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The Bangkok Podcast: Daily Summaries Delivered
by Greg Jorgensen & Ed Knuth
Online since 2010! Greg Jorgensen and Ed Knuth have been knocking around Bangkok since the turn of the century. Exploring dark corners, eating amazing food, and interacting with fascinating people, the two have gotten to know and love Thailand's capital in all its confusing, mysterious glory. Every week they chat about topics near and dear to those living here, those visiting here, or those who are just curious about what it's like to live in Asia's craziest city.
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- Today31 min
Thai Wellness Holidays Are They Worth the Price? [S8.E62]
"Wellness" is a huge industry, and especially in Thailand, so the boys decide this week to discuss the options that are available. Ed begins the main segment by noting that while he expected it to be straightforward, he discovered an overwhelming variety of retreats and treatments. Greg chimes in to express his general distaste for the wellness trend, explaining that he associates it with bougie treatments that sell real results wrapped in woo-woo hype, and that a relaxing holiday sitting by a swimming pool may result in the same outcomes. However, Ed counters by explaining his genuine desire to return from a vacation feeling physically and mentally improved. Next, Ed walks through the different levels of wellness holidays available. He starts with the basic tier, which involves booking a standard luxury hotel and adding a specialized wellness package that includes healthy meals and spa visits. Then, he describes the next level up, consisting of dedicated wellness resorts. These facilities strip away typical vacation distractions to focus completely on specialized treatments, ranging from acupuncture to customized fitness routines. Finally, Ed brings up the ultimate luxury tier, mentioning an incredibly expensive resort that employs elite professionals to provide personalized health programs. Ed and Greg also touch upon budget-friendly alternatives, such as island yoga camps, though they note these lack luxurious amenities. The discussion wraps up with both hosts agreeing that despite some scientifically questionable treatments, a structured environment leaves most guests feeling genuinely rejuvenated.
- 1 weeks ago39 min
AI Helps Us Find Hidden Meaning in the Art of the Late, Great Khun Pichai [S8.E61]
Greg begins by discussing the late Bangkok street artist Khun Pichai, whose intricate and cryptic sidewalk scribbles across the capital attained a devoted cult following over the years, with sightings of his mysterious, sprawling artworks treated like discovered treasures. If you don't know who Khun Picha was, watch this excellent short documentary to get an idea. Many people dismissed Khun Pichai's art as "crazy" or "nonsense" but we think there was something else there. So, we harnessed the power of AI to give us some insight, and perhaps find details that we simply were not able to see. Ed reflects on the artist's complex background, observing that Khun Pichai seemed to possess a rich internal life that found raw expression through public city surfaces. Next, Greg walks through the artificial intelligence interpretations of several individual pieces - find them on our website if you'd like to follow along. The software explains that the seemingly chaotic drawings actually repurpose utility meter readouts, bureaucratic paperwork, radio schematics, and Thai consonants treated like algebraic variables. Ed points out that Khun Pichai famously considered his sketches to be investigative notes and evidence rather than conventional art, demonstrating an intensely focused technical mindset. Moving forward, Greg shifts the focus to other Bangkok subjects evaluated by artificial intelligence. Greg explains how the software analyzed a city map, attributing notorious traffic congestion to modern roadways that haphazardly traced ancient canals rather than planned survey grids (no surprise, but still pretty on the money). Ed and Greg then explore the program's evaluation of longtail boat mechanics, highlighting why repurposed car engines and long propeller shafts remain ideal for narrow waterways. Greg concludes the exercise by sharing an artificial intelligence comparison of Lumphini and Benjakitti parks, contrasting early European landscape ideals with contemporary ecological design. While using the cold, inhuman logic of an AI to analyze the warm, squishy creativity that flowed from a human mind might seem a bit gauche, AI is nonetheless a powerful tool that can uncover hidden details.
- 2 weeks ago48 min
Vic Levitin Talks About Starting From Scratch in Thailand [S8.E60]
Moving to Thailand can be a disorienting, discombobulating experience, even if you're on your own. Now imagine doing it with 9 hours to prepare. That's what Vic Levitin and his family did, but the unknown and unplanned turned into something great - though not without its speed bumps. Greg begins the interview by asking Vic about his sudden relocation to Koh Samui, where he lives full time. Vic explains that although he previously pitched moving to Asia, his wife opposed it until a war broke out in their home country. This crisis forced them to pack and fly to Thailand on incredibly short notice. Next, Vic describes the severe stress of their initial weeks living in limbo. He notes that their mindset shifted from temporary vacationers to permanent residents only when they purchased a couch, symbolizing their commitment to a new life. Vic then discusses how his family integrated by joining Thai boxing, enrolling their children in an international school where they quickly learned English, and building a supportive community of expatriates and locals. Later, Vic highlights the peace of escaping the corporate grind, though he acknowledges the financial pressures of raising a family abroad. He also shares his past experience running a company that released sterile mosquitoes to combat tropical diseases. Following the interview, Greg and Ed reflect on the sheer intensity of relocating an entire family overnight. Greg compares the chaotic packing process to a stressful game show challenge. Ed and Greg express admiration for how Vic and his wife managed the psychological leap from merely escaping a conflict to intentionally building a grounded home. They agree that committing to buying heavy furniture was the ultimate turning point in his journey.
- 3 weeks ago39 min
Bangkok's Roads: The History Behind the Names (S8.E59)
Greg begins by discussing a suggestion from their friend Scott to explore the origins of well-known street names in Bangkok. After briefly touching on familiar spots like Khaosan Road and Lumpini Park, Greg dives into the history of Sukhumvit Road. He notes it was originally a dirt track before being formally constructed and named after the fifth chief of the Department of Highways, who was notably the first Thai person to graduate from the storied MIT. They then confront a bit of trivia - is Sukhumvit actually the longest road in Thailand? Ed digs around online and finds that Phetkasem Highway is actually significantly longer than Sukhumvit. Next, Greg brings up Wireless Road, explaining that it earned its name because it housed the very first radio telegraph station in Thailand. He mentions there is even a small museum built on the original foundations. Following this, Greg explains that the nearby Saladaeng area got its name from a red pavilion located at an old railway station. Continuing their discussion, Greg reveals that Asok Road has ties to a famous Buddhist emperor named Ashoka, though it was officially named after a local landowner known as Asok Montri. He then shares that Phetchaburi Road is surprisingly named after a royal aunt rather than the province itself. Finally, Ed wraps up the historical segment by noting that Songwat Road translates to being drawn by a king, while the lengthy name Borommaratchachonnani honors a supreme royal mother.
- 4 weeks ago51 min
Photographer Dax Ward on Capturing Bangkok's Abandoned Beauty [S8.E58] (Classic ReCast)
Greg interviews Dax Ward, an adventurous photographer best known for his beautiful photos of dilapidated buildings and abandoned places. Dax begins by explaining that he was a very late starter to photography, getting a DSLR for the first time in 2015. After a random trip to the airplane graveyard down Ramkhamhaeng Road, he developed an affinity for shooting forgotten and abandoned places. As it turns out, Thailand (and Bangkok in particular) are perfect places for this style of photography due to the number of unfinished construction projects from the financial crisis of the late 1990s. Additionally, there seem to be a surprising number of new business ventures in the area that fail for whatever reason or another, so there seems to be an endless supply of possible sites for Dax's style of photography. The guys discuss how Dax discovers and gains access to his locations. It's surprising what a couple hundred baht here and there will do to the attitude of many Thai security guards! Dax then details his research methods and how he manages to build a compelling story around each set of photographs, something that many other photographers don't bother with. In a world where almost everyone has the technology in their pocket to take a decent photo, Thailand is lucky to have an intrepid, creative photographer like Dax to show us how to do things right. 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.
- Aug 18, 202646 min
A Peek Into Bangkok's Thriving Bluegrass Music Scene [S8.E57]
In another example of a thriving subculture in Bangkok you wouldn't expect to see, Greg and Ed interview Sunny Sachdev, a Thai Indian banjo player who is part of the informal network of musicians that drive Bangkok's local bluegrass music scene. Check out their page here. Sunny explains that he discovered the genre through a video recommendation online and immediately felt drawn to the banjo, despite having no prior musical background. Sunny details how he connected with the local community by attending a jam session at the Srinakarin Night Market. He shares the history of bluegrass, noting its origins in the Appalachian region as a blend of immigrant folk traditions and African instruments. Sunny then describes the unique local subculture, which includes a strong passion for vintage clothing, cowboy attire, and antique instruments salvaged from overseas. Ed brings up the communal aspect of the music, and Sunny explains how jam sessions are highly inclusive, acoustic circles that eliminate typical stage fright. Sunny also highlights a specific bluegrass festival he organizes to bring these diverse musicians together. Following the interview, Greg and Ed reflect on how fascinating it is to see such a niche American subculture thriving organically in Thailand. Ed mentions how teaching music history gave him a newfound appreciation for the genre, overcoming his past snobbery. Greg concludes their discussion by emphasizing that bluegrass represents true community music, designed to be shared collaboratively rather than just performed on a stage.
- Aug 11, 202637 min
The Devil's in the Details: Playing the Expat Insurance Game [S8.E56]
Inspired by recent discussion among friends, and Greg's switch to a new provider, the boys tackle the enduring issue of health insurance as an expat. There are many companies, many plans, and many pitfalls. Which one do you choose? Ed begins by outlining the main geographic areas of coverage an expatriate must consider, which include coverage in Thailand, in their home country, and during international travel. He notes that many young people mistakenly skip buying health insurance, and while Thai medical care is relatively inexpensive, he strongly advises against going completely uninsured. Next, Greg shares his personal journey, explaining how he transitioned from an excellent corporate policy to a global plan that excluded the United States due to its exorbitant costs. Ed brings up his own strategy, stating that he currently relies on a basic Thai government plan for minor health issues but desperately needs to find a policy that covers major catastrophic events. Greg then reveals that advancing in age caused his insurance premiums to drastically increase, which recently forced him to switch to a more affordable plan that only covers him within Thailand. He advises that many companies are willing to negotiate higher deductibles for lower premiums to help cover major disasters. Later, Ed confesses he frequently travels back to America without any medical coverage, acknowledging the financial risk. He points out that an artificial intelligence program informed him that top Thai hospitals offer world class success rates for major surgeries, proving local healthcare is a smart choice for aging expatriates and coverage in the States might not be necessary.
- Aug 4, 202649 min
Weird Explorer's Jared Rydelek on Asia's Strangest Fruits [S8.E55]
Greg interviews Jared Rydelek, the creator of the Weird Explorer YouTube channel. Jared explains that his day job is a contortionist, but his lifelong vegetarianism sparked a deep fascination with rare fruits. He shares how this hobby evolved into a channel where he travels the globe to taste unique produce, discovering a surprisingly vast subculture of fruit enthusiasts. Jared notes that there are tens of thousands of edible fruits worldwide, far beyond the limited variety found in typical grocery stores. Next, Greg asks Jared about his favorite fruits in Thailand. Jared highlights the snake fruit, noting that the Thai variety differs significantly from those in neighboring countries. He also expresses a strong preference for the yellow mangosteen. The conversation then takes an amusing turn when Jared recounts his encounters with fake or molded fruits. He describes tracking down a highly sought-after fruit only to realize it was a clever fake, eventually learning that seeking out older female vendors in local markets is the best way to find authentic and rare produce. A few other fruit-centric stories follow - who knew there could be so many different characters and wild hijinks in the fruit subculture? Following the interview, Ed expresses admiration for Jared, noting that while he personally lacks the motivation to hunt down obscure foods, he respects the passion involved. Greg concludes by praising Jared for his dedication to exploring niche subcultures and promoting the area where agricultural and cultural knowledge overlap.
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About The Bangkok Podcast
Online since 2010! Greg Jorgensen and Ed Knuth have been knocking around Bangkok since the turn of the century. Exploring dark corners, eating amazing food, and interacting with fascinating people, the two have gotten to know and love Thailand's capital in all its confusing, mysterious glory. Every week they chat about topics near and dear to those living here, those visiting here, or those who are just curious about what it's like to live in Asia's craziest city.
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