Welcome to The Bangkok Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Thailand 'can't match' Vietnam's US tariff proposals

• Refreshing twist to healthy dining at O’ganic Concept ARI

• The Family Restaurant delivers an authentic Thai food with a side of genuine warmth

• Thailand's Mystical Amulet Culture

• And more…

Fun Fact

Beer with Ice

Welcome to Thailand, where adding ice to your beer is practically a national tradition! Don't be surprised when your waiter automatically brings out a bucket of ice cubes - it just happens, like getting ketchup with your fries.

At first, you might think "Ice in beer? Really?" But when you're sitting at a street-side restaurant in 35°C heat, that ice-cold beer suddenly makes perfect sense. The blazing Thai sun turns even the coldest beer warm within minutes.

Ice is the default setting for everything - you'll need to specifically say "mai sai nam khaeng" (no ice) if you want to skip it. Sure, beer purists might cringe, but when you're eating spicy som tam under the scorching sun, you'll understand why locals swear by this refreshing approach!

Trivia

✅The Answer to your Trivia last week = B) 513,115 square kilometres

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 largest lake?

A) Phayao Lake

B) Cheow Lan Lake

C) Songkhla Lake

D) Nong Han Lake

News 📰

All hands on deck - With the Trump tariffs looming like the Sword of Damocles, the private sector must expect the best and prepare for the worst. (Link)

Thailand 'can't match' Vietnam's US tariff proposals (Link)

Police set to submit result of SAO probe to prosecutors (Link)

Tourism revival goes into reverse (Link)

Cops to speed up probe on Nakhon Sawan temple abbot (Link)

Lifestyle 🕶️

💪 Health & Wellness

O’ganic Concept ARI - brings a refreshing twist to healthy dining that will completely change how you think about organic food. This isn't your typical boring health food restaurant - the creative dishes are bursting with flavor and beautifully presented. The concept revolves around "let food be thy medicine," proving that nutritious meals can be absolutely delicious. What makes this place special is the attention to detail: calorie information is thoughtfully included on the menu, the friendly staff genuinely care about your experience, and the head chef often comes out to personally check on diners. From crispy pork vegan spaghetti to refreshing acai tarts topped with fresh fruits, every dish is crafted with both heart and health in mind. It's the perfect spot to bring health-conscious family members who might be skeptical about organic cuisine. (Link)

Radiance Wholefoods Co., Ltd. - is a treasure trove for anyone seeking a healthy lifestyle. This extensive store goes beyond typical grocery shopping, offering everything from natural skincare products to fresh organic produce. The selection is impressive - you'll find hard-to-source items like kombucha alongside essential oils, pure rose water, and natural body care products, all at surprisingly affordable prices. The knowledgeable staff are always ready to help you navigate their comprehensive inventory, making it a one-stop destination for anyone committed to natural living. (Link)

🍽️ Restaurants

The Family - delivers an authentic Thai dining experience with a side of genuine warmth. Located alongside a peaceful canal, this restaurant combines exceptional food with an incredibly friendly atmosphere. The outdoor seating area is charming, complete with UNO cards on tables for entertainment while you wait. The spring rolls arrive crispy and fresh, while both the green and yellow curries showcase perfect spice levels (they'll actually ask about your heat preference). The pad thai and papaya salad are standout dishes, and the mango sticky rice is absolutely phenomenal. Despite being popular with tourists, the quality remains consistently high, and the reasonable prices make it accessible for everyone. The thoughtful touches like anti-mosquito spray and playing cards show how much they care about guest comfort. (Link)

Chez Miline - offers an sophisticated fusion of French and Japanese cuisine that's perfect for special occasions. The Japanese Wagyu steak is the star of the show - incredibly juicy and literally melts in your mouth. But don't overlook the fresh seafood dishes and well-crafted pasta options. The elegant dining arcade provides a beautiful contrast to the modern entrance, creating a warm and stylish atmosphere ideal for romantic dinners or celebratory meals. The plating is simple yet elegant, allowing the quality ingredients to shine without unnecessary decoration. While it's on the pricier side, the impeccable service and exceptional food quality make it worth every baht. (Link)

Mydam Un - serves up satisfying Vietnamese cuisine alongside Thai dishes at reasonable prices. The sesame crispy pan (resembling a pizza) is a unique must-try dish that's become a customer favorite. The restaurant uses fresh ingredients and offers generous portions, with the added bonus of free extra vegetables for those who ask. The variety spans both Vietnamese and Thai cuisines, making it perfect for groups with different preferences. The convenient parking area across the street makes it easily accessible for diners. (Link)

☕ Cafes

Piccolo Vicolo Café at Wang Burapha-Samyot - is a peaceful oasis tucked away near a canal in old Bangkok. The vintage industrial building has been transformed into a cozy coffee haven, filled with potted plants and bathed in natural light. The carefully crafted iced lattes pair perfectly with their selection of pastries and small bites. The nostalgic decor creates an atmosphere that encourages you to slow down and savor the moment, making it an ideal spot for a mid-day break while exploring Chinatown. (Link)

Burapa Coffee - combines excellent coffee with a unique bookstore setting that creates an unforgettable experience. This small, beautifully curated space inside a Thai bookstore serves great coffee drinks and their famous butter cake. The Chinese apricot soda is a refreshing alternative to traditional coffee beverages. The friendly staff add to the welcoming atmosphere, and the reasonable prices make it accessible for everyone. It's the perfect place to wait out Bangkok's sudden rainstorms while enjoying a warm cup of coffee. (Link)

🍹 Bar & Rooftop Bars

Olá Thai Tapas Bar And Cafe - brings together cocktails, Thai tapas, and a funky atmosphere under one roof. This charming spot, owned by a lovely couple, offers delicious cocktails at reasonable prices alongside creative "Thai Tapas" dishes. The homemade sherbet pinacolada-flavored non-dairy dessert is a standout treat. The grilled beef with Thai sauce is tender and flavorful, while the green curry is thick, creamy, and intensely satisfying. The guacamole tacos come with a generous amount of perfectly seasoned avocado. It's an ideal spot to cool down after exploring the nearby flower markets. (Link)

Rooftop Bar at sala rattanakosin Bangkok - offers breathtaking views of Bangkok's historic temples, particularly Wat Arun and Wat Pho. The timing is everything here - arrive early for sunset to secure the best seats and watch the city transform as day turns to night. While the food and drinks are on the expensive side, the spectacular views make it worthwhile. The lychee cocktail is particularly refreshing, and the friendly staff will guide you to tables with your preferred temple view. Booking ahead is recommended to guarantee your spot for this unforgettable experience. (Link)

💎 Hidden Gems

LOCAL BOYS COFFEE CO. SONG WAT - has quickly gained fame for its Instagram-worthy orange interior and unique coffee offerings. Located in a quiet Song Wat alley, this compact coffee shop serves creative drinks like Peanut Butter Coffee and Thai Tea in distinctive cans. The space gets busy with content creators and coffee enthusiasts, but the fast, friendly service keeps things moving. Despite its small size, the space manages to stay cool and breezy, making it a refreshing stop during Bangkok exploration. The coffee quality lives up to the hype, making it worth navigating the crowds for these innovative beverages. (Link)

Social 👥

🥳 Social Events & Networking

July 23rd I 19:00 - 23:00 I Party at the Deck - Opening Night (Link)

July 23rd I 20:00 - 22:00 I Bangkok Freelancers & Agency Owners Event (Link)

July 24th I 18:30 - 23:00 I Weekly Bangkok Digital Nomads Meetup (location to be announced) (Link)

July 26th I 20:00 - 23:00 I 🥂 Ladies FREE Entry 🥂 : 🍷 Sip & Socialize in Style @ Vessel @ One Bangkok 🍷 (Link)

🌏 Exhibitions & Expos

July 19th to July 27th I 10:30 - 20:30 I Furniture Fair @BITEC - EH102 - 104 (Link)

Today’s Expat Story 🗺️

Maya’s Story (South Africa – Yoga Instructor)

Maya teaches sunrise yoga by the river and moonlit flows on rooftops. She first visited Thailand on a retreat and felt called to stay. She now leads workshops blending African dance and Thai mindfulness. “Bangkok reminds me that stillness exists even in noise.”

Thailand: Culture & History 🇹🇭

Thailand's Mystical Amulet Culture

@bangkoktodayth

This souvenir from Thailand is made of magic, LITERALLY. Ditch the dried banana , freeze-dried durian, and inhalers, and get something sup... See more

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