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Bangkok History Highlight: The Surprising History of Patpong [Season 4, Episode 17]

Feb. 11, 2020

Greg and Ed interview Michael Messner, long time expat, Patpong bar entrepreneur, and the founder and curator of the Patpong Museum. Opened this year, the Patpong M…

Democracy in Asia: Its History, Variants and Purpose with Ajarn Ployjai Pintobtang, Part 1 [S6.E50]

July 25, 2023

This is Part One of a two-part interview with Khun Ployjai Pintobtang, a lecturer in history at Chiang Mai University, about the history of democracy in Thailand an…

Democracy in Asia: Its History, Variants and Purpose with Ajarn Ployjai Pintobtang, Part 2 [S6.E51]

Aug. 1, 2023

This is part two of a two-part interview with Khun Ployjai Pintobtang, a lecturer in history at Chiang Mai University, about the history of democracy in Thailand an…

The Gun Show: How a Few Thai Cannons Helped Shape History [Season 4, Episode 37]

June 30, 2020

We return to our Thai history series with a fascinating look at the role that several Thai cannons played in some important historical events. First, with the help…

History on Video: Bangkok Pat Talks Exploring & Storytelling [S5.E50]

March 1, 2022

Greg interviews ‘Bangkok Pat,’ whose uncover the hidden layers of this fascinating city. Pat begins with a bit of personal background, growing up in the UK with a …

Bangkok History Highlight: 20 Years Later - Looking Back at the 2004 Boxing Day Tsunami [S7.E13]

April 2, 2024

In a twist on our history episodes, Greg and Ed revisit the devastating tsunami of 2004. Greg begins with a thorough summary of the event, which begins with an abso…

Authors Paul & Yuangrat Wedel Discuss the History of Radicalism in Thailand - Part 2 [S6.E32]

March 21, 2023

This is the second part of a two part interview with Paul and Yuangrat Wedel, longtime scholars and writers on Thai history and society. The first part of the inter…

Bangkok History Highlight: The Blue Diamond Affair [Season 3, Episode 35]

Nov. 20, 2018

Continuing our series on interesting episodes in Thai history, this episode focuses on the infamous Blue Diamond Affair, It all started when a Thai gardener named K…

Bangkok History Highlight: The Blue Diamond Affair [Season 3, Episode 35]

Bangkok History Highlight: The Cambodian Thai Soap Opera Riots of 2003 [Season 3, Episode 66]

July 2, 2019

Continuing our series on interesting events in Thai history, Greg introduces the Thai-Cambodian ‘crisis’ of 2003. It started when rumors began spreading that a Thai…

Bangkok History Highlight: Phlaek Phibunsongkram [Season 3, Episode 27]

Sept. 25, 2018

Greg and Ed try something new with the first in a series of episodes that look at interesting events in Bangkok’s history. For this one, they delve into one of Thai…

Bangkok History Highlight: The Amazing Career and Tragic Death of Mitr Chaibancha [Season 3, Episode 53]

April 2, 2019

First of all - we’re on YouTube! Well, just the audio of each show, but still...makes it easier to listen. ! On to the show… In a continuation of the series on Thai…

Authors Paul & Yuangrat Wedel Discuss the History of Radicalism in Thailand - Part 1 [S6.E31]

March 14, 2023

Greg and Ed interview a fascinating and very erudite couple, Paul and Yuangrat Wedel. Paul, a native of New Jersey, met Yuangrat, a native of Nakhon Si Thammarat, i…

Journalist Dominic Faulder on the Complex History Between Thailand & Myanmar [S7.E34]

Aug. 27, 2024

Greg interviews Dominic Faulder, associate editor at Nikkei Asia, long-time journalist in Southeast Asia and observer of the political and diplomatic machinations o…

Author Chris Baker Discusses Thai History, Culture & Conflict [S5.E59]

May 3, 2022

Greg and Ed interview expat legend Chris Baker, co-author (along with his wife Pasuk Phongpaichit) of , in addition to several other well-known books on Thailand. G…

The Rules & History of Giving (and Receiving) Alms [Season 4, Episode 11]

Dec. 31, 2019

It’s been a long time since we sat down with our most returningest guest ever, so we’re psyched to chat with Phra Pandit for our first show of 2020. We’ve all seen…

The Eclipse That Changed the Course of Thai History [S4.E65]

Jan. 12, 2021

Buddhist Scholar Justin McDaniel Discusses the History & Meaning of Thai Amulets [S6.E13]

Nov. 1, 2022

Greg interviews Buddhist scholar Justin McDaniel on the topic of Buddhism amulets. Justin is a true scholar of religion, especially Asian religions such as Buddhism…

History & Diplomacy with Canadian Ambassador Sarah Taylor [S5.E12]

June 1, 2021

Greg and Ed interview Dr. Sarah Taylor, the Canadian Ambassador to Thailand to discuss her role in Thailand, Thailand’s role in Asia, and what Canada and Thailand h…

History and Insight: Exploring Thailand’s Indian Community [S5.E48]

Feb. 15, 2022

One of the great things about Thai culture is the many facets that make up the whole. One of them is the Indian community, and Greg is happy to welcome Ram Sachdev,…

Bangkok History Highlight: The Samut Prakan Radiation Incident [Season 4, Episode 8]

Dec. 10, 2019

Greg tells the true story of the ‘Samut Prakan Radiation Incident,’ which happened in Thailand in 2000. A piece of medical equipment that contained the highly radio…

Finnish Ambassador Jyri Järviaho on Diplomatic History, Economic Trade & Vodka [S6.E5]

Sept. 6, 2022

Greg interviews Jyri Järviaho, Finland’s Ambassador to Thailand. Although Greg makes a valiant attempt at pronouncing the Ambassador’s name, the two begin by discus…

Greg vs Ed vs You: The Great Bangkok Podcast Trivia Episode [S6.E56]

Sept. 12, 2023

This week Greg and Ed take a page from a regular segment on the bonus show and challenge each other with some trivia questions, spanning Thai history, geography, re…

Fun AND Educational? Some Notable Bangkok Firsts [S5.E68]

July 5, 2022

In a new concept, Greg and Ed discuss various Bangkok ‘Firsts’ in an effort to improve their knowledge of the city’s history and development. Loosely based on a tri…

Regional Podcast Pals: Mike Tatarski on Producing the Vietnam Weekly from Ho Chi Minh City [S7.E21]

May 28, 2024

Greg interviews Mike Tatarski of the . Mike begins by explaining the podcast originated out of his of the same name. After taking a course in ‘entrepreneurial jour…

Up Close and Personal: Live Storytelling at Bombyx [Season 3, Episode 60]

May 21, 2019

Bangkok’s live performance scene is evolving in some interesting ways, and nowhere is that more clear than at , the city’s most popular live storytelling event. We …

The Massive Bangkok Bomb that Didn’t Go Boom [S6.E58]

Sept. 26, 2023

In a return to our Thai history series, Greg tells the story of a massive truck bomb in Bangkok - that never exploded. In March of 1994, a U-Haul-style truck pulled…

Season 3 Retrospective: Looking Back on 1 Year [Season 3, Episode 52]

March 26, 2019

Greg and Ed reminisce about Ed’s first year as co-host of the Bangkok Podcast. Ed begins with a big ‘thank you’ to Greg for giving him the opportunity, and Greg giv…

Do Thais Really Smile More Than Anyone? [Season 3, Episode 47]

Feb. 19, 2019

“The Land of Smiles” has been one of the most successful marketing campaigns in history. So much so, that many people come to Thailand thinking that every single pe…

Busting Some Myths About Prostitution in Thailand [S5.E61]

May 17, 2022

Ed leads a discussion and semi-rant about a persistent myth regarding the history of prostitution in Thailand that was recently perpetuated by a . The myth goes lik…

The Extraordinary Life of the Siamese Twins: Chang and Eng Bunker [S6.E22]

Jan. 3, 2023

We dive back into history with the remarkable story of Chang and Eng Bunker, more famously known as the Siamese Twins. Born and raised in Samut Songkhram province j…

Tech, Trade & Bridges with Belgian Ambassador Sibille de Cartier [S5.E38]

Nov. 30, 2021

Greg interviews Belgian Ambassador to Thailand, Madam Sybille de Cartier, formerly Ambassador to Egypt and Sudan, with plenty of diplomatic experience in other post…

David Robinson Talks Heritage and Creativity on the Chao Phraya River [Season 4, Episode 50]

Oct. 8, 2020

Greg interviews David Robinson, co-founder of the Creative District Foundation, which promotes the mighty Chao Phraya River community for tourism and cultural purpo…

Filmmaker James Newman on his Documentary Bangkok: City of Angels [S7.E49]

Dec. 10, 2024

Greg interviews writer and filmmaker James Newman, a long-time expat in Thailand who recently made a documentary film about our beloved city of Bangkok. James start…

The Bombing of Bangkok During World War 2 [S5.E21]

Aug. 3, 2021

Greg interviews about the bombing of Bangkok during World War II. Beginning with a discussion about how Thai people today perceive Thailand’s involvement in the Se…

Bangkok’s Dark Side: Justin Dunne on His Creepy “Bangkok Haunt” Tours [S6.E24]

Jan. 24, 2023

Greg interviews Justin Dunne of ,’ a tour company in Bangkok that focuses on Thai ghost stories and their relevant locations. Justin is an old friend of Greg’s and …

Bangkok’s Dark Side: Justin Dunne on His Creepy “Bangkok Haunt” Tours [S6.E24]

Cultural Refresher: Books & Movies to Rouse Your Thailand Mojo [S5.E20]

July 27, 2021

On a suggestion from listener Emily, Greg and Ed go back to basics with book and movie recommendations for people new to Thailand and Southeast Asia, or old-timers …

Bangkok Podcast 26: Jerry Hopkins Pt1

Nov. 7, 2010

If you like real music then you are in for a treat with this weeks guest as we're very lucky to interview Mr. Jerry Hopkins. You may not know his name right away bu…

AI vs The Big Mango: What ChatGPT 4o and Gemini Know (and don’t know) about Bangkok [S7.E27]

July 9, 2024

Greg and Ed perform an interesting test of the current state of AI: can you actually trust what different AI’s have to say about Bangkok and Thailand? Greg uses Cha…

Bangkok Podcast 19: Thai Education System

Sept. 20, 2010

It's no secret that the Thai education system is in need of an overhaul. Everyone from government ministers to concerned parents regularly voice their opinions in t…

Author Phil Jablon on the Disappearing Legacy of Thai Cinemas [Season 4, Episode 28]

April 28, 2020

Greg interviews Phil Jablon, a true connoisseur of Southeast Asia’s old movie theaters and author of the fantastic book . As noted on the show, you can order from t…

Exploring Thailand’s Crazy Gun Culture (2.29)

April 25, 2017

From hitmen to red tape and homemade guns to the black market, we bring in a local expert to help us navigate the murky waters of the past and present realities of …

Being Funny in Bangkok: Three Local Comedians Weigh In [S5.E6]

April 20, 2021

Greg interviews three local comedians, Justin St-Denis, Chris Raufheisen, and Tana Sukke, about life as a stand-up in Bangkok. After a few quick bios Greg dives rig…

Neighborhood Focus: Chinatown & Talad Noi [Season 4, Episode 51]

Oct. 6, 2020

Greg and Ed return to their ‘Neighborhood Focus’ series with a review of the Chinatown-Talad Noi area of Bangkok, a neighborhood is near and dear to the boys’ heart…

The Unique Role That Teachers Play in Thai Culture [Season 4, Episode 49]

Sept. 22, 2020

Ooooh, topical! This week, Greg and Ed discuss the unique role of teachers in Thai society, where educators occupy a uniquely reverential role, often in stark contr…

Mixed-Culture Relationship Advice from Dr. Greg [Season 4, Episode 23]

March 24, 2020

Taking a personal turn thanks to an idea from Wes, one of our patrons, Greg discusses his dating experiences in Thailand and what it’s like to be married to a Thai …

Media, Politics, Tech & Censorship with Cod Satrusayang [Season 4, Episode 20]

March 3, 2020

Greg interviews Cod Satrusayang, editor-in-chief of ThaiEnquirer.com, one of Thailand’s newest news sites. Cod explains that after a decade of experience in the for…

Expat Destinations: Bangkok vs. Phnom Penh [Season 3, Episode 72]

Aug. 13, 2019

First up - apologies for Greg’s bad audio on this episode! Small technical problem, and it sounds like he’s talking on a phone from Peru. Luckily, Ed does most of t…

Talking with Phra Pandit: Amulets, Talismans, Relics & Faith [Season 3, Episode 61]

May 28, 2019

It’s been a while, but one of our favorite semi-regular guests is back! Bangkok Podcast’s official Buddhist correspondent, Phra Pandit, welcomed Greg at his temple …

Bangkok's Hidden Gems: The Scala Theater (2.44)

Aug. 8, 2017

In our rapidly-changing city, there are precious few old buildings still left. Thankfully, the Scala movie theater is still here, and it's a hell of a place. Also, …

How to Shop (and Not Shop) Like a Thai in Bangkok

Nov. 14, 2017

We help you choose the most and least Thai things you can buy in Bangkok during the “Shop For The Nation” stimulus package for 2017.

Four Things We Tell Everyone to Avoid in Bangkok (2.14)

Jan. 10, 2017

Everyone loves Bangkok and it is indeed a great city. However, that's not to say everything is worth seeing or doing. For this show we each come up with two items, …

Bangkok's Shaky Infrastructure That Won't Quit (2.2)

Nov. 6, 2016

Hey, you’re still here! How awesome is that. Welcome to the 2nd episode. Today, we’re talking infrastructure. No, wait! Before you decide to skip the episode, this …

"I Want to Get Back to Nature in Bangkok." Is That Even Possible? (2.21)

Feb. 27, 2017

While Thailand is a great place to experience the natural beauties of the tropics, Bangkok is a giant metro area and not all that appealing to nature lovers with a …

Drugs in Thailand: Too Much, Too Little, or Not Enough? (2.8)

Nov. 27, 2016

Sex, drugs, and rock n’ roll. Two of those are legal in Bangkok. Sort of. Legal drugs have a dark side, like people dying from overuse. But illegal drugs -- some pr…

Linguist Rikker Dockum on the Royal Society's Thai Language Oversight [S6.E53]

Aug. 22, 2023

Greg interviews old friend of the podcast , Thai language expert extraordinaire about the , an organization dedicated to overseeing, promoting and regulating the Th…

Linguist Rikker Dockum on the Royal Society's Thai Language Oversight [S6.E53]

The Mystery of Old Western Songs in Thailand That Won’t Die [S6.E4]

Aug. 30, 2022

Greg and Ed discuss the fascinating topic of old Western pop songs that enjoy a shocking degree of popularity in Thailand. For those foreigners who have spent any a…

The Middle Path: Is Thailand an In-Between Country? [S5.E51]

March 8, 2022

Greg and Ed consider the tricky question of Thailand’s role in the global order. Sparked by a question from one of his students about what Thailand’s response to th…

Luxembourg Ambassador Jean-Paul Senninger Talks Diplomacy & Cultural Identity [S5.E67]

June 28, 2022

Greg interviews the Luxembourgian Ambassador to Thailand, Jean-Paul Senninger. As a diplomat with a long list of postings around the world, from his home base at th…

Fostering Hope in Khlong Toey with Bangkok Community Help [S5.E19]

July 20, 2021

Things are not so great right now, and they’re even more desperate for people who live on the edge, which is why we’re pleased to chat with Friso Poldervaart, Greg …

New Year Resolutions: How to be a Better Expat in Thailand [S7.E1]

Jan. 9, 2024

In a spirit of optimism and renewal, Greg and Ed discuss their New Year’s resolutions as expats. What are their goals for 2024 to grow as expats in Thailand? Greg b…

Bangkok's Seven Deadly Sins: Pride [Season 4, Episode 40]

July 21, 2020

In a new series cooked up by Greg’s evil brain, the guys explore Bangkok through the prism of the Seven Deadly Sins. Each of the seven shows (not in a row, thankful…

Up Close & Personal With Thai Culture: The National Museum Volunteers [Season 4, Episode 32]

May 26, 2020

You know how foreigners aren’t allowed to be tour guides in Thailand? Well guess what - there’s an interesting little loophole to that, and it’s a great opportunity…

Bangkok Podcast 68: Korn Chatikavanij

Aug. 28, 2011

On this episode of Bangkok Podcast, we are very happy to be joined by Mr. Korn Chaitikavanij, Thailand's ex-finance minister. Although his Democrat party lost Thail…

Bangkok Podcast 54: Daniel Fraser

May 22, 2011

In our continuing series on learning Thai, we're joined by Dan Fraser - co-founder of Smiling Albino adventure travel company, film actor, television host, and of c…

Bangkok Podcast 59: Transgender Lifestyles

June 26, 2011

The image of a beautiful Thai women is one that is known throughout the world; however, only slightly less well known is the image of a beautiful Thai women who was…

Bangkok Podcast 56: American Ambassador Kristie Kenney

June 5, 2011

On this week's episode of Bangkok Podcast, we are very happy to be joined by Ms. Kristie Kenney, the American Ambassador to Thailand. Formerly Ambassador to both Ec…

Bangkok Podcast 27: Jerry Hopkins Pt 2

Nov. 13, 2010

On this week's show, continue our interview with Mr. Jerry Hopkins. You may not know his name right away but Jerry is a legend in the music and publishing industrie…

Adventures in Filmmaking With Expat Extraordinaire David Cluck - Part 1 [S7.E6]

Feb. 13, 2024

Ed interviews David Cluck, a Bangkok-based filmmaker, friend of the podcast and bona-fide “interesting expat”. The guys begin talking about their mutual love of Tha…

Marriage Equality in Thailand: More Complex Than it Seems [S7.E46]

Nov. 19, 2024

Greg interviews our senior legal correspondent Dave Lawrence on the status of marriage equality in Thailand. Listeners may remember that the Thai parliament passed …

A Lawyer’s Take on Thailand’s Controversial Foreign Land Ownership Law [S6.E19]

Dec. 13, 2022

Greg interviews Bangkok-based lawyer Dave Lawrence about the ins and outs of foreigners owning land in Thailand. Dave begins with his backstory: he went to law scho…

Talking Acting & American Grub with Actor "Poo" Boonthanakit [S6.E26]

Feb. 7, 2023

Ed interviews Sahajak “Poo” Boonthakit, Thai actor and entertainer. K. Poo begins by explaining his unusual childhood: his father was a Thai diplomat and when Poo w…

Looking Back on the 2006 Coup and Why We’re Still Feeling it Today [S7.E20]

May 21, 2024

Greg and Ed revisit the 2006 coup in Thailand and reminisce about the oddness but also impactfulness of the experience. Ed begins with a quick recap of the career o…

Political Cheat Sheet: Prof. Ed Sums Up Ten Years of Thai Politics [S7.E38]

Sept. 24, 2024

In our semi-annual update on Thai politics, Ed does his best to explain the current situation and how Thailand arrived here over the last ten years. He begins with …

Blending Fact & Fiction: Paul & Yuangrat Wedel Return to Discuss Their Novels Set in 1900s Siam [S7.E25]

June 25, 2024

Greg and Ed interview Paul and Yuangrat Wedel, returning guests to the show who previously talked about their book “Radical Thought, Thai Mind.” This time around th…

Blending Fact & Fiction: Paul & Yuangrat Wedel Return to Discuss Their Novels Set in 1900s Siam Part 2 [S7.E26]

July 2, 2024

This is Part Two of Greg and Ed’s interview with Paul and Yuangrat Wedel, returning guests to the show who previously talked about their book “Radical Thought, Thai…

Ed’s City Review: Bangkok vs Hong Kong - Which One Comes Out on Top? [S7.E24]

June 18, 2024

Continuing our regional focus of late, Greg and Ed discuss Ed’s recent trip to Hong Kong and how it compares to big, bad Bangkok. Ed begins with a big caveat: he’s …

Checking in on Bangkok’s Craft Beer Scene with BangkokBeerGuide.com [S7.E19]

May 14, 2024

Greg interviews Clif from about the ever evolving craft beer scene in Thailand. Cliff begins with the basic premise for the website and related social media: to ac…

What Comes Next: Greg & Ed Try to Predict Bangkok’s Future [S7.E35]

Sept. 3, 2024

Putting on their best tarot reading hat…or numerology hat…or tea leaf hat…whatever…Greg and Ed make their best prognostications about the future of Bangkok, relying…

AmericanThaiGuy Ron Weaver on the Complicated Issue of Racism in Thailand [S7.E12]

March 26, 2024

This is Part 2 of Greg and Ed’s interview with Ron Weaver, otherwise known as on social media. Ron begins Part 2 by directly addressing his experience as a black m…

Phra Pandit Lends his Insight: What Buddhism Says About the Seven Deadly Sins - Part 1 [S7.E30]

July 30, 2024

Greg interviews returning show favorite, Phra Pandit on the Buddhist interpretation of the Seven Deadly Sins of western religion. After a brief introduction explain…

Stuart McDonald from Travelfish on Tourism Recovery in Thailand Through Visas, Backpackers...and Weed? [S7.E15]

April 16, 2024

This is Part 2 of our interview with Stuart MacDonald, Asian tourism expert and founder of , arguably the best single resource for traveling in Southeast Asia. In t…

Philosopher Dr. Soraj Hongladarom on Buddhism, Ethics and AI [S7.E17]

April 30, 2024

Greg interviews Dr. Soraj Hongladarom on the intersection of AI, ethics, and Buddhism. Dr. Soraj begins by discussing his background in the study of philosophy in t…

Journalist Patrick Winn Discusses His Book ‘Narcotopia’ [S7.E36]

Sept. 10, 2024

Greg welcomes back Patrick Winn to the podcast, an intrepid writer and expert on all things dark and shady in Southeast Asia. He previously appeared on the show to …

Regional Podcast Pals: Joah McGee on Covering Tragedy & Hope on Insight Myanmar [S7.E23]

June 11, 2024

Wrapping up our short series on our regional podcast peers, Greg interviews Joah McGee from the . Joah begins by explaining his early life in Myanmar and how he ini…

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