Welcome to The Bangkok Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Monitor lizards bring bad luck and good luck?

• Bangkok bans offerings at Optimus Prime statue for traffic safety

• Authentic Canadian food at Bangkok Poutine

• Culture: Thai Family Structure

• And more…

Fun Fact

Do monitor lizards bring bad luck and good luck?

That's a fascinating cultural insight about monitor lizards in Thailand! It's interesting how the same creature can symbolize completely opposite things depending on perspective.

The dual nature of these beliefs shows how superstitions can evolve differently even within the same culture. On one hand, there's the association with cemeteries and spirits that creates fear - similar to how Western superstitions about black cats developed from associations with witchcraft. The practical concerns about monitor lizards stealing livestock add a tangible reason for the negative superstition.

Yet the contrasting positive belief that monitor lizards bring wealth and fortune creates a completely different relationship, even leading some people to actively feed and welcome these reptiles.

This reminds me of how many cultures have ambivalent relationships with certain animals - seeing them as both omens of misfortune and symbols of prosperity. It also shows how superstitions often blend spiritual beliefs with practical observations about an animal's behavior and habitat.

Have you personally encountered monitor lizards while in Thailand? They're quite impressive creatures when seen up close

Trivia

✅The Answer to your Trivia last week = D) Head

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 percentage of Thailand's population identifies as Buddhist?

A) 60-65%

B) 70-75%

C) 80-85%

D) 90-95%

News 📰

Bangkok bans offerings at Optimus Prime statue for traffic safety (Link)

Thailand proposes limited alcohol sales on Buddhist holidays (Link)

Summer storm hits 10 provinces with heavy rain and strong winds (Link)

Social media chatter about Thailand pops 60% following ‘White Lotus’ premiere (Link)

Gambling with Thailand's future (Link)

Lifestyle 🕶️

💪 Health & Wellness

SOKOZY - Cafe & Bowls Asoke Bangkok - is the ultimate morning energizer spot in Bangkok! Their Açaí bowls will have you feeling like your chakras (if you have them) have been perfectly aligned. The customizable smoothie bowls are not just Instagram-worthy but genuinely delicious and fresh, with the perfect amount of toppings for 250 baht. The staff is wonderfully friendly, and the cute café atmosphere makes it an ideal spot to recharge during your adventures around Asoke. (Link)

Sunshine Market - is a gluten-free paradise in central Bangkok! If you have celiac disease or dietary restrictions, this place is your haven. Their robust burrito is a flavor explosion that happens to be completely gluten-free, and they can make most meals vegan too. Beyond the savory options, they've got an impressive selection of cookies, cakes, and breads that you'd never guess were gluten-free. They also stock a variety of specialty products like Yogi tea and Bob's Red Mill items—basically everything a health-conscious shopper could want! (Link)

Bangkok Batting Center - offers a surprisingly zen way to get your exercise in the middle of the city! Owned by a friendly Japanese gentleman, this outdoor batting cage lets you practice your swing with machines set at different speeds for both lefties and righties. They provide various bat sizes, so no need to bring your own equipment. It's rarely crowded, making it a perfect spot to blow off some steam with friends without the usual city noise and hustle. (Link)

🍽️ Restaurants

Myth I Bangkok Street food | Best mango sticky rice - deserves multiple visits—the locals say twice isn't enough! Their Chicken Pad Thai and Mango Sticky Rice are absolute must-tries, with the latter often described as "excellent." The Tom Yum soup comes loaded with prawns, squid, and (if you ask nicely) extra veggies! Located conveniently near Khaosan night market, the super friendly English-speaking staff make ordering a breeze. The menu offers plenty of vegetarian options, reasonable prices, generous portions, and—bonus points—they have a customer bathroom! (Link)

Courtyard - serves up international cuisine in a setting that gives you options—cool indoor air conditioning or outdoor patio vibes. Their lump crab omelette has earned rave reviews as an absolute favorite, while the steak with noodles and gravy hits that perfect balance of seasoning and temperature. The menu is extensive and helpfully features pictures of all dishes (a traveler's dream!). Their American breakfast is reportedly cooked to perfection, with particularly praiseworthy scrambled eggs, great coffee, and sumptuous desserts to finish your meal. (Link)

Bangkok Poutine - brings authentic Canadian comfort food to Thailand! The poutine here features real cheese curds (not shredded cheese!), which any Canadian will tell you is the mark of authenticity. While the fries could be a bit crispier, the cheese and gravy hit the spot without being overly salty. This hole-in-the-wall restaurant may not look fancy, but it has heart and soul. The super friendly staff speaks English and accommodates vegetarian diets (even egg-free). Reasonably priced and unique—just be prepared for street parking if you drive. (Link)

☕ Cafes

Table of Contents - brilliantly fuses traditional Thai sweets with Western dessert styles. Their standout creation is a croissant-like pastry with rich, creamy filling topped with grilled corn—an unexpected but delightful flavor combination! The spacious, airy café spreads across two floors, making it perfect for a relaxed afternoon treat. Their watermelon-mint juice receives particular praise for its refreshing quality. The owner's friendly and attentive demeanor adds to the welcoming atmosphere of this creative dessert spot in the Chula area. (Link)

JEDI Café & Bar - serves a refreshing cold brew with pineapple juice coffee that's the perfect pick-me-up after visiting the nearby Golden Mountain temple. The modern-vibe coffee shop features a lovely outdoor seating area in the back that offers a peaceful escape. Beyond excellent coffee, they also offer tasty cakes and coconut pies with "perfect sweetness" and great texture. Credit card payment is available for purchases over 300 Baht, and coffee beans are available for purchase if you want to take the experience home with you! (Link)

🍹 Bar & Rooftop Bars

Palate Bangkok - offers a charming rooftop experience just 4 minutes from the BTS Saphan Taksin station. Be prepared for a stair climb (no elevator!), but the atmosphere at the top makes it worthwhile. The all-boys Thai live band impressively performs both English and Thai popular songs. Food highlights include the melt-in-your-mouth crispy pork belly and pork shoulder that win over even first-time tasters. With reasonably priced drinks and quick, friendly service, it's a massive recommendation for anyone seeking good Thai food with a view. (Link)

Atmos on Top Silom - creates a space-themed bar experience with beautiful menus and rooftop views. There's no entrance fee, and the cocktails are reasonably priced despite the premium setting. It's the kind of place you can comfortably settle in for a long evening of drinks, good food, and live music. The staff maintains a friendly and helpful presence throughout your visit. To find it, enter the mall and take the escalators or elevator up to this stellar drinking spot. (Link)

👫 Activities

Fickle Lifestyle - Tabletop Workshop - offers a hands-on creative experience where you can craft your own stunning table! For 2,000 baht and 2 hours of your time, you'll get all the tools and materials needed to create a personalized 55 cm round tabletop. The process is beginner-friendly—staff guide you through designing (using a projector for precision), painting with your chosen colors and patterns, assembling the table legs, and finishing with a resin coat for durability and shine. Open daily from 10 AM to 7 PM, it's a unique way to create a functional souvenir. (Link)

💎 Hidden Gems

White Lotus Afternoon Tea & White Lotus Bar Bangkok - offers a cinematic culinary journey inspired by the HBO series The White Lotus. The afternoon tea experience welcomes guests with Thai Crémant and Jasmine Cold Brew Iced Tea before serving Thai-ingredient-focused treats created by Executive Chef Andrea Accordi and Executive Pastry Chef Andrea Bonaffini. Savory highlights include Thai Lobster Salad with Makrut Lime and Caviar, while sweet options feature creative delights like Corn Tartlet with Whipped Corn Vanilla Ganache. As evening falls, The White Lotus Bar serves signature cocktails inspired by all three seasons of the show, including "Pineapple Suite" (Maui), "The Lotus" (Taormina), and "Coconut Paradise" (Koh Samui). This limited-time experience runs from February 17 to April 20, 2025, with afternoon tea served at 11 AM, 1 PM, and 3 PM, and bar seatings at 6 PM and 8 PM—each 1.5-hour experience costs 2,500++ THB per person and requires a reservation. (Link)

Social 👥

🥳 Social Events & Networking

March 10th I 20:00 - 22:00 I FREE Standup Comedy: Open Mic (Link)

March 11th I 8:45 - 12:30 I Scouring back soi of Banglumpoo (Link)

March 12th I 19:00 - 20:30 I Aristotle’s Cafe (Link)

March 12th I 19:00 - 23:00 I The Deck Bangkok - Party in Asok (Link)

March 12th I 19:30 - 22:30 I Wednesday Night Bangkok Social! (Link)

March 14th I 20:00 - 23:00 I Single meet single & make new friends ( Mami rose ) rooftop bar (Link)

Today’s Expat Story 🗺️

Akeem’s Story

Akeem landed in Bangkok to manage a luxury boutique hotel on the riverside. He quickly learned Thai hospitality secrets, from flower garlands to warm greetings. During holidays, he visits local orphanages to donate supplies, reflecting a spirit of giving he admires in Thai culture. His greatest lesson? “A smile can bridge any language barrier,” he says. “Bring your heart to your service.”

Thailand: Culture & History 🇹🇭

Thai Family Structure

The concept of "Katanyu" (gratitude and filial piety) in Thai-Buddhist culture provides a fascinating window into how family dynamics operate.

The strong connection between Buddhist beliefs like karma and family obligations creates a powerful framework for intergenerational relationships. It's interesting how the expectation that children will care for aging parents is deeply rooted in religious teachings rather than just being a social custom.

The contrast with Western family structures is quite striking. While many Western cultures emphasize independence and creating separate households after reaching adulthood, Thai culture values continued physical closeness and interdependence. The idea that university students and even graduates commonly live with their parents and that this is seen as fulfilling an obligation of gratitude shows how different cultures can view similar life stages.

I'm particularly intrigued by how personal space is conceptualized differently - the notion that Thai families might share close quarters and even bedrooms without the Western concern for privacy demonstrates how culturally relative our ideas about personal space really are.

The hierarchical nature of family obligations is also notable - the expectation that adult children might prioritize parents' wishes over those of a spouse reveals how deeply ingrained these values of gratitude and reciprocity are in Thai society.

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❤️ Simeon & Nat

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