Welcome to The Bangkok Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• What are the common Thai slang words?

• Fears of Dengue & Bird Flu

• Who is ready for some friendly wars at Warpoint Bangkok - Esports & VR Arena?

• The Ancient Art of Thai Massage

• And more…

Fun Fact

Common Thai slang words

จ๊าบ (Jaap) - Awesome When something's really jaap, it's totally awesome or impressive. Young Thais love throwing this word around to show they're genuinely excited about something cool.

กู (Goo) - I Forget the formal pomme and chan - goo is how you say "I" when you're being super casual. Anyone can use it regardless of gender, but save it for your tight crew only - definitely not for your boss!

มึง (Meung) - You The buddy version of "you" that pairs perfectly with goo. Think of it as the equivalent of calling someone "dude" - totally fine with friends, totally not okay with strangers or elders.

กิ๊ก (Gig) - Casual Partner Your gig is that special someone you're seeing without all the serious relationship drama. Think "situationship" in modern dating terms - intimate but keeping things light and fun.

เจ้าชู้ (Jaow Chew) - Player The classic term for someone who's always charming their way into people's hearts. Can be used teasingly among friends or as actual criticism, depending on your tone.

ควาย (Kwai) - Dummy Literally means "buffalo," but calling someone kwai is like saying they're being dense or clueless. It's not the harshest insult, but definitely not a compliment either.

ติ๊งต๊อง (Ting Tong) - Crazy/Mad Perfect for describing that friend who always does weird but harmless stuff. It's more "adorably strange" than actually mentally unstable - think lovable weirdo.

ภาษาดอกไม้ (Pa-Sa Dok Mai) - Sweet Talk When someone's laying on the romantic charm thick with flowery, poetic language, they're speaking pa-sa dok mai. It's all roses and poetry - sometimes genuine, sometimes just smooth talking.

ไฮโซ (High So) - Fancy/Rich Borrowed straight from English "high society," this describes people with serious money or those trying to act like they do. Think designer everything and exclusive parties.

เม้าท์มอย (Mao Moi) - Gossip The art of dishing about people when they're not around. Half English ("mouth"), half Thai creativity - because apparently gossiping needed its own special verb.

Trivia

✅The Answer to your Trivia last week = C) 16°C

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 are the 2 popular Thai dog breeds?

A) Ridgeback and Bangkaew

B) Pocket Bully and Teacup Chihuahua

C) Pomeranian & Pug

D) Poodle & Miniature Pinscher

News 📰

Bangkok urges action as dengue cases surge past 12,000 nationwide (Link)

Blackpink returns to Bangkok for 3-day concert run (Link)

Huge seizure of​ smuggled chicken feet near Bangkok stokes bird flu fears (Link)

Executives advise caution for EV insurers (Link)

Cambodian troops 'agree to withdraw' (Link)

Lifestyle 🕶️

💪 Health & Wellness

CARROTS The Vegan Bistro - stands out as Thailand's premier plant-based restaurant, converting even dedicated carnivores with its exceptional food. Located conveniently inside a boulevard, this modern space serves outstanding vegan Margherita pizza with perfectly crafted dough and quality plant-based cheese. The vanilla protein shake with peanut butter is a delicious treat, while weekend visitors enjoy complimentary drinks. Don't miss the Divine Caesar salad, unicorn lasagna, and the incredibly yummy apple pie with vanilla ice cream. (Link)

TenFive - CrossFit TEN500 - provides an exceptional drop-in experience with clean, well-equipped facilities and beautiful locker rooms. The knowledgeable trainers create a motivating yet welcoming environment for all fitness levels, while the supportive community makes visitors feel immediately at home. (Link)

🍽️ Restaurants

Sra Bua by Kiin Kiin - delivers an absolutely unforgettable Michelin-starred experience that justifies every bit of its stellar reputation. From the moment guests arrive, they're treated to impeccable service and beautifully crafted welcome dishes that set expectations sky-high – and somehow the restaurant exceeds them. The tasting menu masterfully blends traditional Thai flavors with innovative modern techniques, creating dishes that are both visual masterpieces and culinary revelations. Each course receives thoughtful presentation from knowledgeable staff who explain ingredients and preparation methods. The spice levels remain accessible to international palates while still providing an authentic cultural dive. Even the desserts become interactive experiences, sometimes featuring playful "scavenger hunt" elements. The romantic ambiance makes it perfect for special occasions, and despite sophisticated presentation, portions prove surprisingly satisfying. (Link)

Le Bouchon - represents classic French cuisine at its finest in a beautifully decorated, cozy space. The vol-au-vent and beef Wellington consistently impress with rich, flavorful sauces, while the reasonably priced wine list makes for an accessible complete French dining experience. (Link)

Mexicano Restaurante Autentico - brings authentic Mexican flavors to Bangkok with lively atmosphere, colorful décor, and amazing views. Saturday's free-flow margaritas enhance the festive vibe, while freshly made guacamole, flavorful tacos, and perfectly seasoned enchiladas deliver genuine authenticity. (Link)

☕ Cafes

La Cabra Bangkok - brings Copenhagen's renowned coffee culture to Thailand, serving exceptional specialty coffee alongside unique local creations like rose-litchi soda. The modern Scandinavian design creates a stunning backdrop for excellent iced lattes and the standout frangipane poppy seed croissant that perfectly balances sweet and savory notes. (Link)

Blanc Eatery & Cafe - combines beautiful floral aesthetics with practical functionality, featuring a calm atmosphere and friendly staff. The grilled cow's tongue on rice earns particular praise, while the venue cleverly combines front cafe/restaurant with back co-working space for various occasions. (Link)

🍹 Bar & Rooftop Bars

Q Bar Sathon - operates as an exceptional speakeasy with friendly staff serving fairly priced, quality cocktails that pack a proper punch. The unique vibe and diverse menu particularly appeal to international visitors seeking something beyond typical Bangkok nightlife. (Link)

Hideout The HUB Phahol-Ari - lives up to its name as a hidden gem tucked away from main road chaos. The cozy atmosphere, reasonably priced drinks, and food that somehow tastes better than anywhere else combine with talented live musicians who enhance ambiance without overwhelming conversation. (Link)

👫 Activities

Warpoint Bangkok - Esports & VR Arena - offers an incredible introduction to virtual reality gaming that consistently exceeds expectations. The group shooting VR games allow teams to compete across four different maps with unique strategies, including a fun Christmas-themed option. Perfect for all ages with family-friendly content, the 35-40 minute sessions prove impossible to capture in photos and must be experienced firsthand. Additional perks include student discounts, post-game ice cream, and enthusiastic staff who sometimes join the games. (Link)

Social 👥

🥳 Social Events & Networking

June 9th I 19:00 - 21:00 I Pickleball: Asoke Sports Club - Beginners Welcome (Link)

June 10th I 10:00 - 18:00 I Co-Working in Bangkok × WaiFai (Link)

June 11th I 18:30 - 20:30 I Full Moon Bangkok Jungle Run - June 2025 (about 10 km) / Strawberry Moon (Link)

June 11th I 20:00 - 22:00 I Bangkok Freelancers & Agency Owners Event (Link)

June 12th I 19:00 - 22:00 I Bangkok Storytelling Collective | Monthly Storytelling Open Mic (Link)

June 12th I 20:00 - 23:00 I Meetup new friends game night (Private event )🎉 (Link)

June 14th I 19:30 - 23:30 I Let's see the DRAG QUEEN SHOW in Silom / Pride Month ไปดูนางโชว์ ที่สีลมกัน (Link)

🌏 Exhibitions & Expos

June 11th to June 13th I 10:00 - 18:00 I ASEAN Paper Bangkok 2025 @BITEC - Bhiraj Hall 1-3 (Link)

June 11th to June 14th I 10:00 - 18:00 I ProPak Asia 2025 @BITEC - EH 98 - 104 (Link)

Today’s Expat Story 🗺️

Tom’s Story (UK – Retired Teacher)

After retiring from 35 years in education, Tom moved to Bangkok seeking warmth and adventure. He volunteers teaching English in local communities and spends his mornings exploring temples by bicycle. His favorite spot? A tiny café tucked behind Wat Arun where monks sip tea after morning prayers. “Bangkok gave me a second career I never expected.”

Thailand: Culture & History 🇹🇭

 The Ancient Art of Thai Massage

Where It All Began

Bangkok's iconic Wat Pho temple holds more than just stunning architecture - hidden among its towering spires are ancient marble tablets that tell the story of one of Thailand's most treasured healing traditions. These 19th-century inscriptions, called the Epigraphic Archives, contain some of the earliest written records of Nuad Thai (traditional Thai massage).

More Than Just a Massage

In 2019, UNESCO recognized Thai massage as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, cementing its importance far beyond relaxation. This isn't your typical spa treatment - it's an active healing practice where clients stay fully dressed while therapists guide them through stretches, bends, and movements that boost flexibility and energy flow.

Unlike passive massage styles, Thai massage requires participation. Some skilled practitioners even use their feet to apply deeper pressure, though techniques vary by therapist and tradition.

The Science Behind the Art

Those ancient marble plaques at Wat Pho reveal intricate maps of sen lines - energy pathways believed to carry life force throughout the body. Therapists follow these invisible highways, using hands, elbows, and feet to target specific pressure points. Each dot and line on the ancient diagrams corresponds to different ailments, creating a comprehensive healing system.

Traditional Thai medicine views the body as comprising four elements: earth, water, wind, and fire. Practitioners work to rebalance these elements by clearing energy blockages along the sen lines.

From Temple to Global Phenomenon

Before modern medicine reached Thailand, Wat Pho served as a medical university where Buddhist monks taught healing arts, including massage therapy. The temple formalized its traditional medicine school in 1957, and by 1962, Thai massage had become its own specialized curriculum - a suggestion from King Bhumibol himself during his 1961 visit.

Today, students worldwide flock to Wat Pho to learn authentic techniques, though the practice has spread to spas across the globe.

The Village Tradition

While Wat Pho gets credit as the "official birthplace," Thai massage's true roots run deeper into Thailand's rural communities. For generations, each village has had its own healing elder - someone who performs the back-cracking, body-folding therapy for neighbors returning from hard farm labor.

These village healers, following Buddhist principles of community care, traditionally offer their services freely. Their knowledge passes down through generations, preserving the authentic spirit of Thai massage in its most humble, generous form.

The practice may have gone global, but its heart remains unchanged - a healing art born from compassion and community care.

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❤️ Simeon & Nat

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