot to experience everyday Thai dining culture like a local! (Link)

🍹 Bar & Rooftop Bars

Escape Bangkok - Pink neon vibes and panoramic city views? Yes, please! This rooftop cocktail bar immediately grabs your attention with its stunning atmosphere. While the prices might make your wallet wince a bit, the premium experience is worth splurging for. Their freshly shucked oysters are exceptional, and the fried versions are equally impressive. The charcuterie board offers a modest but high-quality selection perfect for sharing. But the real stars are their meticulously crafted cocktails - especially during happy hour! Whether you're planning a romantic evening or just want to soak in Bangkok from above with a drink in hand, this place delivers the goods. (Link)

To More - Jazz lovers, we've found your Bangkok sanctuary! Hidden in Charoen Krung, this vintage-decorated bar with rich colors and plush seating creates the perfect cozy atmosphere for music appreciation. The live bands (especially on Jazz/Blues Sundays) are absolutely incredible, creating an intimate experience that's hard to find elsewhere in the city. The bartenders deserve special mention - true mixology geniuses who can custom-design drinks based on your preferences. Whether you're planning a romantic date or catching up with friends, the combination of fantastic cocktails and soulful live music makes this spot unforgettable. Definitely one of Bangkok's best-kept secrets for night owls with good taste! (Link)

👫 Activities

HarborLand - Kid energy overload? HarborLand to the rescue! This massive indoor playground is the perfect solution for active children (and their tired parents), especially on those high pollution days. The cleanliness is notably impressive - staff regularly sanitize all equipment, giving parents peace of mind. With exciting slides, climbing structures, trampolines, and interactive play zones, kids can literally spend hours exploring while burning off energy. Staff members are super friendly and always ready to help. The combo ticket option allows access to all three amusement facilities for a total of seven hours of fun - though the standard 3-hour ticket is usually enough to thoroughly exhaust most little ones! A guaranteed win for families with children between 4-10 years old. (Link)

💎 Hidden Gems

Train Night Market Srinakarin - Bangkok's coolest night market, hands down! Open Thursday through Sunday (after 5pm), this sprawling market has literally everything - vintage clothing, toys, leather goods, endless food options, and chill bars with live music. You can easily spend 4-5 hours here browsing, eating, and soaking in the atmosphere. Despite attracting tourists, it still maintains an authentic local vibe that other markets have lost. We loaded up on clothing and leather finds before indulging in smoothies, buttered toast, Korean fried chicken, Thai coconut desserts, and a giant cheeseburger - then topped it all off with beers and live music! The prices are noticeably cheaper than city markets, and the four long vintage clothing rows are a fashionista's dream. It's a bit far from the city center, but absolutely worth the trip! (Link)

Social 👥

🥳 Social Events & Networking

March 19th I 19:30 - 22:30 I Wednesday Night Bangkok Social! (Link)

March 19th I 20:00 - 23:00 I Make new friends ( Tree house cafe ) (Link)

March 20th I 18:30 - 23:00 I Weekly Bangkok Digital Nomads Meetup @ The Gardens of Dinsor Palace (Ekkamai) (Link)

March 21st I 11:00 - 13:00 I OMG! It's Bangkok's Friday Morning Coffee (Link)

March 21st I 19:00 - 23:00 I Young IT Professionals in Bangkok Social (Link)

March 22nd I 18:00 - 22:00 I Game Night - Simple Games (Link)

🌏 Exhibitions & Expos

March 15th to March 23rd I 10:30 - 20:30 I Furniture Fair @IMPACT - Hall 9 - 10 (Link)

March 20th to March 23rd I 10:00 - 20:00 I The 47th House and Condo Expo @QSNCC - Exhibition Hall 5, Level LG (Link)

March 22nd to March 30th I 10:00 - 21:00 I Baanlaesuan Fair Select 2025 @BITEC - EH99 - 104 (Link)

March 22nd to March 30th I 10:00 - 21:00 I Amarin Baby & Kids Fair 2025 @BITEC - EH98 (Link)

Today’s Expat Story 🗺️

Priscilla’s Story (Brazil – Soccer Coach)

A former semi-pro player, Priscilla started a youth soccer program in Bangkok. She introduced Brazilian flair to local kids, blending technique drills with samba music. She also supports a girls’ team, breaking stereotypes in sports. On Sundays, she cools off with coconut ice cream at Chatuchak Park. Her proudest moment was watching her team compete in a district-wide tournament. “In Bangkok, passion for soccer transcends borders,” she beams. “It’s a universal language.”

Thailand: Culture & History 🇹🇭

Buddhism in Thailand 

Talk about a cultural cornerstone! Thailand breathes Buddhism in a way few other places do - with nearly 95% of the population following Buddhist practices, it's woven into virtually every aspect of Thai life. What makes Thailand unique is that it's perhaps the only country where the king must be Buddhist by law (talk about commitment to tradition!). If you're exploring Thailand's stunning temples, you'll mostly encounter the Theravada tradition, which arrived via Sri Lanka and eventually replaced the earlier Mahayana Buddhism that dominated from the 5th to 13th centuries.

The fascinating thing about Thai Buddhism is how it's created a perfect spiritual cocktail by blending with local folk beliefs and Chinese religious practices from the substantial Thai-Chinese population. You can see this fusion everywhere - from spirit houses outside buildings to monks blessing new businesses. The historical timeline is equally fascinating - Buddhism first arrived courtesy of Emperor Ashoka's missionaries to "Suvarnabhumi" (believed to be Thailand), but the current form took shape during the Sukothai Kingdom in the 13th century.

Looking at Thailand's breathtaking temples and Buddha statues tells this complex religious story. Many Buddha images show subtle Mahayana influences despite Thailand's official Theravada practice. This artistic evolution reflects three major influences: Sri Lankan Theravada Buddhism, Cambodian Hindu beliefs (which heavily shaped the Thai monarchy), and local spirit worship traditions. The next time you're admiring those serene Buddha statues or ornate temple architecture, you're actually seeing centuries of spiritual evolution right before your eyes!

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❤️ Simeon & Nat

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