The Bangkok Podcast

Saying Too Much: Dealing With Self-Censorship in Thailand [S8.E54] (Classic ReCast)

Greg and Ed tackle the uncomfortable topic of self-censorship in Thailand, especially as it pertains to the podcast itself, and the churning, roiling issue of what you can say, when, and how, which seem to be in the news every day. Although it is unfortunate, the reality of working and living in Thailand is that the laws and culture are not the same as back home in the U.S. and Canada. Obviously, this means no discussion of the monarchy, and Ed explains how he always advises visiting friends to simply avoid discussion of the monarchy and royal family in pretty much any context. This is good advice for all foreigners in Thailand actually. Second, the boys concur that although they do criticize the government broadly, they make sure not to name specific politicians or policymakers. Although technically no law forbids it, strong and pointed criticism of the Thai government has a way of ending up poorly for the critic, from sudden problems with your visa to (in extreme cases) outright disappearance. On a podcast that is not centered on political issues, it just ain't worth the risk, and while the guys feel comfortable critiquing the government broadly, that's about as far as they are willing to go. Last, Greg and Ed discuss Thailand's defamation laws, which work differently than the laws back home where 'truth' is more or less an absolute defense. In Thailand, even if you say something true, you can be found guilty of violating another person's privacy. As Ed put it, Thailand has a 'mind your own business' culture, as opposed to the 'speak truth to power' culture we have back home. All this being said, the guys admit that self-censorship is fairly rare and not really a problem for a podcast focused on the serious (and sometimes silly) aspects of living in Thailand as a foreigner. Don't forget that Patrons get the ad-free version of the show as well as swag and other perks. And we'll keep our Facebook, Twitter, and LINE accounts active so you can send us comments, questions, or whatever you want to share.  

Crackdown! Is Thailand Becoming a Rule of Law Society? [S8.E53]

After a recent wave of news headlines highlighting government crackdowns on things as varied as fake paternity scams and cheating civil servants, Greg and Ed begin by asking whether Thailand is finally enforcing the rule of law in any meaningful way.  Greg points to changes in visa policy, noting that authorities reduced visa-free stays after discovering widespread abuse from visitors working illegally. Next, Ed brings up the crackdown on illegal nominee company ownership, pointing to cases where foreign nationals set up front businesses using fake Thai shareholders to bypass local laws. Moving to healthcare scandals, Ed highlights an investigation into multiple hospitals involving a birth record scam where foreign women paid local men to falsely claim paternity. Greg then transitions to a massive cheating scandal in the civil service, where thousands of local officials face dismissal after paying bribes to pass government employment exams. Next, the conversation turns to a tragic nightclub fire, which Greg uses to illustrate that while strict laws exist on paper, consistent enforcement remains a persistent problem without public pressure. Finally, Greg shares a personal experience to show that enforcement efforts may indeed be increasing. He describes how an immigration officer conducted an unexpected spot check at his office to verify his employment, forcing him to appear in person at the immigration bureau to prove his status, something he has never experienced during his decades in the country. The guys conclude that something certainly SEEMS different about recent law enforcement efforts, but only time will tell if real change is afoot.

Strange Bedfellows: Prof. Khemthong on the Buddhism and Politics [S8.E52]

Ed interviews K. Khemthong Tonsakulrungruang, a constitutional lawyer and professor from Chulalongkorn University whose work bridges law and Buddhism. After Ed shares his own background as an American lawyer, the two men begin by discussing the modern relevance of Buddhist teachings. K. Khemthong explains that Buddhist mindfulness practices are more important than ever for combating the overwhelming distractions of smartphones and social media. They touch upon how both traditional and secular meditation retreats are increasingly popular for people seeking mental clarity in a chaotic world. Next, Ed brings up Khemthong's academic focus, prompting a fascinating story about a former student who researched local political movements. The guest recounts how Thai protest leaders have historically invoked Buddhist concepts to justify anti-democratic actions. He explains that this political ideology emphasizes the purity of a leader's intentions rather than the strict legality of their actions, meaning that acting with a benevolent mind can supposedly excuse technically illegal political moves. Finally, the conversation shifts to the intersection of religion and constitutional law in Thailand. They discuss how various iterations of the Thai constitution have handled the country's religious identity. K. Khemthong notes that while the government guarantees freedom of religion, it also holds a special duty to promote Buddhism. The interview concludes with an agreement that the state maintains a delicate, pragmatic balance to honor the nation's primary faith without marginalizing minority religions.  

In the Know: A Few Deep Cut Reasons to Love Expat Life in Bangkok [S8.E51]

Greg and Ed explore the small, unexpected joys of being an expat living in Thailand. Ed begins the main discussion by sharing his amusement over miscommunications regarding his job. Despite teaching university-level political science, Thai people frequently assume he is a basic English teacher, an error he enjoys correcting. Next, Greg discusses how he enjoys getting opted out of annoying situations due to his nationality. He notes that being a foreigner often grants him a free pass from sitting through tedious formal rituals or dealing with telemarketers who assume he does not speak Thai. Ed then brings up the relief of geographical distance from his home country, explaining that living overseas allows him to avoid participating in stressful family drama back in America. Greg relates to this, adding that it lets him prioritize his immediate family.  Continuing the conversation, Greg brings up his appreciation for the language barrier, which acts as a natural shield allowing him to completely tune out noisy local advertisements and background chatter. Next, Ed notes that he gets a surprising amount of unearned respect and admiration from locals simply for being an American citizen. Finally, Greg concludes the topic by admitting he loves taking advantage of low fashion expectations for foreigners, happily running errands in comfortable, unkempt clothing without feeling self-conscious about his appearance. Thanks, skeezeballs!

Realtor Tracy Leelalumlert Dives Deep Into Bangkok's Condo Market [S8.E50]

On the heels of a recent episode where Greg and Ed opined on the nuances of the tricky Bangkok property market, this time they have a real, er… real estate pro on to get into things from her POV - Tracy Leelalamlert from Aspire Real Estate.  Greg begins by discussing with Tracy whether buying a condo in the city is a good investment. Tracy explains that it depends on the buyer's purpose, noting that rental properties typically yield around four percent annually. Next, Ed brings up the issue of transparency in the Thai property market. Tracy confirms that unlike Western countries, Thailand lacks public records of actual sale prices, meaning buyers must do their own research or hire valuation companies to find accurate market values. The conversation then shifts to the massive oversupply of empty condos. Greg wonders why prices do not decrease to meet demand. Tracy points out that wealthy Thai owners often feel no financial pressure to sell, preferring to pass properties down to their children rather than lower the asking price. She also mentions that wealthy foreign buyers sometimes buy units simply to safely park their money outside their home countries, an isue certainly not unique to Thailand. Later, Ed asks if a foreigner should rent or buy a place. Tracy strongly recommends renting for the flexibility it offers, reserving buying for those making a long-term commitment.  Greg and Ed wrap up the episode by reflecting on the interview, agreeing that Tracy handled their tough questions well and understands the complicated local market about as well as anyone can - and that's saying a lot!