Bangkok

July-August 2022

I was born and raised in Krung Thep (กรุงเทพฯ) a.k.a. Bangkok (บางกอก) the capital (of almost everything) of Thailand. I have a love-hate relationship with the city. It is beautiful but at the same time flawed. Bangkok has always been a diverse city for hundreds of years. Thai, Mon, Chinese, Lao, Burmese, Khmer, Indian, Vietnamese, Persian, Portuguese, Theravada & Mahayana Buddhist, Muslim, Hindu, Catholic & Protestant, folk religion, ghost, etc. all live together in harmony (and certain conflicts) resulting in a rich mixed culture. Modern Bangkok is full of color, food, nightlife, tourists, and skyscrapers but if you look more carefully you will see its vibrant history and the people behind it.

Fun Fact: The full ceremonial name of Bangkok is "Krung Thep Mahanakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahinthara Ayuthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom Udomratchaniwet Mahasathan Amon Piman Awatan Sathit Sakkathattiya Witsanukam Prasit" the longest place name in the world.

Recommended Books: Memories of the Memories of the Black Rose Cat (Veeraporn Nitiprapha), The Blind Earthworm in the Labyrinth (Veeraporn Nitiprapha), Siamese Melting Pot (Edward Van Roy), A History of Thailand (Chris Baker and Pasuk Phongpaichit), Siam Mapped (Thongchai Winichakul), เล่นแร่แปลภาพ (Nakrob Moonmanas), มนุษย์กรุงเทพฯ (ขวัญชาย ดำรงค์ขวัญ), Siam Discovery สยาม มนุษย์ สถิต (คันฉัตร รังษีกาญจน์ส่อง), เวลาในขวดแก้ว (ประภัสสร เสวิกุล)

Recommended Movies: Last Life in the Universe (2003), Love of Siam (2007), Shutter (2004), How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies (2024), The White Lotus Season 3 (2025), RedLife (2023), The Overture (2004), Man Suang (2023), Ong Bak (2003), Happy Old Year (2019), One For the Road (2021), Analog Squad (2023), Mah Nakorn (2004), 6ixtynin9 (1999), The Believers (2024), Dang Bireley's and the Young Gangsters (1997), 4 Kings (2021), The Gangster (2012), Nang Nak (1999), Paradoxocracy (2013)

Must Visit: This is definitely too long to be listed!

Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya

January 2019

An hour's drive from Bangkok, up north along the Chaopraya River, lies the ruins of the old capital of Siam. Ayutthaya, named after the mythological city from Ramayana, was not undefeatable as its name claims. After being the capital for over 400 years, it was destroyed during the Siam-Burmese War in 1767, not long before the birth of the United States of America. In the present day, it has become a famous tourist attraction.

Fun Fact: The mother of Thai desserts, Thao Thong Kip Ma, lived during the Ayutthaya period. However, she was not Thai at all! In fact, (Thao Thong) Kip Ma is the Thai pronunciation of her Portuguese name Guyomar. Maria Guyomar de Pina (1664-1728) was a mixed Japanese, Portuguese, and Bengali Indian. Her husband was Constantine Phaulkon, a Greek adventurer who became the chief minister of Siam during the reign of King Narai. I always wonder how they communicate with each other back in those times. For sure, it was not in English!

Recommended Movies: Khan Kluay (2006)

Must Try Dishes: Roti Sai Mai (a Thai-Muslim cotton candy wrap), Grilled river prawn (I never tried it though. I am allegic to prawn.)

Chiang Mai

August 2022

Fun Fact: Chiang Mai was the capital of Lanna Kingdom.

Recommended Movies: Dear Dakanda (2005), The Outrage (2011, a Thai adaptation of the classic Akira Kurosawa's Rachomon), Laddaland (2011)

Must Try Dishes: Khao Soi (Northern Thai curry noodles), Sai Ua (Northern Thai sausage), Cap Moo & Nam Prik Noom

My Thailand Checklist

Since Dec 1997 (not including the ones I forgot)

Fun Fact: Each province of Thailand has its own local accent/dialect, culture, food, and history. This can be grouped into 4 cultural regions: central, north, northeast (Isan), and south.

More Thai Movies/Shows: The Paradise of Thorns (2024), Monrak Transistor (2001), Cemetery of Splendor (2015), Don't Come Home (2024)