Welcome to The Bangkok Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Thai Beliefs About Geckos and Their Calls

• How Thai political crisis may unfold as PM fights to keep job

• This is going to be an exciting week: BANAKE x Michelui Flea Market & Coming of Aging River City exhibition

• Thailand's Philosophy of Sustainable Living

• And more…

Fun Fact

Thai Beliefs About Geckos and Their Calls

In Thai culture, hearing a gecko's call right before leaving the house is considered a warning to stay inside. Traditional beliefs suggest this timing isn't random - it's nature's way of signaling that venturing out could lead to misfortune. Many Thai people, especially those holding traditional beliefs, will actually postpone their plans if they hear a gecko just as they're about to leave home. This superstition reflects the broader Thai cultural view of animals as spiritual messengers.

Trivia

✅The Answer to your Trivia last week = C) Yaowarat

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!

How many UNESCO world heritage sites does Thailand have?

A) 5

B) 6

C) 7

D) 8

News 📰

King Power: A Tale of Rise and Ruin (Link)

Rain returns: TMD warns of heavy downpours in North and Northeast (Link)

Thailand, Cambodia shut land crossings in escalating border spat (Link)

How Thai political crisis may unfold as PM fights to keep job (Link)

Lifestyle 🕶️

💪 Health & Wellness

BEGAN VEGAN - This modern vegan restaurant delivers exceptional plant-based Thai cuisine with stellar vegan Pad Thai that's perfectly balanced and accommodating with spice levels. The green curry arrives with beautiful multi-colored rice, while the atmosphere strikes the perfect balance between contemporary and welcoming. Don't skip the blueberry cheesecake topped with edible flowers - it's pure artistry. They also craft refreshing beverages, including a ginger ale and lime concoction perfect for Bangkok's heat. (Link)

Kashikiri Onsen and Spa Sukhumvit 101/1 - This intimate onsen experience offers ultimate privacy for couples seeking relaxation away from Bangkok's chaos. Guests can choose aromatic oils to customize their soaking experience, with options between shared baths or twin tubs connected by sliding doors. The aroma massage treatments are legendary for melting away city exploration aches. Located in Punnawithi with convenient parking, this cozy spot offers premium, personalized service at reasonable prices. (Link)

🍽️ Restaurants

All Meals Sawasdee - Don't let the unassuming exterior fool you - this Thai restaurant is a powerhouse of authentic flavors. The Pad Thai sets the gold standard with perfect sweet, sour, and umami balance. Their Tom Yam soup is among the city's best, while the chicken cashew showcases masterful seasoning. The stir-fried basil delivers authentic Thai flavors, and the watermelon shake is a refreshing finale. Service is attentive and prices refreshingly reasonable for this caliber of food. (Link)

Beirut Sukhumvit 39 - This Lebanese restaurant brings authentic Middle Eastern flavors with generous portions perfect for sharing. Staff excel at guiding newcomers through the menu with spot-on recommendations. The lamb kebab with Khabsa rice is the star - tender and perfectly spiced. While prices lean higher, the quality and authenticity justify the cost. Parking is available, and they're also on Grab for home delivery. (Link)

Hom Run Juan Cuisine - หอมรัญจวน - This Vietnamese gem masters authentic flavors with legendary generous portions. The Nam Neung is supposedly Thailand's best, with small portions easily feeding four people. The Pho delivers soul-warming comfort with tender beef in rich broth, while the crispy egg pancake maintains perfect texture throughout. Extensive vegetarian options available. The second floor offers ample seating, though parking at nearby Central Bangrak or taking BTS to Taksin Bridge is recommended. (Link)

☕ Cafes

CARMINA coffeehouse - This charming coffee shop looks compact but features a spacious upstairs area perfect for settling in. The avocado and egg croissant is a breakfast champion, while the serious coffee program serves Americanos strong enough to wake the dead (hot water available for milder preferences). The decor balances trendy and comfortable, with friendly staff creating a welcoming atmosphere. (Link)

KUDOS COFFEE BAR - This cozy destination masters premium quality without premium attitude. Their sweetness calibration is perfect - even "normal sweet" drinks avoid cloying quality. The Iced Mocha, Iced Latte, and Iced Salted Caramel Latte all earn high marks. Staff create a "home away from home" feeling, with reasonable prices despite premium quality. (Link)

🍹 Bar & Rooftop Bars

Saxsi Rooftop Restaurant & Bar - This rooftop destination delivers complete Bangkok skyline experience with VIP-level service. The food program is surprisingly strong - salad and chicken curry showcase freshness and complex flavors with beautiful presentation. Live jazz music creates sophisticated ambiance, while cocktails hold their own against Bangkok's competitive scene. Spectacular views combine with excellent service and reasonable prices. (Link)

Attitude Fusion Restaurant & Rooftop Bar - Tucked in quieter Bangkok, this rooftop bar offers refreshing escape from city intensity. The dual-terrace setup provides mood options, while resident turtles add unexpected charm. Quality-focused drinks prioritize flavor balance, with tapas perfect for relaxed evening conversation. The laid-back atmosphere and friendly staff create ideal unwinding space after hectic city exploration. (Link)

👫 Activities

June 27th to June 29th I 15:00 - Midnight I BANAKE x Michelui Flea Market @ PAPAYA Studio - this celebrates vintage culture with rare mid-century finds, quirky collectibles, and retro fashion. One-of-a-kind furniture pieces become conversation starters, while live bands from Yokee Playboy and Slur provide energetic soundtrack. Food and drinks fuel treasure hunting sessions. At 200 baht entry with no dress code, it's accessible creative underground culture. (Link)

💎 Hidden Gems

June 16th to July 16th I Coming of Aging Exhibition @ RiverCity - this immersive digital art experience challenges aging perspectives through innovative light installations across three zones. Rather than providing answers, it creates space for personal reflection on growth and transformation. The combination of light, sound, and atmosphere tells personal transformation stories, approaching aging as understanding and reimagining rather than decline - relevant for all ages seeking deeper meaning. (Link)

Social 👥

🥳 Social Events & Networking

June 23rd I 18:30 - 22:30 I Blood on the Clocktower on the Treehouse (Link)

June 25th I 19:30 - 21:30I Ladies Networking Cocktail Night @Pastel Rooftop Bar (Link)

June 26th I 20:00 - 23:00 I Meetup new friends game night (Private event )🎉 @ Carmina (Link)

June 27th I 20:00 - midnight I Make new friends in Bangkok at escape rooftop bar (Link)

June 28th I 14:00 - 16:00 I Read Reflect Connect @Tibet Gate (Link)

🌏 Exhibitions & Expos

June 26th to June 29th I 10:00 - 19:00 I THAILAND WELLNESS & HEALTHCARE EXPO 2025 @BITEC - EH101 (Link)

June 26th to June 29th I 10:00 - 20:00 I Amarin Baby& Kids Fair Midyear @BITEC - EH104 (Link)

June 26th to June 29th I 10:00 - 21:00 I Saha Group Fair and Fest 29th Big Shop Big Show @BITEC - EH98 - 100 (Link)

Today’s Expat Story 🗺️

David’s Story (Canada – Coffee Roaster)

A former investment banker turned café owner, David came to Thailand to slow down. He now roasts single-origin beans in his minimalist café in Ekkamai and hosts weekend cupping sessions. “Bangkok taught me the beauty of doing one thing well. My old life was fast, this one is flavorful.”

Thailand: Culture & History 🇹🇭

Thailand's Philosophy of Sustainable Living

King Bhumibol Adulyadej developed Thailand's Philosophy of Sufficiency Economy after witnessing the struggles of rural farmers during his early reign. Moved by their hardships, he established rural development projects and crafted a philosophy encouraging Thais to embrace self-sufficiency and moderation.

Core Principles

The philosophy advocates for a "middle path" approach where individuals, communities, and the nation make decisions based on long-term sustainability rather than short-term gains. It emphasizes consuming only what's needed - living neither too frugally nor too extravagantly - while considering impacts on others and the environment.

Three foundational pillars guide this approach: wisdom, moderation, and cautiousness, with morality and knowledge underlying all decisions. The goal is building resilience against global economic storms through sustainable practices.

Implementation and Impact

Over 23,000 Thai villages now operate projects based on this philosophy, focusing on producing only necessary goods to preserve resources and minimize environmental damage. The National Economic and Social Development Board oversees practical implementation, emphasizing individual needs over mass production.

Mixed Reception

Supporters view the philosophy as a sustainable growth model that balances global participation with local values, measuring success through poverty reduction and social equality rather than pure profit.

Critics, however, question its practical interpretation and suggest it may justify existing inequalities, allowing wealthy individuals to maintain their lifestyle while encouraging the poor to accept their circumstances. Some argue its popularity stems primarily from association with the beloved King rather than proven effectiveness.

The philosophy's long-term success depends on how future governments allocate resources and manage associated projects, making its ultimate impact on Thai society still uncertain.

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❤️ Simeon & Nat

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