Welcome to The Bangkok Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Thailand celebrates three New Years

• Trump tariffs on Thailand

• S20 Songkran Music Festival: Thailand's biggest water fight event

• The Origins and Cultural Significance of Songkran

• And more…

Fun Fact

Thailand celebrates three New Years

1. The Western New Year (January 1st)

2. The Chinese New Year (usually in January or February)

3. The traditional Thai New Year, Songkran, which falls in April - During Songkran, people traditionally engage in water fights as a symbol of washing away bad luck and purifying for the new year, which has evolved into the world's biggest water festival. The celebration combines spiritual traditions, like visiting temples and paying respects to elders, with joyful water battles throughout the country, making April one of the most festive and memorable times to visit Thailand.

Trivia

✅The Answer to your Trivia last week = B) Ha Ha Ha (laughing/Lol)

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 name of Thailand’s most famous elephant festival?

A) The Lopburi Elephants

B) Surin Elephant Round-up

C) Chiang Mai wildlife festival

D) Phuket Animal & Flower festival

News 📰

Trump tariffs on Thailand return to original rate; SET Index nosedives (Link)

PM to US: Thailand is a reliable friend, not just an exporter (Link)

Thailand Digital Arrival Card System Set to Launch on 1 May 2025 (Link)

K9 team concludes search operation at collapsed building site (Link)

Lifestyle 🕶️

💪 Health & Wellness

KAUAI Thailand True Digital Park - combines workout and wellness perfectly. Health enthusiasts can enjoy organic coffee, protein-packed dishes, and fresh meals near the gym. The diverse menu features breakfast options, nutritious bowls, protein smoothies and wraps - perfect for post-workout refueling. Visitors can grab their favorite superfoods smoothie and unwind at the outdoor seating deck for a peaceful moment away from Bangkok's hustle. (Link)

The Green Geek Kombucha Sukhumvit - offers more than just excellent kombucha. This charming shop serves award-winning coffee (the owner is a multi-time coffee champion!) alongside delicious Greek yogurt and organic groceries. Coffee connoisseurs will appreciate the carefully selected beans served in beautiful cups. What makes it special? The owner brings ingredients directly from his factory in Nakhon Nayok, ensuring authentic flavors and reliable quality. A perfect spot for people-watching or getting some work done. (Link)

Bangkok Shooting Range - delivers an adrenaline rush like no other. Located inside an army camp a short drive from the office district, this facility welcomes both professionals and first-timers. Patient instructors provide clear guidance, making even beginners feel confident handling various weapons. Remember to bring a passport for registration and take home your cardboard shooting targets as souvenirs! While not huge, the well-organized indoor range prioritizes safety while delivering maximum excitement. (Link)

🍽️ Restaurants

Prik-Yuak - brings nostalgic Thai charm with its woven décor and old-school ambiance. This relaxed restaurant serves authentic homestyle Thai dishes featuring ultra-fresh seafood. The stir-fried crab with yellow chili stands out as a crowd favorite, while the rich, aromatic panang pork curry showcases slow-cooked tender meat in fragrant spices. The spacious multi-room layout accommodates larger groups (reservation recommended) while maintaining a cozy atmosphere. (Link)

Ciccio Wine Cellar & Bistro Bangkok - transports diners straight to Italy without leaving Thailand. Each dish celebrates authentic Italian cuisine - from the perfectly balanced Bruschetta Classica to the Pizza Napoli featuring just-right anchovies. The rich, creamy Risotto al Nero di Seppia delivers sophisticated flavors, complemented by expertly grilled vegetables. Italian music enhances the cozy atmosphere while attentive staff ensure a memorable experience. Their impressive wine cellar offers excellent selections at reasonable prices - worth every baht for serious Italian food lovers. (Link)

HEI YIN - deserves its reputation as Bangkok's premier Chinese restaurant. Quality ingredients justify the higher prices, with the gourmet soups earning particular praise. The dim sum portions run slightly larger than expected, with adorable presentations and exceptional flavor. Must-try dishes include xiao long bao, roasted duck, and the unique lychee sweet sour pork. While the signature crab fried rice might not blow everyone away, the outstanding service level - including attentive tea refills - creates an exceptional dining experience. (Link)

☕ Cafes

the coffee. ザ・コーヒー (the coffee sukhumvit 12) - brings Japanese-inspired Brazilian coffee culture to Sukhumvit 12. This minimalist café offers tablet ordering while maintaining friendly service. Coffee enthusiasts can customize drink temperatures for their perfectly crafted flat whites - strong without any acidity or bitterness. The menu spans hot and cold coffees, sodas, frappes, and pastries. With air conditioning, outdoor seating, and a comfortable work environment, it's also pet-friendly for those bringing furry companions. (Link)

Bottomless Sukhumvit 33 - creates a hypnotic atmosphere with soothing background music filling its double-height space. Coffee aficionados will appreciate drinks brewed on their Kees van der Westen Spirit espresso machine, producing flat whites without even a hint of acidity. The premium chocolate and high-quality cheesecake showcase their commitment to excellence. With both indoor and outdoor seating, warm lighting, and enthusiastic staff, this spacious café offers the perfect spot to relax with friends. (Link)

🍹 Bar & Rooftop Bars

Rendezvous Lounge - at the Landmark hotel skips the gimmicks in favor of quality cocktails served by lovely bar staff. The relaxing atmosphere keeps regulars coming back for years, whether for afternoon tea, Friday wine tastings, or refreshing drinks. The beautifully decorated afternoon tea set complements menu highlights like crab cake sandwiches and the twice-worthy ice peach lemon. The friendly staff enhances the consistently relaxing experience. (Link)

Nest Rooftop Lounge - delivers excellent cocktails with city views. Hookah enthusiasts should opt for premium options like the perfectly executed blueberry ice flavor. Budget-conscious visitors can enjoy liter buckets of mojito classic or Long Island - great for getting tipsy at reasonable prices. The nachos and fries make excellent companions to the drinks. While the DJ might play older tracks and the venue shows some age, clean bathrooms and attentive staff who help customize hookah flavors create a worthwhile experience. (Link)

👫 Activities

S20 Songkran Music Festival - represents Thailand's biggest water fight event, running April 12-14, 2025, at Rajamangala National Stadium. This electrifying celebration coincides with traditional Songkran festivities but adds modern energy with world-renowned DJs, stunning light displays, and immersive water effects. The event perfectly blends Thai cultural celebration with contemporary electronic dance music for an unforgettable experience. (Link)

💎 Hidden Gems

April 1st to May 31st I Timeless Thai - art exhibition featuring seven artists who bridge past and present in a thoughtful tribute to Thai heritage. This unique cultural experience showcases how contemporary artists interpret and honor traditional Thai elements in their work. (Link)

Social 👥

🥳 Social Events & Networking

April 8th I 20:00 - 23:00 I Meetup New friends @The Brew House Sukhumvit 8 (Link)

April 9th I 20:00 - 23:00 I Meetup New friends After Work @The White Mulberry (Link)

April 10th I 20:00 - 23:00 I Meetup For Game Night @Carmina Sukhumvit 20 (Link)

April 11th I 20:00 - 23:20 I Meetup new friends rooftop bar @Flamenco Sky Bar (Link)

April 12th I 13:00 - 21:00 I Songkran Pool Party @The Silq Hotel (Link)

April 13th I 12:00 - 22:00 I Songkran water gun @infront of Velvet Sukhumvit 8 (Link)

Today’s Expat Story 🗺️

James’s Story (UK – ESL Teacher)

James arrived from London to teach English at a local school. Despite a hectic schedule, he finds joy in his students’ progress and their daily “wai” greetings. He unwinds at Benjakitti Park, practicing guitar on a quiet bench. A highlight was a school trip to Ayutthaya, where history came to life amid ancient ruins. “Teaching in Bangkok is about adaptability,” he explains. “Expect the unexpected, and you’ll be ok.”

Thailand: Culture & History 🇹🇭

The Origins and Cultural Significance of Songkran

Etymology and Astronomical Roots

The term Songkran has its linguistic origins in Sanskrit "संक्रान्ति" (saṅkrānti), which conveys concepts of movement or passage—specifically referring to celestial transitions in the zodiac. While technically such a transition occurs monthly, Thai tradition particularly celebrates the sun's movement from Pisces into Aries as the significant Songkran, more formally known as Maha Songkran ("Great Songkran"), marking the solar new year.

The Three-Day Celebration

This solar new year festival unfolds across three distinct days:

• April 13: Maha Songkran – The final day of the old year when the sun enters Aries

• April 14: Wan Nao – The transitional day between years

• April 15: Wan Thaloeng Sok (วันเถลิงศก) – The first day of the new year

Side note: Depending on the region, Songkran could start a day earlier than April 13th and end a day or 2 after April 15th.

Cultural Practices and Symbolism

Occurring after the rice harvest in mid-April, Songkran creates space for family reunions and paying respects to elders, ancestors, and Buddha images. Water plays a central role in the celebrations, representing purification and blessing. Traditional activities include:

• Ceremonial bathing of Buddha images

• Water sprinkling on family members and friends

• Traditional performances and music

• Community feasting and games

Transmission and Preservation

The festival's traditions continue through:

• Intergenerational family teaching

• Community participation

• Educational institutions

• Government cultural initiatives

• Media representation

• Astrological knowledge keepers

Social Significance

Beyond celebrations, Songkran serves deeper social functions:

• Strengthening community bonds and cooperation

• Providing opportunities for reconciliation

• Creating ritual space to release past misfortunes

• Offering prayers for future prosperity

• Reinforcing intergenerational connections

• Reducing social isolation through emphasis on family gatherings and elder respect

Connect With Us

We would love to hear from you! Just hit reply and let us know your thoughts. Don't be shy - let's connect!

❤️ Simeon & Nat

Let’s connect!