- Lifestyle
Cosplay, capitalism, and constipated 14 year olds who judge you
Hey look, another mildly bitter editorial. This one’s for anyone who’s ever wandered into a Bangkok cosplay convention and thought, “Wait, why is this better organised than my government?” Let’s address something that’s been bothering people (aka the writer): anime and cosplay in Thailand are no longer hobbies. They’re alternate lifestyles. You’re not dressing up as Gojo from Jujutsu Kaisen…
- Lifestyle
A love letter to Bangkok (written in a slightly passive-aggressive way)
Dear Bangkok, Before we get started, you know I love you, right? And everything I say in this letter is because I love you so much, Bangkok. We have a lot to unpack, so let’s get started with your housing. In your city, success isn’t about square footage; it’s measured by the BTU of your air-conditioning, how close you live…
- Lifestyle
Tea rooms: Steeped in history, served to people who talk too much
When most people think of a tea room, they picture some serene place in London or Paris. You know the type: lace curtains, porcelain cups, people trying to pretend they’re not judging the placement of your spoon while you stir or you have the people who think of themselves as a worldly person. They think of an asian taoist room.…
- Lifestyle
Welcome to American expats in Thailand: A guide to understanding the Fourth of July abroad
Hello, non-American friends in Thailand. Congratulations! You’ve found yourself surrounded by American expats during the Fourth of July, America’s birthday. Or as locals affectionately call it, “Somehow they got louder.” In your hands is a helpful guide designed to walk you through this loud, confusing celebration of democracy, freedom, and processed meats. Pay attention, please, you’ll need this. 1. Fireworks:…
- Thai Life
Dating in Thailand: Confused, colonised, and 46 years old
Before we start, let’s get this out of the way: Yes, there are plenty of happy, healthy couples who met in Thailand, built a life here, and aren’t walking red flags with passports. This column isn’t about you, so you can relax. Now buckle up. We’re talking about the other ones. The ones who think love is a tourist attraction…
- Lifestyle
Spirituality or something like that
Welcome to Thailand. Now you must know before you read this: there are many foreigners who come to the Land of Smiles who actually have jobs. Plenty even come to learn something. And there are lots of retirees settling in to enjoy the beaches with a beer, a breeze, and blood pressure medication. But we’re not talking about those people…
- Travel Guides
Manners and Thailand: A rules guide for the bored and perplexed
Welcome to Thailand: Land of smiles, mild passive aggression, and the sacred ritual of pretending not to notice your flip-flops in a luxury mall. You’ve arrived. You’re sweaty, confident, and full of Pad Thai misinformation. You think respect is just sitting in a Muay Thai gym membership, but Thailand is watching and not in the amused by your antics way,…
- Thai Life
Confessions of a soi dog
You’ve seen us. We’re on every soi, under every noodle cart. At every 7-Eleven door, like we’re bouncers. And no, we’re not lost, we live here. You’re the one who wandered in with your Google Translate with zero street sense. We soi dogs are the last free beings in this country. No leash, no rent, no vet bills, no Instagram.…