Bangkok Living Costs, a City that Caters to All Your Wants and Needs

By: Isaac Olson

One major draw to Bangkok is the city's reputation for having a low cost of living, which helps attract people from nearly every corner of the globe. However, maintaining a low cost of living is only possible with self discipline. Being a globalized mega city, Bangkok caters to all classes and price ranges. One can easily spend just as much money as in any other global city, since there are plenty of temptations competing for your baht. It can certainly be a low cost place to live with a little self discipline, but the temptation to scale up is always present.

Below are expenses contributing to the monthly cost of living in Bangkok.

THB = Thai baht

USD = United States dollar

Introducing Thailand, Region by Region

By: Isaac Olson

Thailand continues to be a prime destination and the gateway for travelers wanting to experience Southeast Asia. How is it that this country has continued to attract visitors despite its on-again off-again political struggles and notoriety as a wild red light pleasure destination.

For most the answer is simple, the laid back attitude and constant smiles of the Thai people transcend the occasional bad press. Add to this one of the best infrastructures in Southeast Asia, a well developed tourism industry, services attainable by any budget, and it's no surprise that people keep flocking to the land of smiles and elephants.

Headshot: a Buddhist Crime-Noir?

By: Ari Ernesto Purnama

A Review of Headshot (Pen-Ek Ratanaruang, 2011) at CinemAsia Film Festival, De Balie 4-8 April, Amsterdam

Last Saturday at the CinemAsia film festival (De Balie, Amsterdam) was the premiere of Headshot, the latest film made by the internationally reputed Thai filmmaker Pen-Ek Ratanaruang. Ever since the trailer came out, I have anticipated the day of watching this first attempt at crime drama by Ratanaruang firsthand. So, here is my take on the film.

Headshot, an Action Flick Made Difficult?

Headshot entails the story of a cop turned a hitman turned a Buddhist monk turned a hitman again, but this is not all. There’s so much more to it than one could expect from a crime thriller. Tul, a plain clothed police officer in a big city somewhere in Thailand is framed by a crooked politician, because he refuses to compromise by not giving up the case that involves a high ranking government official. From there the turbulent rollercoaster ride of chase and run begins.

20 Reasons You May Have Been Living in Thailand for too Long

By: Noël Lindquist

1. When an ant crawls into your noodle soup or plate of spicy som tam, you don’t bother removing it and chock it up as extra protein.

2. When someone shoves you at a local vegetable market, runs over your toe with a shopping cart, or cuts in front of you in line, you are the one to turn and apologize.

3. You start to exhibit withdrawal symptoms if you go more than a few days without a plate of phat kraphao.

4. When it comes to driving, you know full well that it doesn’t matter who got there first, it matters whose vehicle is bigger.

5. You have applied bling to your laptop, cellphone and motorbike, and are considering buying those oddly attractive tiger-eyed contact lenses.

Bangkok Parks, Green Spaces in a Frenetic City

By: Isaac Olson

In a city where traffic jams persist, sidewalks are crammed with vendors, and pavement is everywhere, Bangkok hosts a surprising number of green retreats.

Mass aerobics and lakes with paddle boat rentals are common features in Bangkok parks. Surrounding fences and police presence in the parks keep the areas safe and closed up at night. Alcohol and even smoking is not allowed, but food and non-alcoholic beverages are acceptable.

Below are some of the best parks to escape the noisy traffic and breathe in some fresh air.

Lumphini Park

Probably the most well known park in Bangkok and one of the largest, Lumphini Park is a maze of walking paths, trees, and waterways. A great place to people watch, this island of green is a favorite place for joggers due to its central location and plentiful shade. Early in the morning, the park comes to life not only with joggers but also with mass aerobics and tai chi.

Highlights of Thailand

By: Isaac Olson

Thailand has been a tourist's dream for decades. It's difficult to narrow down the best things about Thailand. Nevertheless, below are five highlights.

People and Culture

Thais are known for freely flashing their smiles making visitors feel welcome. Not only is the smile a common expression, but Thais have a non-confrontational ethos and suppress anger. They also try to be helpful and usually display a mellow demeanor.

Much of the Thai attitude comes from Buddhism. This religion has shaped so much of Thailand's culture from architecture to holidays. There is something distinctive about Buddhism in Thailand though. Traditionally, the country was heavily influenced by the culture and religions coming out of India. What we now call Hindu gods can be spotted in Buddhist temples and in spirit houses throughout Thailand.

Loi Krathong Festival & Yi Peng (Floating Lantern Festival)

Loi Krathong Festival is celebrated in Thailand and certain parts of Laos, Burma and Malaysia (Kelanten), during full moon of the 12th month in the traditional Thai lunar calendar. Loi literally means 'to float,' while krathong refers to the lotus shaped basket, set adrift on the rivers, lakes or canal. Krathong consist of banana leaves, flowers, coins, candles and incense sticks.

When people set their krathong afloat in the light of the full moon, the lights make for a magical atmosphere. The candles are a way to honor Buddha with light (the candle on the raft), the act of floating away the candle raft is symbolic of letting go of all one's grudges, anger and defilements, so that one can start life afresh on a better foot. People will also cut their fingernails and hair and add them to the raft as a symbol of letting go of the bad parts of oneself.

Floods and Unity: Thailand’s Struggle & Solidarity through the Worst Floods of its Time

By: Monica Dominguez

2011 has been an action-packed year for Thailand beginning with the election of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra from the Pheu Thai Party, dealing with the consecutive internal conflicts caused, now followed by unmatched devastation due to massive flooding. The flooding began in the North of Thailand in late July at the Chao Phraya River and continues to this day.

Many sources and citizens agree that this is the worst flooding Thailand has seen in nearly four decades. According to Thailand’s Flood Relief Operations Command, over 281 people have already been killed and four people are missing. The waters have damaged over 3 million acres of farmland around Thailand, and, in conjunction with mudslides have affected eight million people and 60 out of 77 provinces according to Thailand's Disaster Prevention Department.

Seafood Market and Restaurant Bangkok: Seafood Bonanza for All

By: Gabrielle Yetter

There’s something very fishy in Bangkok.

Not the tuk tuk driver who lured us into his vehicle with a low-priced offer then refused to take us to our destination.

Nor the two nicely-dressed businesspeople who approached us on the street to direct us to their favorite places, for no apparent reason.

I’m referring to the one-of-a-kind, larger than life Seafood Market and Restaurant.

Never before have I seen a restaurant quite like this. You can’t miss it as the giant garishly-lit neon sign strung across the road (Soi 24, off Sukhumvit) points you toward a parking lot which looks as though it would land a jumbo jet.