G’day Thailand Weekly readers! Hope you’ve all been well since last Sunday’s edition. An awesome (but very busy) week here in Bangkok. The APEC Summit made my neighbourhood an absolute frenzy with major road closers and hundreds of police officers everywhere you looked. It’s awesome to see Thailand host major global events like this, but selfishly, I’m just happy that Benjakiti Park has opened back up now that the Summit is complete! Much love and hope you all have a great week ahead 🇹🇭
APEC Summit Wraps Up In Bangkok 🏛️
After months of planning and preparation, Thailand just wrapped up APEC 2022 which was hosted at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre in central Bangkok. The conference saw leaders from 24 countries discuss trade, human rights, and prosperity in the region. As it pertains to conditions on the ground, things largely went as expected for a summit of this calibre with various groups of anti-government activists taking to the streets of Bangkok in defiance of a ban on protests near the Summit location and Government House.
Our Take
Man, this event made Asoke feel pretty much impossible to navigate through this past week. Not only was the traffic absolutely insane, but I couldn’t believe the number of police officers everywhere. I would say that from Thong Lor through to Nana, there were four to six officers posted up at every single street corner. I’m not one to get up to any crazy mischief or anything like that, but if you do happen to be one of those people, central Bangkok was NOT a good place to be these past few days!
Thai Baht Roars Back To Life 💸
Anyone that purchased Thai Baht back in October should be patting themselves on the back right now as the currency has made a significant comeback against the US dollar over the past week. At the time of writing this, the exchange rate is 35.82 baht per dollar compared to the 38.27 baht per dollar we saw a few weeks back. To help illustrate the significance of this change in such a short period of time, if you came to Thailand in October and purchased USD $2500 worth of Baht to fund your trip, you would have received 95,675 baht in return. If you were to make the exact same transaction today, you’d get back 89,500 baht, which is a difference of just under 6200 baht. There’s a LOT you can do in Thailand with that extra money. Perhaps an extra night at a 5-star hotel in Chiang Mai. Maybe a round trip ticket to Samui from Bangkok. Possibly a full night out at a pricey rooftop bar with your partner. Point is, to see change like this in a matter of weeks is wild.
Our Take
Well, as someone that earns USD, I enjoyed this while it lasted. In all seriousness though, I’m happy to see the Baht strengthen as its better for more Thai people this way. Yes, anyone in my position is negatively affected, but it is what it is. With cost of living here so reasonable combined with the relatively simple life I live, it’s not like there will be any changes in what I do day-to-day. Perhaps I cut out one night out per month on the heels of this. C’est la vie!
Thailand Travel Tip 🇹🇭
This week’s Thailand Travel Tip is very simple. Go and check out the Top 25 Things To Do In Bangkok video series that Chris and I are in the midst of over on our YouTube Channel! We’ve just entered the Top 10 and I can honestly say that this is one of the best lists ever put together when it comes to things to do in this amazing city. Not only was there a TON of research and thought that went into each video… we also brought in some locals that know this city even better we do. In Episode 21 (Street Food), we brought in our friend Jib who explained everything like the local she is. In today’s Episode, we went out with one of my best friends (Khun Wat) that runs a bicycle tour company. His tour takes you through the unknown parts of Bangkok on the other side of the Chao Phraya River. Super cool. Point is, if you’re headed this way any time soon, make sure to check out this series if you want to find some AMAZING attractions, activities, and food experiences here in the Big Mango. While you’re over there, leave a comment that says you came from Thailand Weekly and give the ‘like’ button a little tickle! It’s always so fun to see some crossover action between this Newsletter and the Channel.
Pet Friendly Pop Up Bar Opens Up In Bangkok 🍸
If you’re someone that loves small animals and also enjoys mixed drinks, then this story is for you. One of Bangkok’s top bartenders is opening up a pet-friendly cocktail bar in Ekkamai that will be a full-fledged pop-experience until the end of February. The goal is to create a fun environment where people can bring their furry friends and enjoy signature drinks made by Suwincha Singsuwan, also known as Chacha. Located behind the curtains at Dr. Dope Dispensary, the bar can fit 24 people and is expected to provide an awesome experience for those that decide to visit.
Our Take
This is what I love about a fully opened up Bangkok. Not only are there amazing events around the clock, but the urban culture is really starting to come back to life. New businesses are opening like wildfire. Pop up shops are everywhere. There’s activities left, right, and centre. The post-pandemic version of this city that I’m experiencing for the first time couldn’t be cooler.
Only In Thailand 🇹🇭
Ahh… the backpackers have returned. Two European tourists were seen sitting in the streets of Bangkok slinging handmade jewelry to help fund their travels with a sign right behind them that roughly translates to “selling things in this area is strictly forbidden”. Classic. A Bangkok-based photographer sparked this story when he tweeted out the image you see above with the caption “Beg packers are back, no shame”. In all seriousness though, I have zero problems at all with those backpacking through Thailand. Just a few years ago I spent time travelling on the cheap through Europe and it was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had, but for some reason, seeing this photo leaves a distasteful feeling with me. I don’t quite know why, but it just does. What’s your take?
Upcoming Events 📅
🏳️🌈 Thailand PRIDE Festival (November 25th to November 27th)
🌱 Asia International Hemp Expo (November 30th to December 3rd)
🌳 International Weed Science Congress (December 4th to December 10th)