Welcome to The Bangkok Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Bangkok bans New Year fireworks in all BUT 14 spots

• Brunch at Fran's

• The Ultimate Countdown at ARTSCAPE

• Nang Yai: Thailand's Grand Shadow Theatre Tradition

• And more…

Fun Fact

The "Wai"

Not Just a Greeting Think of the wai as a multi-purpose gesture – a Swiss Army knife of politeness! It’s how Thais say hello, goodbye, thank you, or even apologize. Hands pressed together in a prayer-like position, a slight bow of the head, and voilà – instant respect.

But wait, there’s a hierarchy! For monks and elders, raise those hands higher, up to the bridge of your nose. For younger folks? A more relaxed nod will do. And if someone wais you? Don’t leave them hanging – return the gesture unless you’re the King or a monk (lucky you).

Smile

The Universal Emoji Thailand didn’t earn its nickname as the "Land of Smiles" for nothing. There are over a dozen types of smiles here, from happy grins to polite ones and even awkward or nervous ones. Forgot your Thai vocabulary? No worries. A smile will almost always save the day – just make sure it’s genuine!

Trivia

✅The Answer to your Trivia last week = C) Nang Yai

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 traditional boat used in river markets?

A) Sampan

B) Junk Boat

C) Long-tail Boat

D) Catamaran

News 📰

Bangkok Ready for Historic Equal Marriage Registration in January 2025 (Link)

State railway 'ready' to take over high-speed rail (Link)

Cool New Year in the forecast (Link)

Bangkok bans New Year fireworks in all but 14 spots (Link)

Lifestyle 🕶️

💪 Health & Wellness

Earthy Society at Pridi 26 | Brunch Pizza & Bar - is a cozy brunch spot that's really mastered their sourdough game. While it might be a bit tricky to find and parking can be challenging, the quality of their food makes it worth the adventure. The scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, and fresh ingredients will make your taste buds dance, though you might want to order a side dish with the earth toast if you're extra hungry. Their drinks menu is equally impressive, featuring rich chocolate milkshakes and vibrant berry smoothies.. (Link)

Yami Superfood - is your go-to shop for healthy drinks with a twist. They've transformed classic favorites into nutritious beverages, offering unique options like bubble tea protein shakes, Probiotics Matcha Latte, Tiramisu Cacao Latte, Probiotic Thai Tea Latte, and refreshing Yuzu Honey Soda - perfect for health-conscious folks who don't want to sacrifice flavor. (Link)

Physique 57 Sukhumvit 49 Studio - takes workout classes to a whole new level with their unique approach to fitness. Using techniques like Interval Overload and Isometric Movement, they push your muscles to their limits while keeping things fun with great music. Their 360 Sculpting approach ensures you're working every angle of your muscles, while their stretching intervals keep you flexible. The best part? Their experienced instructors create an atmosphere that makes those 57 minutes fly by, and before you know it, you might just spot those abs peeking through! (Link)

🍽️ Restaurants

Ong Thong Kohao Soi - serves up some of the most authentic Northern Thai cuisine you'll find in Bangkok. Their Khao-soi alone deserves five stars, using the owner's grandmother's recipes and high-quality ingredients straight from Chiang Mai, this cozy two-story spot with its yellow walls and wooden tables makes every dish a memorable experience. (Link)

Fran's - Brunch & Greens - is more than just another pretty cafe - it's a brunch lover's paradise. Their thick-cut bacon is legendary, and when paired with their velvety scrambled eggs and a drizzle of maple syrup, it's pure breakfast magic. The Acai bowl is a refreshing must-try, bursting with freshness. While some might come expecting mind-blowing innovations, what you'll find instead is simple, well-executed comfort food that hits all the right spots. (Link)

La Scala Bangkok - This Italian restaurant offers an upscale dining experience that'll make your taste buds sing. Their antipasti lunch buffet is a feast of flavors, and main courses like seabass and duck are cooked to perfection. The outdoor seating by the pool adds an extra touch of luxury, and with outstanding service from staff like Yo and Top, you're in for a truly memorable meal. (Link)

☕ Cafes

Holey Artisan Bakery and Cafe Suan Phlu - is a slice of Western comfort in Bangkok. They have amazing coffee and their sandwiches, especially the avocado one, are packed with flavor and quality ingredients. While the drinks might be a bit pricey, the breakfast pizza and toasties are worth every baht. The relaxed atmosphere with soft music makes it perfect for when you need a break from Thai food. (Link)

Ha Tien Cafe - is a charming vintage-style cafe in the old town that'll surprise you with its cakes and fantastic matcha coffee latte. The two-story space has a unique antique vibe that's perfect for a quiet reading session, though watch your step on those steep stairs! Their blueberry cheesecake is a standout - not too sweet and just right. (Link)

🍹 Bar & Rooftop Bars

The Backroom BKK - takes you back to the 1900s with its elegant atmosphere and top-notch service. The staff treats you like royalty and really knows their stuff when it comes to whiskey and cocktails. The drinks menu is extensive, featuring some seriously high-end whiskeys, making it a must-visit spot for cocktail enthusiasts in Bangkok. (Link)

Celio Sky Bar & Restaurant - offers a magical dining experience with stunning city views, especially at sunset. While it's on the pricier side, the combination of delicious food (their ribs and pasta are standouts), refreshing drinks, and the choice of indoor or outdoor seating makes it worth the splurge. It's perfect for a romantic evening or special occasion. (Link)

👫 Activities

Sompong Thai Cooking School - offers an immersive culinary adventure that goes beyond just cooking. The morning class includes a fascinating market visit where you'll learn about Thai ingredients, from coconut milk production to various herbs. The teachers make learning fun and share secret Thai cooking tips, ending with a delicious feast of your own creation. (Link)

💎 Hidden Gems

Little Den Cafe - is a paradise for animal lovers, offering a unique chance to interact with exotic pets in a clean, well-maintained environment. The animals are clearly well-cared for and happy, and the staff is super friendly and helpful. Plus, they serve tasty beverages, making it a perfect spot to relax with some furry (and possibly scaly) friends. (Link)

Social 👥

🥳 Social Events & Networking

December 30th I 20:00 - 22:00 I FREE Standup Comedy: Open Mic (Link)

December 31st I 17:00 I ARTSCAPE Countdown Festival (Link)

December 31st I 20:00 - 1:00 I Meetup Big New year party 2024 & Ironballs Ekamai (Link)

December 31st I 19:00 I O.P.E.N : New Year’s Eve Celebration @ CALM (Link)

December 31st I 18:00 I Sparkling NYE @ Gaysorn Urban Resort (Link)

December 31st I 19:00 - 4:00 I Mustache X Flamenco PresentL The Ultimate NYE 2025 Celebration (Link)

December 31st I 19:00 - 1:00 I Riverside NYE Celebration (Link)

January 3rd I 19:00 - 23:00 I Young IT Professionals in Bangkok Social (Link)

January 3rd I 19:00 - 23:00 I Meet People Social Bangkok | Cultural International Party (Link)

January 4th I 10:00 - 13:00 I Saturday Social @Ice House (Link)

Today’s Expat Story 🗺️

Raj’s Story

Raj, originally from Mumbai, India, moved to Bangkok eight years ago to manage a family-run logistics business. Transitioning to a new city came with challenges, especially navigating Bangkok’s diverse culture and language.

Now, Raj enjoys life in Thonglor, with its vibrant dining scene, and he never misses a weekend football match at Rajamangala Stadium.

His top experience? A trip to the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, where he discovered the charm of Thailand’s traditional way of life, from boat vendors to fresh coconut ice cream.

Thailand: Culture & History 🇹🇭

Nang Yai: Thailand's Grand Shadow Theatre Tradition

Historical Context and Origins

Nang yai emerged in Thailand around the early 15th century, with the earliest documented mention in 1458. The art form traveled from India through Java and the Malay Peninsula before reaching Thailand, representing the broader patterns of cultural transmission in Southeast Asia.

Technical Elements and Performance Structure

Performance Setup and Puppetry

• Screen: 16 meters long by 6 meters high white cloth screen

• Puppets: Made from perforated buffalo/cowhide

  • Standard figures: 3-4 kg

  • Scenic elements: 5-7 kg

• Lighting: Traditional bonfire or modern electric lighting

• Venue: Open-air spaces on a lawn or packed earth

Performance Elements

• Piphat ensemble provides synchronized musical accompaniment

• Off-stage reciters use stylized speech to tell stories

• Content is primarily drawn from Ramakien (Thai Ramayana)

Cultural Significance

Religious and Social Context

The preservation of nang yai in temples across Thailand indicates its deep connection to religious and community life. Key locations include:

• Central Thailand: Wat Khanon (Ratchaburi), Wat Plub (Petchaburi)

• Eastern Thailand: Wat Donin (Rayong Province)

Artistic Impact and Evolution

Nang yai has influenced other Thai performing arts, notably that khon (masked dance-drama). Its adaptation to modern technology while maintaining traditional techniques demonstrates its resilience and cultural importance in contemporary Thailand.

Regional Variation

The relationship with nang talung (a smaller puppet form from southern Thailand) shows how the art form developed distinct regional variations while maintaining core shadow puppetry principles.

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❤️ Simeon & Nat

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