Welcome to The Bangkok Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Sabai Sabai – The Art of Thai Relaxation

• Health authorities allay hMPV concerns

• Uncle Bob is bringing some serious burger game

• The nature-meets-luxury at Lamaya Bangkok

• And more…

Fun Fact

Sabai Sabai – The Art of Thai Relaxation

There's something special about the way Thai people approach life – it's called "sabai sabai." This cherished mindset is all about being relaxed, content, and taking things as they come. When we're feeling sabai, smiles come naturally and stress melts away. It's this easy-going attitude that helps make visitors feel instantly welcomed into Thai culture.

But here's where it gets interesting – this laid-back approach can sometimes puzzle our international friends, especially those from cultures where structure and rules take center stage. One of the biggest cultural surprises? The famous Thai smile, even during serious conversations. While some foreigners might find this jarring, for Thais, it's a way of handling difficult topics with grace and maintaining harmony.

Speaking of sabai vibes, if you ask us (and yes, we might be a bit biased as Chiang Mai locals 😉), Northern Thailand takes the crown for being the most relaxed region in the country. The slower pace of life here perfectly embodies the sabai sabai spirit!

Trivia

✅The Answer to your Trivia last week = A) Wat Arun

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 Bangkok shopping mall boasts Southeast Asia's largest aquarium?

A) CentralWorld

B) EmQuartier

C) Siam Paragon

D) IconSiam

News 📰

Health authorities allay hMPV concerns (Link)

Unpacking the Top-Up Tax law (Link)

Red-level air pollution blankets most of Thailand (Link)

ONE Championship: Denice Zamboanga ‘can’t wait to get the real belt’ from Stamp Fairtex after interim title triumph (Link)

Amazon launches Thai cloud hub (Link)

Lifestyle 🕶️

💪 Health & Wellness

Verde Thailand - is a fantastic spot for health-conscious foodies. Their chicken and kale bowl hits the spot when you're craving something nutritious but tasty. The vanilla lattes are perfectly crafted, and the staff makes you feel right at home with their friendly chat. It's one of those rare places where healthy actually means delicious! (Link)

Organic Seeds Thailand - Looking for specialty health foods? Organic Seeds Thailand is your go-to. They've got an amazing selection of plant-based protein powders with unique flavors like Blue berry & Blue Spirulina. Plus, they stock hard-to-find items like probiotics and bee pollen powder. (Link)

Green Room Yoga - is truly an urban oasis in Bangkok's chaos. Whether you're a complete beginner or an experienced yogi, this studio has something for everyone. Their sound bath sessions are particularly soothing, and the instructors really know their stuff. The garden setting makes you forget you're in the middle of the city! (Link)

🍽️ Restaurants

Here Hai - is a seafood lover's paradise. Their fresh catches come straight from Surat Thani, and the crab meat fried rice is a must-try with its amazing smoky aroma. The portions are perfect for sharing, making it ideal for group dinners. Just remember you can ask them to adjust the spice level to your liking. (Link)

The Second BKK - nails the fusion food concept. Their pasta with scallops is a standout dish that perfectly balances Asian and Western flavors. The outdoor area is super cozy and dog-friendly, plus the staff really knows how to make you feel welcome. Great spot for everything from casual lunches to family dinners. (Link)

Uncle Bob's - Burger - Bar - Beer - is bringing some serious burger game. The Wes Anderson-inspired interior sets the mood, but it's their burgers that steal the show. Their secret sauce is absolutely addictive, and the Sriracha burger puts a perfect Thai twist on an American classic. The craft beer selection doesn't hurt either! (Link)

☕ Cafes

Café Praline Brunch & Bakeshop - is brunch done right. Their truffle pasta and eggs Benedict with smoked salmon on croissant are total crowd-pleasers. While it's on the pricier side, the quality and presentation make it worth every baht. The tiramisu latte is a must-try for coffee lovers. (Link)

Duklong Cafe and Eat - offers the best of both worlds with Thai and Western options. The riverside location adds to the charm, and their coconut chicken soup is to die for. It's become a local favorite for good reason – great value, friendly service, and that peaceful river view. (Link)

🍹 Bar & Rooftop Bars

Lamaya Bangkok - Jungle Sky Bar is the definition of cool. The nature-meets-luxury vibe creates an amazing atmosphere for evening drinks. Their signature cocktail, the Hidden Gem, lives up to its name. Special shout-out to P Noodle for making everyone feel like a VIP! (Link)

Vertigo TOO Hidden Sky Bar & Restaurant - is perfect for special occasions. The 12-hour pork belly will melt in your mouth, and the city views are breathtaking. Add in live music and expertly crafted cocktails, and you've got all the ingredients for a memorable night out. Ask for Nu or Film – they'll make sure your experience is perfect. (Link)

👫 Activities

Narisa Cafe and Creative Space - combines creativity with coziness. They offer daily activities such as Paint & Plant, Paint your frame and Polaroid DIY card. Their activities will make for a unique afternoon out, and the converted two-story home gives it a really welcoming vibe. It's just a short walk from Central Ladprao, making it an easy stop for both coffee and crafts. (Link)

💎 Hidden Gems

Rainforest Cafe BKK - is a true hidden gem in Charoen Nakhon. The simulated rain effect creates an incredible atmosphere, and their Rainforest Presso with coconut is pure genius. Don't miss the Blueberry Cheesecake Croissant – it's the perfect balance of flaky and rich. It's a small space, but that just adds to the cozy charm. (Link)

Social 👥

🥳 Social Events & Networking

January 14th I 19:00 - 23:00 I Board Games & Social (Link)

January 15th I 18:00 - 19:30 I WEDNESDAY Evening Walk @ Benjakitti Park (Link)

January 17th I 20:00 - Midnight I Make new friends international friends & Local (Link)

January 18th I 10:30 - 12:30 I Bangkok Book Club Meetup 📖 (Link)

January 18th I 16:30 - 18:30 I Storytelling Club (Link)

January 18th I 18:00 - 22:00 I Game Night - Play Simple Games, Make New Friends (Link)

January 19th I 10:00 - 15:00 I Cycling at Lung of Bangkok (Bangkrajao) (Link)

Today’s Expat Story 🗺️

David’s Story

David, a software developer from Canada, had always dreamed of living abroad. After years in Toronto’s tech industry, he decided to take a leap and explore Southeast Asia. He was initially drawn to Bangkok by its growing tech scene and lower cost of living.

Starting as a remote worker, David quickly transitioned into a full-time role with a local fintech startup. His weekends were spent exploring Bangkok’s tech meetups and coworking spaces like True Digital Park. Today, he’s a senior developer at a multinational AI company based in Bangkok.

David enjoys the energy of Sukhumvit, where he can find both trendy coworking spaces and authentic Thai street food. He’s also a fan of cycling at Bang Krachao, the “Green Lung of Bangkok,” which offers a tranquil escape from the city’s bustle. For nightlife, he often heads to RCA for live music and casual hangouts with friends.

David recalls the kindness of a local vendor who went out of his way to help him find his lost phone. He credits moments like these for making his transition to Thailand smoother than expected.

His advice? "Be patient with the pace of bureaucracy, and learn basic Thai—it goes a long way in building connections."

Thailand: Culture & History 🇹🇭

Rising like a glittering spire from the banks of the Chao Phraya River, Wat Arun tells a fascinating tale of Thailand's past.

This iconic temple's story begins in the late 16th century, when it was just a modest shrine known as Wat Makok. But its destiny changed dramatically in 1767, when King Taksin, fleeing from Burmese invaders, stumbled upon it at dawn. Taking this discovery as a divine sign, he established it as his royal temple and renamed it Wat Chaeng.

The temple's most striking feature – its 82-meter-high Khmer-style tower (prang) – wasn't added until the 19th century. Rama II started this ambitious project, and Rama III completed it in 1842. Look closely, and you'll spot something remarkable: the tower is decorated with intricate mosaics made from broken Chinese porcelain, cleverly repurposed from the ballast of trading ships that once docked in Bangkok's port.

What makes Wat Arun truly special is its blend of architectural beauty and sacred significance. The main Buddha image was designed by Rama II himself, and his ashes rest beneath it. The temple walls tell stories through stunning murals from Rama V's reign, including the pivotal moment when Prince Siddhartha first encountered the harsh realities of life that led him toward enlightenment.

Today, Wat Arun – named after Arun, the Indian god of dawn – stands as one of Bangkok's most beloved landmarks. Unlike many Buddhist temples, visitors are encouraged to climb its steep stairs for breathtaking views of the Chao Phraya River. While the Emerald Buddha that once resided here has long since moved across the river to Wat Phra Kaew, Wat Arun continues to captivate visitors with its soaring beauty and rich history, recently refreshed by careful restoration work completed in 2017.

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❤️ Simeon & Nat

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