Welcome to The Bangkok Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Bangkok temperatures expected to fall to 15°C

• super important concept called kreng jai

• Easy healthy meal prep with Habit Foods

• The history of Thailand’s Iconic Long-tail boat

• And more…

Fun Fact

In Thailand, there's this super important concept called kreng jai - it's all about being super considerate of other people's feelings and helping them save face. Unlike in the West, where being direct and telling it like it is is valued, Thais tend to be more subtle and indirect. Think of it this way: while Americans might pride themselves on speaking their mind and being right, Thais focus more on keeping everyone happy and comfortable, even if it means not saying exactly what they think.

This shows up everywhere in Thai culture. People try really hard to keep their cool and stay positive, even when they're frustrated. They'll usually keep smiling and try to find humor in tough situations rather than showing anger. And there's a big emphasis on respect - especially for older people, teachers, monks, doctors, and other important figures in society. It's like an unwritten rule that guides pretty much every social interaction in Thailand.

Trivia

✅The Answer to your Trivia last week = C) Long-tail Boat

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 temple in Bangkok is known as the ‘Temple of Dawn’?

A) Wat Arun

B) Wat Pho

C) Wat Saket

D) Wat Phra Kaew

News 📰

Bangkok temperatures expected to fall to 15°C (Link)

Foreigners keen on Phuket luxury options (Link)

Thailand's economic growth target faces several risks (Link)

Bangkok Bestival 2025: The first festival of happiness of the year (Link)

Lifestyle 🕶️

💪 Health & Wellness

Green Season Healthy สาขาพระรามเก้า41 - is a fantastic spot for both vegans and meat lovers looking for clean eating. Their salmon steak is a knockout, with a generous portion of veggies and mashed potatoes. What makes it extra special is that they serve everything in beautiful earthen dishes - such a lovely touch! The staff is amazing, and you can customize pretty much everything on your plate. (Link)

Habit Foods Co - If you're too busy to cook but still want to eat healthy, check out Habit Foods Co. They're completely changing the frozen food game with flash-frozen rice bowls that taste amazing. You can stock up your freezer with these for up to six months, and they're perfect for those crazy days when you don't have time to cook but don't want to compromise on nutrition. (Link)

SPLASH BOX Darkness & Beat Boxing Fitness (Marche Thonglor 5M Floor) - Need a fun workout? SPLASH BOX in Marche Thonglor is your answer. It's basically a boxing class in a club atmosphere - think EDM music and fancy lights while you punch away! You can burn around 400 calories in just 45 minutes, and they've got everything you need, including clean showers and hair dryers. Perfect for getting your sweat on without feeling like you're at a typical gym. (Link)

🍽️ Restaurants

Wattana Panich - serves beef stew that's been simmering for over 45 years! The broth is vibrant, and the meat is super tender. Pro tip: try to go around 3 PM to avoid the queues. Their luo han guo drink is perfect for cooling down in Bangkok's heat. (Link)

Shabu Baru - is heaven for hotpot lovers. Their sukiyaki set is to die for - the beef literally melts in your mouth, and that sesame dipping sauce is something else. The place has a really cozy vibe, making it perfect for hanging out with friends. (Link)

Pizzeria Starita Bangkok - If you're craving authentic Neapolitan pizza in Bangkok, Pizzeria Starita is your spot. The dough is so perfectly made that you can eat a whole pizza without feeling stuffed. Make sure to try their Dubai Chocolate pizza - it's apparently a must-have! (Link)

☕ Cafes

Théo Café & Restaurant (เตโอ คาเฟ่ แอนด์ เรสเตอรองก์) - is your dream neighborhood café. They nail both Thai and Western breakfast options, and their croffles with ice cream are incredible. What sets them apart is how amazingly accommodating they are with food allergies - they even put up allergy signs after getting customer feedback! (Link)

N10 Café - They've got both air-conditioned indoor seating and an outdoor space by the river. Their macadamia cake is a standout, and the prices won't break the bank. (Link)

🍹 Bar & Rooftop Bars

Lennon's Speakeasy - on the 30th floor of Rosewood Hotel is pure class. It's got this cool vintage vibe with records and cassettes decorating the place. Famous musicians inspire their cocktail menu, and the views are spectacular. Definitely worth the splurge! (Link)

Japanish Rooftop Bar & Modern Kitchen - serves up an amazing fusion of Japanese and Spanish food. Their grilled Tako and patatas bravas mentaiko are standouts. They've got some great deals too - like a 2-hour free-flow cocktail package that's totally worth checking out. (Link)

👫 Activities

Damnoen Floating Market - For a taste of old Thailand, head to Damnoen Floating Market. For just 400 Baht, you get a 40-minute boat ride through this historic market that's been around for over a century. Don't leave without trying the coconut ice cream! (Link)

💎 Hidden Gems

Louis Vuitton’s Visionary Experience - Art lovers, don't miss the Louis Vuitton Visionary Experience at Gaysorn Amarin. It's not your typical exhibition - it's a journey through luxury and innovation, telling the amazing story of how a 14-year-old kid who crossed France became a global luxury icon. Really cool way to experience the brand's heritage! (Link)

Social 👥

🥳 Social Events & Networking

January 8th I 19:30 - 23:30 I SIP AND SOCIAL: Digital Nomads Meetup (Locals are WELCOME!) (Link)

January 8th I 10:00 - 18:00 I Make New Friends and Connections with Social Coworking (Link)

January 10th I 20:00 - 22:00 I Make new friends in Bangkok & Sky bar (Link)

January 11th I 18:00 - 21:00 I Walking and Photo around Sanam Luang (Link)

January 11th I 14:00 - 21:00 I Sunset Splash W/ Amberlux @ W Bangkok (Link)

Today’s Expat Story 🗺️

Jake’s Story

Jake, an entrepreneur from Singapore, relocated to Bangkok to launch his e-commerce business. What started as a risky move has turned into the best decision of his life. Bangkok’s fast-paced energy and affordability have made it the perfect place to grow his startup.

Jake’s days are filled with strategy meetings and supplier visits, but in the evenings, he winds down with a workout at Splash Box or a craft cocktail at Japanish Rooftop Bar. He’s also developed a passion for Thai cooking and takes regular classes to perfect dishes like Tom Yum Goong.

His favorite moment? Celebrating his first business milestone with friends on a private long-tail boat ride along the Chao Phraya River, soaking in the city’s skyline at sunset.

Thailand: Culture & History 🇹🇭

The history of Thailand’s Iconic Long-tail boat

You know those cool boats with super long propeller shafts you see all over Thailand? They're called "Ruea Hang Yao" (long-tail boats), and they've got quite a story! They actually came about in the 1930s when a clever guy named Sanong Thitibura, who worked for the royal family, had the idea to stick a car engine on a regular boat and extend the shaft. Pretty innovative, right?

These boats aren't just about getting from A to B - they're like floating pieces of Thai culture. Back in the day, they were essential for everything from fishing to getting produce to markets. The best part? Each boat is like its own work of art, often decorated with colorful designs and mythical creatures that are supposed to protect the passengers.

What makes them really special is how well they're designed for Thailand's waters. They can zip through narrow canals and shallow water, which is perfect for navigating Bangkok's waterways or island hopping. While they started out as simple wooden boats, nowadays you'll find them made with modern materials like fiberglass, though they still keep that classic Thai style. These days, they're super popular with tourists who want to experience Thailand from the water - definitely a must-try if you're visiting!

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❤️ Simeon & Nat

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