Welcome to The Bangkok Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• How to pay like a local - Easy pay/ e-wallet with TAGTHAI

• Asean builds trust in digital future

• Explore Bangkok’s hidden gem: Hua Takhe Old Market

• The History Of Thai Food

• And more…

Useful Facts

How to pay like a local - Easy pay/ e-wallet with TAGTHAI

Trivia

✅The Answer to your Trivia last week = D) Larb Kai Mote Daeng

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 highest temperature Thailand have ever experienced?

A) 45.4°C

B) 41.1°C

C) 50.6°C

D) 35.5 °C

News 📰

Bangkok warned: Heavier rain than yesterday, 80% coverage (Link)

AI cameras linked to criminal databases net suspects in tourist hot spots (Link)

Marching with pride (Link)

Synology targets Thailand for projected data growth (Link)

Happening 101 art festival returns with class of 2025 (Link)

Asean builds trust in digital future (Link)

Lifestyle 🕶️

💪 Health & Wellness

Soft food ร้านอาหารเพื่อสุขภาพของทุกคนในครอบครัว Soft Food Boost Health - This health-focused restaurant proves that nutritious doesn't have to mean boring. The star of the show here is their incredibly juicy chicken breast – seriously, it's some of the most tender and flavorful lean protein you'll find in Bangkok. Their healthy bowls, particularly the grilled salmon option, come with customizable sauces and dressings that let diners tailor their meal to their taste preferences. The atmosphere strikes that perfect balance between clean and welcoming, though expect crowds during lunch rush – it's clearly become a local favorite. The fresh produce selection is genuinely impressive, and every dish manages to pack serious flavor while keeping health benefits front and center. Perfect for families looking to eat well without sacrificing taste. (Link)

Theera Healthy Bake Room - What sets this cafe apart is its commitment to both dietary inclusivity and social responsibility. The vegan full English breakfast is a revelation, with their pumpkin seed "egg" stealing the show alongside surprisingly authentic plant-based sausages that actually taste like, well, sausages. The pancakes are fluffy perfection, and the menu spans an impressive range of vegetarian and vegan options. The spacious layout and calm atmosphere, enhanced by gentle piano music, create an ideal spot for leisurely brunches. What makes this place truly special is their employment of individuals with disabilities, creating a supportive workplace while maintaining professional, friendly service. The generous portions and willingness to accommodate substitutions show they really care about each customer's experience. Just plan ahead for parking – it's the one downside to this otherwise stellar spot. (Link)

Ontrack Station - National Stadium - This fitness haven delivers exactly what serious athletes are looking for. The gym feels brand new with spotless facilities and top-tier equipment that can handle the most intense workouts. The Hyrox classes are particularly noteworthy – led by English-speaking trainers who know exactly how to push boundaries safely and effectively. Despite being compact, the space is efficiently designed with everything needed for comprehensive training. The community vibe here is infectious, with warm, encouraging members who embody that "we're all in this together" spirit. It's the kind of place where both fitness newcomers and seasoned athletes feel at home. (Link)

🍽️ Restaurants

Absorn Thai Bistro - This restaurant represents Thai cuisine at its absolute finest. The chef's skill is evident in every beautifully plated dish – each one a perfect balance of authentic flavors and stunning presentation. What's remarkable is how they've managed to maintain street food pricing while delivering restaurant-quality food, impeccable hygiene, and an inviting atmosphere. The crab omelette is a must-order – fluffy, generous with fresh crab, and cooked to perfection. The crab curry delivers complex, aromatic flavors that showcase traditional Thai cooking techniques, while the tom yum soup hits all the right notes of sour, spicy, and umami. The tasteful decor creates a comfortable setting that feels both authentic and refined. Given its prime location and consistently high quality, it's no surprise this spot consistently ranks among the area's best. (Link)

Le Khwam Luck Cafe Bar and Restaurant (เลอความลัค คาเฟ่ บาร์ แอนด์ เรสเตอร์รอง) - This versatile spot seamlessly transitions from casual cafe to sophisticated restaurant, offering something special for every craving. The seafood paella is a standout – packed with fresh catches and perfectly seasoned rice that absorbs every bit of oceanic flavor. The truffle risotto delivers that luxurious, earthy aroma that truffle lovers crave, while maintaining the creamy texture that makes great risotto so satisfying. For pasta enthusiasts, the tagliolini alle vongole showcases how simple ingredients – fresh clams, white wine, perfectly cooked pasta – can create something extraordinary. The spaghetti carbonara stays true to tradition with crispy pancetta and silky sauce. Don't skip the bakery items: the croissants are buttery perfection, and both the rich chocolate cake and light coconut cake provide sweet endings that complement the savory offerings beautifully. (Link)

Bonjour Bonsoir - Modern Bouillon & Café - This French restaurant captures the essence of Parisian cafe culture while adding its own modern flair. The Oeuf Meurette alone is worth the visit – a dish that reportedly rivals what you'd find in Paris itself. The design cleverly balances classic French bistro charm with contemporary sophistication, creating an atmosphere that feels both familiar and fresh. The salmon steak, paired with a delicately sweet sauce and creamy avocado, represents French technique at its best. The pasta dishes show impressive range – the fusilli carbonara maintains that perfect lightness while the fusilli provencale bursts with the bright flavors of tomatoes and mushrooms. The chocolate mousse provides a decadent finale that even the pickiest young diners can't resist. The thoughtful touch of changing table settings from evening's romantic red and white to daytime's crisp white shows attention to detail that elevates the entire experience (Link)

☕ Cafes

White Flower Cafe - This spacious cafe has mastered the art of creating a productive yet relaxing environment. The chocolate banana smoothie bowl is both Instagram-worthy and genuinely delicious – refreshing, satisfying, and surprisingly affordable. The atmosphere strikes that perfect balance of peaceful background music and gentle energy that makes it ideal for both social meals and focused work sessions. The carbonara delivers restaurant-quality flavors, while the mocha showcases their coffee expertise. The two-level layout provides plenty of space to spread out, and the abundance of charging stations shows they understand their customers' needs. The coconut chiffon cake deserves special mention – light, flavorful, and the perfect accompaniment to their excellent coffee. With its impressive open design and large windows flooding the space with natural light, it's become a go-to spot for digital nomads and students alike. (Link)

Cosmos Cafe Bangkok - This intimate cafe proves that good things come in small packages. The hojicha latte showcases their commitment to quality specialty drinks – rich, nutty, and perfectly balanced. What makes this place special is their unique take on familiar favorites, like their Thai milk tea served latte-style without overwhelming sweetness. The smoked salmon, avocado, and egg toast combination creates a perfect harmony of flavors and textures that makes for an ideal breakfast. The ham and bacon sandwich might not look like much, but it delivers incredible flavor through perfect ingredient proportions and restraint with sauces – a refreshing change from overly dressed alternatives. The mini croissants are fresh, soft, and pair beautifully with cream cheese. The smooth, well-textured coffee rounds out the experience perfectly. The flexible seating options – both indoor and outdoor – accommodate different moods and weather, while the fast, friendly service keeps things moving smoothly even during busy Saturday mornings. (Link)

🍹 Bar & Rooftop Bars

Préf Café & Bar - This French-Japanese fusion spot excels at versatility, seamlessly shifting from family-friendly brunch destination to sophisticated evening hangout. The extensive drink menu caters to both alcohol enthusiasts and those preferring non-alcoholic options, while the spacious layout accommodates groups of all sizes. The outdoor area transforms beautifully at night, creating an intimate atmosphere perfect for evening gatherings. The all-day dining menu ensures there's always something appealing available, and while the food maintains solid quality throughout, it's the overall experience – great vibes, accommodating service, and the ability to secure that perfect corner table – that keeps people coming back. (Link)

Bar Sathorn - Hidden away from the typical tourist circuit, this sophisticated venue represents Bangkok's cocktail scene at its finest. The expertly crafted drinks showcase both creativity and technical skill, with bartenders who clearly take pride in their craft. The talented DJ curates music that enhances rather than overwhelms conversation, creating that ideal balance of energy and sophistication. What truly sets this place apart is its unique location – stunning and memorable in a way that makes every visit feel special. The attentive, friendly staff ensure that service matches the high quality of everything else, making it equally perfect for intimate celebrations and casual nights out with friends. (Link)

💎 Hidden Gems

Hua Takhe Old Market - This riverside community offers an authentic glimpse into Bangkok's living history. Unlike sterile tourist attractions, this vibrant canal-side market pulses with genuine local life while remaining refreshingly free from tourist crowds. The diverse mix of eateries, cafes, and art studios creates an organic cultural experience that unfolds naturally as visitors explore. The 18-minute canal-side walk from Hua Takhe Railway station is part of the charm – a peaceful transition from city life to this more relaxed pace. Art workshops and activities add creative energy to the mix, while small shops offer unique finds that can't be discovered elsewhere. The neighborhood surrounding the market rewards exploration, revealing layers of community life that provide a welcome respite from Bangkok's intensity. Coffee shops tucked into unexpected corners, family-run restaurants serving recipes passed down through generations, and crafts activities that connect visitors to local traditions make this a perfect spot for those seeking authentic cultural immersion. (Link)

Social 👥

🥳 Social Events & Networking

May 27th I 19:00 - 23:00 I Board Games & Social (Link)

May 27th I 20:00 - 23:00 I Meetup new friends Every Tuesday (Free entry) (Link)

May 28th I 17:00 - 19:00 I Wine Tasting Night (Link)

May 28th I 19:00 - 20:30 I Aristotle’s Cafe (Link)

May 28th I 20:00 - 23:00 I Meetup new friend ( Jazz music ) (Private event )🎉 (Link)

May 30th I 20:00 - 0:00 I Make new friends in Bangkok at escape rooftop bar (Link)

May 31st I 19:30 - 22:30 I Global Socializing in Bangkok (Link)

May 31st I 20:00 - 23:00 I Meetup new friends in Bangkok (Link)

🌏 Exhibitions & Expos

May 27th to May 31st I 27-30 May 2025 Time: 10:00-18:00 (Trade Only)
31 May 2025 Time: 10:00-20:00 (Trade & Public) I THAIFEX - Anuga Asia 2025 @IMPACT Arena - Challenger 1-3, Hall 5-12 (Link)

Today’s Expat Story 🗺️

Luca's Story (Italy – Street Photographer & Coffee Enthusiast)

Luca arrived in Bangkok with just a camera and a backpack, eager to escape the predictable rhythm of life in Milan. What began as a month-long photo trip turned into a three-year (and counting) love affair with the city. He now spends his days capturing Bangkok’s vivid contrasts-from saffron-robed monks at sunrise to neon-lit food stalls at midnight. “There’s beauty in the chaos,” he says. When not behind the lens, you’ll find him sipping Thai milk tea at his favorite alleyway café, always ready for the next unexpected moment. “In Bangkok, stories unfold at every corner.”

Thailand: Culture & History 🇹🇭

The History of Thai Food

Thai food is loved worldwide, but how did it become so special? It's actually a clever mix of influences from around the globe.

What Makes Thai Food Unique

Thai cuisine balances five key flavors: sour, sweet, salty, bitter, and spicy. This combination makes every dish exciting and complex. The food also varies by region - northern, northeastern, southern, and central Thailand each have their own specialties.

Ancient Roots

Originally, Thai cooking focused on fish, plants, and herbs. Large portions of meat weren't common, partly due to Buddhist traditions. Instead, small strips of meat were packed with herbs and spices, or meat was cooked and shredded.

Traditional Thai cookery involved stewing, baking, and grilling. However, the area that is now Thailand, Laos, Burma (Myanmar), Cambodia and Vietnam were settled by the ancient Chinese an estimated 1,400 years ago. This settlement would completely transform the cooking landscape.

Chinese Influence

The Chinese brought stir-frying and deep-frying techniques to Thailand. This is why dishes like pad thai (fried noodles) and khao pad (fried rice) became Thai classics. These cooking methods are still essential today.

More Global Influences

From the 1600s onward, Portuguese, Dutch, French, and Japanese traders added their own touches. The Portuguese missionaries even brought chili peppers from South America in the late 1600s - imagine Thai food without chilies!

Smart Substitutions

Thais were resourceful cooks. They replaced Indian ghee with coconut oil and used coconut milk instead of dairy. These ingredients are still staples in Thai cooking today.

Toning It Down

Believe it or not, Thai food used to be much spicier. Over time, cooks reduced the heat and started using more fresh herbs like lemongrass and galangal instead of just relying on fiery spices.

How It's Eaten

Traditionally, people ate with their right hand while sitting on floor mats. Now most Thais use a fork and spoon. Interestingly, despite Chinese influence, chopsticks are rarely used - even for noodles.

Modern Changes

Today's Thailand is a major tourist destination, which has impacted the food scene. Fast food chains like McDonald's and KFC are everywhere, especially in cities and tourist areas. Even locals are embracing these options, though many still consider Western food bland compared to Thai cuisine.

This acceptance of international fast food hints at more changes coming to Thai cuisine in the future.

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❤️ Simeon & Nat

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