#muslim population in thailand
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Turtles Catches Up With Old GMMTV: I Told Sunset About You (ITSAY) Edition
[What’s going on here? After joining Tumblr and discovering Thai BLs through KinnPorsche in 2022, I began watching GMMTV’s new offerings -- and realized that I had a lot of history to catch up on, to appreciate the more recent works that I was delving into. From tropes to BL frameworks, what we’re watching now hails from somewhere, and I’m learning about Thai BL's history through what I’m calling the Old GMMTV Challenge (OGMMTVC). Starting with recommendations from @absolutebl on their post regarding how GMMTV is correcting for its mistakes with its shows today, I’ve made an expansive list to get me through a condensed history of essential/classic/significant Thai BLs produced by GMMTV and many other BL studios. My watchlist, pasted below, lists what I’ve watched and what’s upcoming, along with the reviews I’ve written so far. Today, in a long post, I work my way through Nadao Bangkok’s cinematic motherlode: ITSAY. Thanks to everyone for your patience with this post: I did major due diligence with it, with the absolutely TREMENDOUS help of @telomeke, @lurkingshan, @wen-kexing-apologist, and @bengiyo to ensure I had facts and analysis correct. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, to these dear friends for holding me down and offering your sharp eyes.]
To dive into a topic as complicated, as beautiful, as reflective, as impactful as a macro-analysis of I Told Sunset About You is to take on...a lot. As I’ve discussed with @lurkingshan, from a filmmaking perspective, as so many of us who have watched ITSAY know -- it occupies the top spot of Thai BLs by way of pure cinematic quality. (If you follow my late-night liveblogs, you’ll know that this was the first show -- not even Bad Buddy did this to me -- where I needed to stop multitasking, to just sit and watch the episodes. No drama has done that for me in the years since I became a multitasking mom.)
As with 2gether and Still 2gether last week, this watch of ITSAY is a definite milestone on the OGMMTVC list, and I really thank @shortpplfedup, @bengiyo, @wen-kexing-apologist, @lurkingshan, @telomeke, and others in advance for what we’ve talked about in direct conversation regarding ITSAY, its many influential tentacles, and the influences that the show itself may have come from.
I’d like to touch upon a couple of frames to structure this piece, but the caveat here is that by no way will I consider myself an ITSAY expert, because there’s a tremendous fandom that knows much more about the Nadao Bangkok studio, about PP Krit and Billkin Putthipong, about the director and screenwriter, Boss Naruebet, and much more. I will have a substantial postscript to capture loose notes and learnings that didn’t make it into the main analysis.
Inspired in part by direct conversations with @telomeke and @lurkingshan, I’d like to dive into the following:
1) From a question that @lurkingshan posed to me: what shows from the start of the OGMMTVC watchlist -- and, more broadly, what art out there -- do I think spoke to ITSAY and its development,
2) The important story of Chinese migration to locations like Phuket, Penang (in Malaysia), and other locations on the Malay Peninsula, and how Chinese and Thai-Malay-Chinese-Peranakan cultures flavored ITSAY’s storytelling,
3) A discussion of internal and external homophobia on Teh’s experience, and how his conversation with Hoon encapsulated our understanding of homophobia, filial piety, and socioeconomic pressures in Teh’s particular life, timeline, and culture,
and more, I’m sure. Let’s boogie.
I warned some folks prior to this review that my thoughts on what may have spoken to ITSAY may turn some people off, so I offer this as a flare to y’all in advance. Acknowledging that episodes three and four of ITSAY were as emotional as anything I had ever seen in Asian BLs, Teh was just such a PERFECTLY written character. (The ITSAY supporting documentary episodes state that the show was in part inspired by Billkin’s and PP’s personal lives, and I know there’s fanon that the show was meant to deeply depict their personal stories with each other. I don’t have primary source material to point to regarding this, so I’ll leave it alone, with the understanding that there are interpretations of the show that read between the lines to bring that lens in. I acknowledge the existence of the theories, but will not dive into that here.)
So, in regards to Teh, as I chatted with @lurkingshan as I was watching the series, I just kept thinking to myself... hello, Fuse.
CHAOS BOYS! (Fire Boys? No, no, chaos boys, ha.)
This is where I think my analytical read might get a little controversial with folks, because to compare Make It Right to ITSAY -- from a LOOKS perspective, CERTAINLY from a storyline and narrative structure perspective -- no, it’s not there, not by a long shot.
But when I wonder about what ENERGIES and inspirations opened the door for Boss Narubet to WRITE the way that he wrote, and to DIRECT the way that he directed, Teh’s ENTIRE EMOTIONAL PROCESS AND BREAKDOWNS, his back-and-forth, his hesitations -- I saw chaos, and when I think of chaos, I think of Fuse.
I think of Fuse, and how Fuse was held back, particularly in Make It Right 2, regarding Fuse’s CULTURAL AND SOCIAL ASSUMPTION that he couldn’t break up with his girlfriend, all while being in a nascent give-and-take, back-and-forth relationship with Tee. And how that ASSUMPTION held BACK the full expression of commitment, honesty, and trust that Fuse and Tee ended up having at the end of MIR2. Fuse was being rather unsophisticated while he was struggling with this, and he was bringing Tee along, frustratingly, for that ride.
Something that you said to me also really resonated, @bengiyo, in conversation with @lurkingshan, about comparing TeeFuse and TehOh, in that Fuse and Teh weren’t necessarily SPARKLING or GIFTED presences. As you two both pointed out to me: Teh had to work much, much harder than Oh-aew for the talents that Teh achieved, and somehow, chaotically, he managed to lose his grip on those talents and achievements as he gave up his hard-earned opportunities for the sake of the overall-better-off Oh-aew. MESSY, BRO.
Besides MIR/MIR2, there’s somewhere else where I saw chaos. @bengiyo, you pointed out to me that you felt that you saw more of Thai queer cinema in ITSAY than in BL. I don’t think ITSAY *doesn’t* speak to BL and vice versa (I don’t think there’s anyone who thinks that, considering what Nadao Bangkok achieved with this show), but when I think of chaos -- and of the structures of storytelling that allowed us to get such an in-depth experience of Teh -- I also think of 2019′s Dew the Movie, and to a different extent, the before-its-time show in 2019′s He’s Coming To Me.
ITSAY, Dew, and HCTM have:
a) multiple chaotic leads (including actual ghosts and dudes who see ghosts),
b) overarching cultural backgrounds rooted in extremely specific Asian cultures and/or practices and/or time periods, and
c) interplays of emotional revelations vis à vis those specific cultural backgrounds.
- Fuse introduced to us, way back in 2016 and 2017, an internal holding back of an emotional engagement with Tee that was rooted in internal homophobia by way of his negotiation with what Fuse’s girlfriend expected of him, and what HE expected of HIMSELF regarding HAVING a girlfriend, while falling in love with a young man.
- Dew featured two young men in chaos, in 1990s rural Thailand, one of whom (Dew) who had previously lived in a different city where, likely, his sexual orientation would not have been met with such dystopic scrutiny as it did in the movie. The movie made clear that Dew wanted a solid relationship with Phop, but with both Dew’s and Phop’s families and cultural expectations holding them back, they both met untimely and unfortunate ends that hammered, in extremes, the perils, in cinema, of being gay and out in an incredibly restrictive and old-fashioned Asian society.
- HCTM featured a young man (Thun) who could see ghosts, along with the ghost that he ends up falling in love with (Med). The revelation of Thun’s being able to see Med is deeply connected to Thun’s Thai-Chinese Buddhist practices, and how his family has engaged with spirituality over the course of his life. While the structure of the show has often been described as having a happy ending, I argue the opposite -- that the ending is left open-ended, as it so often is in some of P’Aof Noppharnach’s shows, with the assumed understanding on behalf of an Asian audience that Med will one day be reborn and will leave Thun’s side (unless he’s reborn into another person that knows Thun) (hello, Until We Meet Again).
So what do all of these shows/movies -- ITSAY, Make It Right/MIR2, Dew, and HCTM -- have in common?
ITSAY, Dew, and HCTM have the common background of an old-fashioned culture serving as a MAJOR anchor to their stories. Their stories are leveraged by the micro-level, individual-level interplay between their main characters and old-fashioned worlds, complete with old-fashioned notions, assumptions, and expectations. ITSAY, Dew, and HCTM negotiate boundaries with these cultural guardrails, and we see -- Teh at the end of episode 4, Thun on the rooftop in episode 5, Dew talking to his mother -- what those expectations and boundaries have done internally to our dear young men.
Make It Right’s Fuse, way back in 2016, internalized this slightly differently, without us seeing as deeply the WORLD in which he grew up. The directors and screenwriters New Siwaj and Cheewin Thanamin gave us a guy in school with a girlfriend. FUSE’S world, that we see, is a school world, so apropos for that time of Thai BLs, complete with very heterosexual expectations for a young man WITH a girlfriend. And Fuse struggles with his push-and-pull throughout the two seasons.
What I love about the OGMMTVC project is that by having watched these projects before ITSAY, I can somewhat predict what the journey of chaos, by way of internal revelation, will be for these characters.
However.
What ITSAY DESTROYED for me, as compared to these dramas and movies, was the high level of acting that Billkin leveraged to get Teh to the emotional levels that he reached. Teh, episode 4, and Thun, episode 5 = handshakes.
This is where ITSAY’s structure just brings ITSAY to the top of the cinematic list and runs away from everything else. I posted in my liveblogging that the ending of episode 3 blew me away with a subversion of the four-act structure of screenwriting. @bengiyo corrected me to say that it was, instead, a rare example of Thai BLs achieving a successful five-act structure.
Just -- fuck.
You combine this UTTERLY FUCKING BRILLIANT STORYTELLING STRUCTURE, NARRATIVE STRUCTURING PAR FUCKING EXCELLENCE, ALONG WITH BILLKIN’S PORTRAYAL OF TEH IN HEAT AND CHAOS, and I’m eating, fam. Five-star Michelin tasting menu-level.
But before I start that meal, there’s even more that ITSAY did to really hammer in what I’m referencing by way of the anchors of old-fashioned culture to this story, which, clearly, Boss and Nadao Bangkok value, in the show’s indirect commentary on Chinese culture and migration in Thailand, and what it meant for Teh and Oh-aew to grow up in Phuket and prepare to leave for Bangkok. (If you haven’t watched ITSAY, I highly recommend that you plan on watching the supplementary documentary material, because those docs give a ton of insight into the Thai-Malay-Chinese background of the show. As a SE Asian homey, those revelations gave me the wonderful warm and familiar vibes.)
Dear @telomeke (I don’t know what I’d do without you, friend!) helped me to understand, back in my HCTM days, that I inherently know more about Chinese migration, immigration, and culture into Southeast Asia than I previously gave myself credit for as a part-Malaysian, because many of the migratory patterns and cultural assimilations are similar between Thailand and Malaysia. I appreciated that confirmation, and had my inspector’s hat on during my watch and rewatch of ITSAY.
I’ve spoken with @lurkingshan and @neuroticbookworm about the impact of migration and diasporic existence, in that, I think, oftentimes, immigrants to another country often hold a more conservative view of the cultures they bring with them -- in order to hold onto the tenets of those cultures, and to keep those tenets from getting influenced or maybe even watered down by the new environment in which immigrants are living. (My example to Shan and NBW was that I find that South Asian immigrants are often MORE conservative than my relatives in my homelands -- so as to keep a tight grip on assimilation, or, say, moral/ethical weakening by way of Western culture.)
I think the background of Phuket and EVERYTHING it lent to the show...
- Teh’s mom selling Hokkien mee at a stall storefront and the boys eating it in Teh’s old-fashioned house,
- The old-fashioned o-aew dessert shop, selling a Hokkien Chinese dessert, which is often preceded by a shot of the “Phuket Old Town” sign,
- Teh’s mom’s traditional Chinese-Peranakan outfits, particularly when she’s celebrating Teh and Hoon’s successes,
- The tight streets and alleys,
...all of it, visually and culturally, reminded us that the boys live in a world that was DEEPLY INFLUENCED by the way back when. I posit that Teh’s mom is the encapsulation of this kind of old-fashioned culture, from the architectural style of her Hokkien mee stall, to the clothes she wears, to the heavy decorations and rugs and furniture of her old-fashioned house -- to her old-fashioned notions of filial piety that both her sons will be successful and will help to take care of her as she ages. I posit that this old-fashioned mindset also likely led Teh to believe that Teh’s mom would not accept him for liking men, which I will delve into more in a bit.
I mentioned cultural assimilation earlier: I brought up Penang, Malaysia, earlier, because I’ve spent time in Penang -- and Penang was referenced by Boss in the ITSAY documentaries as being similar to Phuket by way of cultural structure. @telomeke educated me on the tin-trade-influenced links from Phuket to the Malaysian towns of Penang and Kuala Lumpur, all towns that experienced heavy immigration from China and feature the strong presence of Chinese-Malay-Peranakan cultures in their social fabrics. The Peranakan population developed when the first Chinese immigrants to these regions began marrying the local ethnic Thai and Malay residents, creating a brand-new culture, complete with unique foods, clothing, architecture, and much more.
Having not been to Phuket yet, I believe Boss. As well, I want to note -- very important to me as a part-Malaysian -- that Boss referenced Teh’s nickname as the Malay word for tea. @telomeke noted for me this distinction as one that’s notable for how ITSAY differentiates the culture within the show -- again, a culture that’s influenced by Chinese and Malay migratory history -- against the backdrop of Bangkok, where tea is not “teh,” but rather is called “cha,” the Thai word for tea. [The most famous “teh” drink of Malaysia is teh tarik, a sweet, creamy, and strong tea drink that you see everywhere in Malaysia. While o-aew is a distinctly Chinese-style dessert, teh tarik comes from Indian immigrants to Malaysia (and is usually drunk with roti canai, another Indian import to Malaysia)].
In other words: we are talking a TREMENDOUS, a TREMENDOUS amount of references to cultural mixing, development, and assimilation here, all INTENTIONALLY placed by Boss Narubet and his screenwriting team -- and all of this serving as a reflection against what Teh and Oh-aew will experience as being “different” in their futures in Bangkok, where this Thai-Chinese-Malay cultural differential will make them different when they get to college. (Not having seen I Promised You The Moon yet, I wonder if IPYTM sets up Teh and Oh-aew as potential country mice, à la Ji Hyun and Joon Pyo in The Eighth Sense.)
One more pertinent note of cultural intermixing by way of the historical Thai-Chinese-Malay linkages. @bengiyo was surprised that I didn’t initially exclaim at the presence of hijab- and songkok-clad Muslim women and men eating at Teh’s mom’s Hokkien mee stall; Teh and Oh-aew’s friend, Phillip, is also shown with his Muslim parents. It’s funny, @bengiyo, as I said to you: because I was watching ITSAY with such a trained eye towards spotting the Thai-Chinese-Malay cultural mixing, seeing Muslims on screen did NOT ring a bell of differentials because -- I expect to see them there, in those kinds of spaces, anyway. (In fact, seeing Muslims on Thai television is rare, which I will get into more in the postscript.)
So we have: MANY CULTURES MIXING OVER MANY GENERATIONS. Migratory patterns intertwining. Indications of physical and emotional movement. And even though, and even DESPITE, these cultures mixing, we ALSO HAVE an OVERARCHING message of old-fashioned customs and ways of living that dominate the lives of the children in the show -- ESPECIALLY Teh. Teh and Oh-aew -- literally, their NAMES reference places ELSEWHERE than Phuket and Thailand. Phuket’s old-fashioned roots. Teh’s mom SELLS a dish that comes from somewhere else (the Hokkien Chinese population mostly hails from Fujian, China, as its origin).
What happens with migration and immigration? Cultures collide and combine -- social mores and expectations change -- one’s standards of HOW TO LIVE ONE’S LIFE changes.
Teh and Oh-aew, during the entire series, are facing a moment in time where THEIR lives, THEIR cultures, THEIR micro-interactions WITH THEIR cultures, ARE GOING TO CHANGE, definitively, by way of their burgeoning same-sex relationship. Teh and Oh-aew are already different in Thailand by way of their cultural backgrounds, as I’ve established -- and now, with a potential public revelation of their relationship, will they be even more different. And their families -- especially Teh’s mom, but Oh-aew’s family as well -- are going to collide with the very PRESENT present vis à vis their boys and their love.
As this happens with migration and immigration, CHANGE WILL HAPPEN vis à vis Teh and Oh-aew’s queer revelations as well.
Boss focused on the aspects of Phuket that were anchors to the culture that Teh and Oh-aew were raised in -- an immigrant culture, a migrant culture from China, that has had a long hold over many, many towns and societies in Thailand. We didn’t see the modern 7-11s that we know are there in Phuket, serving the tourists of these towns.
And, just like the physical dystopia of Dew, and even vis à vis the spiritual practices built into He’s Coming To Me, the slice of Old Town Phuket that we SAW as that anchor was a HEAVY PRESENCE in Teh’s life -- it was PERFECTLY matched with the old-fashioned, conservative ANGER and DISAPPOINTMENT that we saw in Teh’s mom in episode 4, when Teh shares that he dropped out of university for Oh-aew. That anchor, to me, was meant to SMASH into, FEED into Teh’s overwhelming emotionality at his queer revelation, and at the revelation that serving his mother via filial piety would be automatically made more difficult, thus maximizing the impact of his internalized homophobia and his fear of recognizing his love and attraction for Oh-aew.
COUPLE THAT with the previous hints -- and then the SMASHING WRECKING BALL -- of the visual depths of Oh-aew’s own realizations earlier in episode 4, his own internally different place, the way he reveals himself to the world vis à vis the fast Instagram post of him wearing the red bra. And how Teh reacts to it. And how it sets off such an unreal chain of emotional unraveling for Teh, the SECOND of that episode, even before he goes to Bangkok to drop out.
WHOA.
THIS, TO ME
WAS
FUCKING
STUNNING
and very important to me to see as a South/Southeast Asian. WHEW.
And, good lord. How Hoon comes in at the end for Teh. Hoon, the eldest son, the one who has very quietly borne the financial responsibility that his mom, Teh’s mom, too, has placed on Hoon’s shoulders, naturally, through generations of family custom. (Super duper thanks to @lurkingshan for talking me through this in detail with me.)
And Hoon gives his family, his little bro, Teh, comfort. How Hoon says, listen. Mom’s gonna be mad if and when you tell her about Oh-aew and your feelings for me. But guess what? She’s gonna come around. You’re a crybaby, Teh, but I’m here for you.
Hoon knows that Teh’s mom will come around -- because Hoon is also a part of the next generation of change, much like his Thai-Malay-Chinese-Peranakan community before him -- as he brings his Japanese girlfriend home to his mother and brother. (THANK YOU, @wen-kexing-apologist, for pointing this out!)
Teh’s mom, too, will move. She will move from her old-fashioned mindset, to migrate to a new mindset, where she will accept her son. Teh needed to hear that, to know that that movement would be possible.
Just like the movement of the many swirling cultures around Teh and Oh-aew, the hustle of Bangkok before them, nipping at their lives like the ocean to the beach.
What ITSAY captured for me was a cinematic moment of movement on so many levels. It was a pulsating reflection of change. It was meant and designed to insidiously shock viewers out of complacency. Like a beanstalk climbing from the ground, the movement begot movement to these two young men beginning to address and empty themselves of the homophobia that kept them back, Teh especially.
GAH, THEIR MOVING PHYSICALITY, IT NEVER STOPPED -- the end of episode 2 on the boat, the end of episode 3 in Teh’s room, GAWD -- Teh’s ABSOLUTE HORMONAL DRUNKENNESS, Oh-aew’s STARE AFTER STARE AFTER STARE, Oh-aew’s SILENT DEVASTATION AT THE END OF EPISODE 3, the way Teh would nod and FLOP his head uncontrollably in desire, the nuzzles, the sniffs, the uncontrolled reaches -- GAH. It gives me the shivers.
It was a lot.
ITSAY was just -- y’all know it. It was fantastic. While HCTM was before its time, I feel that ITSAY was RIGHT ON TIME. It brought so many elements of this GORGEOUS, HISTORIC, culturally Southeast Asian experience into the intersection of the queer lens, as well as the *migratory* lens of the Southeast Asian region specifically. It showed us, from a micro-perspective, the very tremendous macro-level implications and pressures of filial piety, of internalized homophobia, of the huge socioeconomic expectations that families have on Asian students to succeed in education, and so much more. IT WAS *DEFINITIVELY INTERSECTIONAL*, MORE SO THAN ANY BL BEFORE ITS TIME.
Yet again, for me, just like Bad Buddy, just like Until We Meet Again, I have another show in my arsenal that makes me proud to be an Asian watching these shows -- and in ITSAY, I feel particularly proud that a slice of my own personal culture, as an Malaysian, made it in there, intentionally. I will FOREVER, and ever, be grateful to ITSAY for that.
-------
I’d like to offer this postscript as a means of making some quick points that @telomeke, @bengiyo, @lurkingshan, and @wen-kexing-apologist shared with me as I was writing this review -- and I thank them all deeply for reading drafts of this post before publication.
1) I was previously unaware of the history and current state of Islamic culture in Thailand until ITSAY and Be My Favorite included women wearing hijabs in their shows. This is an important slice of culture for me to know about, as I’m part-Malaysian, where Islam is the dominant religion. @telomeke shared with me that the majority Muslim population in Thailand is in southern Thailand (although, of course, Muslims live across Thailand), and that there have historically been separatist efforts in those southern provinces that have often led to violence.
There are many reasons why discrimination of Muslims exist in Thailand, as it does around the world, including references to the separatist efforts in the southern provinces. As well, ethnic Thais can trace their heritage back to various towns and communities within China, thus possibly making northern Thailand, with its proximity to China, potentially more lauded in Thai culture, and contributing even more to a perception that southern Thailand, with its Muslim population, as potentially “less desirable.” (And I want to take a second to note @telomeke‘s excellent point to me that “Chinese” as a catch-all word is often incomplete, as Han Chinese make up a sizable portion of Thailand’s population, but as we see in ITSAY, the Hokkien Chinese population also flourishes in certain parts of the country, and there are populations of Teochew and Hakka Chinese as well, as there are in Malaysia.)
All of this combined -- the geographic proximities to China, the places where various populations have settled, from the places that various populations of Thais track their heritages, plus global and/or popular misconceptions and stereotypes of “other” communities -- can contribute to discrimination of Muslims in Thailand. Of course, that is not a universal statement, as we do see Muslims beginning to show up in Thai drama art, which is heartening. To me, it strikes me as more realistic for the region to see Muslims on screen, but I don’t know Thailand well enough to say that for sure (that’s my Malaysian-side talking). I really want to thank @telomeke for taking me on SUCH a deep dive with insight into this part of Thai culture that I think is very necessary and fascinating. (Politics in Thailand is quite complicated at the moment, but at this very second, Thailand’s current Parliament speaker, from the Move Forward party, is Thai Muslim, with a Malay Muslim name -- Wan Muhamed Noor Matha. Very cool, but this is going to change soon, as Move Forward will make way for another political party to take control of the government.)
2) If you know me well enough, I cannot leave food well enough alone in our wonderful dramas (exhibit A: Moonlight Chicken and khao man gai, exhibit B: coffee/kopi in The Promise, lol), and I want to make sure that we were all aware back in 2020, and/or make you aware now, that Hokkien mee is a VERY regional dish, with styles unique to each town in which it is famous. @telomeke, I know you feel differently, but Hokkien mee from Kuala Lumpur (KL), Malaysia is my.... it’s my heaven, my soul, my heart, HA!
Here’s some linkies to get you educated. And also! Oh-aew prefers his Hokkien mee with rice vermicelli noodles, instead of the usual, thicker egg noodles. You know what I like to do if I see that a stall has the two styles of noodles available: I like to get them mixed together. Hokkien mee, Hokkien prawn mee noodle soup, curry laksa -- I like the best of both worlds of noodles in my bowl. YUM.
Phuket Hokkien mee
KL Hokkien mee
Penang Hokkien mee (this one is the prawn noodle soup, not the fried noodles -- omfg so good)
Singapore Hokkien mee (note the lighter color -- and the m’fing mix of thick and thin noodles, hell yeah!)
(If you made it this far in the ITSAY review, I have an easter egg for you. Guess what the Malay name is for rice vermicelli noodles? Bee hoon or mee hoon.
Hoon and Teh, two Malay names: thin noodles and tea. What Teh’s mom serves at her stall, and what Teh and Oh-aew represent, symbolically, by names and their noodle preferences, as a pairing. AND! @telomeke gave me one more easter egg! Teh O is a popular way to order tea in Malaysia and Singapore. It’s black tea with sugar, no milk. Another pairing reference. ITSAY never stopped with all the layered references!)
[WHEW! What a ride. Thanks to all y’all who held me down during my losing-it liveblogging of ITSAY. More to come when I get to Last Twilight in Phuket and I Promised You The Moon.
Next week, I’ll release my review of YYY into the wild -- listen, honestly. Yes, chaos, confusion, all of it. But I am not writing this show totally off. There was definitely stuff in it to chew on. And: POPPY RATCHAPONG. And Pee Peerawich. The acting was actually stacked on this show. There’s stuff! More soon.
And I also finished Manner of Death, so that review will drop in two weeks. I LOVE MAXTUL. UNABASHEDLY. Yes, I know I’m years late, yes, I know Tul is retired, sobs. Let me live my 2021 dreams! These guys are so good together, and MoD was fuckin’ great.
I have so much good stuff on the way: I’m fully in my ATOTS rewatch, and I’ve added 55:15 Never Too Late, very specifically its BL storyline. I may not give 55:15 a full review because I’ll fast-watch the rest of it, but: Khao, come to me, boo-boo! I have an INSANE August ahead of me as I’ll be moving in a month (GAH), but hopefully this schedule won’t fall back too much.
Status of the listy! Hit me up if you have feedback!
1) Love Sick and Love Sick 2 (2014 and 2015) (review here)
2) Make It Right (2016) (review here)
3) SOTUS (2016-2017) (review here)
4) Make It Right 2 (2017) (review here)
5) Together With Me (2017) (review here)
6) SOTUS S/Our Skyy x SOTUS (2017-2018) (review here)
7) Love By Chance (2018) (review here)
8) Kiss Me Again: PeteKao cuts (2018) (no review)
9) He’s Coming To Me (2019) (review here)
10) Dark Blue Kiss (2019) and Our Skyy x Kiss Me Again (2018) (review here)
11) TharnType (2019-2020) (review here)
12) Senior Secret Love: Puppy Honey (OffGun BL cuts) (2016 and 2017) (no review)
13) Theory of Love (2019) (review here)
14) 3 Will Be Free (2019) (not a BL or an official part of the OGMMTVC watchlist, but an important harbinger of things to come in 2019 and beyond re: Jojo Tichakorn pushing queer content in non-BLs) (review here)
15) Dew the Movie (2019) (review here)
16) Until We Meet Again (2019-2020) (review here)
17) 2gether (2020) and Still 2gether (2020) (review here)
18) I Told Sunset About You (2020)
19) YYY (2020, out of chronological order) (review coming)
20) Manner of Death (2020-2021) (not a true BL, but a MaxTul queer/gay romance set within a genre-based show that likely influenced Not Me and KinnPorsche) (review coming)
21) A Tale of Thousand Stars (2021) (review here)
22) A Tale of Thousand Stars (2021) OGMMTVC Fastest Rewatch Known To Humankind For The Sake Of Rewatching Our Skyy 2 x BBS x ATOTS (watching)
23) Lovely Writer (2021)
24) Last Twilight in Phuket (2021) (the mini-special before IPYTM)
25) I Promised You the Moon (2021)
26) Not Me (2021-2022)
27) Bad Buddy (2021-2022) (thesis here)
28) 55:15 Never Too Late (2021-2022) (not a BL, but a GMMTV drama that features a macro BL storyline about shipper culture and the BL industry)
29) Bad Buddy (2021-2022) and Our Skyy 2 x BBS x ATOTS (2023) OGMMTVC Rewatch
30) Secret Crush On You (2022) [watching for Cheewin’s trajectory of studying queer joy from Make It Right (high school), to SCOY (college), to Bed Friend (working adults)]
31) KinnPorsche (2022) (tag here)
32) KinnPorsche (2022) OGMMTVC Fastest Rewatch Known To Humankind For The Sake of Re-Analyzing the KP Cultural Zeitgeist
33) The Eclipse (2022) (tag here)
34) GAP (2022-2023) (Thailand’s first GL)
35) My School President (2022-2023) and Our Skyy 2 x My School President (2023)
36) Moonlight Chicken (2023) (tag here)
37) Bed Friend (2023) (tag here) (Cheewin’s latest show, depicting a queer joy journey among working adults)]
#i told sunset about you#i told sunset about you meta#itsay#itsay meta#tehoh#teh x oh aew#teh x oh#oh x teh#oh aew x teh#billkin putthipong#pp krit#boss naruebet#nadao bangkok#chinese migration to thailand#chinese migration to the malay peninsula#history of the peranakans#peranakan#peranakans#hokkien mee#muslim population in thailand#turtles catches up with old gmmtv#turtles catches up with thai BLs#turtles catches up with the essential BLs#the old gmmtv challenge#ogmmtvc
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Catanzaro, Calabria, Italy
This ancient town which rises on a rock is the capital of the Calabria region. It was founded in 9th century by the Byzantines and was built over three hills in order to protect the town from the Saracen attacks arriving from the lonian sea.
At the beginning of the tenth century (c. 903), the city of Catanzaro was occupied by the Muslim Saracens, who founded an emirate and took the Arab name of قطنصار - Qatanşār.
An Arab presence is evidenced by findings at an eighth-century necropolis which had items with Arabic inscriptions. Around the year 1050, Catanzaro rebelled against Saracen dominance and returned to a brief period of Byzantine control.
Under the Byzantine dominion, between the end of the 9th and the beginning of the 10th century, Calabria was one was one the first places in Italy to introduce the breeding of the silkworm in the 11th century.
According to French historian André Guillou, mulberry trees for the production of raw silk were introduced to Calabria by the Byzantines at the end of the 9th century. Mulberry leaves are the only leaves that silkworms eat.
Around 1050, the theme of Calabria had cultivated 24,000, mulberry trees for their foliage, with growth still ongoing.
The peasants of the countryside around the city produced the raw silk, which was then woven in the silk workshops of Catanzaro. A large part of the population was involved in this business, and the silk of Catanzaro supplied almost all of Europe.
The silk was sold in a large market fair in the port of Reggio Calabria, to Spanish, Venetians, Genovese and Dutch merchants.
Today, three young friends have come together to bring local traditions back to the fore. In 2014 they decided to build their future in San Floro, a tiny village of 600 inhabitants near the city of Catanzaro and restore the traditional mulberry tree planting and cultivation needed for the rearing of silkworms. Historically, San Floro was famous for a very significant production of raw silk in the 17th century, though this heritage had been completely lost in modern times.
The only surviving elements of this rich legacy were the 3,000 abandoned mulberry trees and the memory of the elderly villagers. Miriam and her friends brought back the production of silk, rewinding the threads of history and travelling across the world to exchange best practices with silk institutes in Thailand, India, Switzerland, and France.
As part of its development, they trained people interested in their new, sustainable production model and also brought thousands of tourists from all over the world to visit their farm (Nido di Seta) to experience how silk is produced first-hand.
Catanzaro is a windy city due to its altitude and position between two seas. In fact, there is only 30 km separating the Ionian Sea from the Tyrrhenian Sea and Catanzaro is wide open to the constant strong breezes from the Ionian Sea and the Sila mountains.
Follow us on Instagram, @calabria_mediterranea
#catanzaro#calabria#italy#italia#south italy#southern italy#italian#mediterranean#silk#the silkworm#silk road#europe#architecture#textile#loom#mulberry tree#history#muslim#saracens#italian landscape#landscape#mediterranean sea#arab#byzantine#byzantine empire#weaving#nido di seta
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Hi P'ABL, how are you?
I love to see your analysis and thoughts on different BLs, and you always come off very well educated when it comes to cultural aspects, especially Thailand's culture.
Having this in mind, I think maybe you'll have some answer for my questions. Well, I want to know why Buddism is so heavily portrayed in BLs (like, for example, I Will Knock You). I know Buddism is the biggest religion in Thailand (please correct me if I'm wrong), but it still surprises me how prevalent it is in BLs. Also, I've seen a couple of BLs where the main character gets ordained, and from what I read on the subject, it is a pretty common thing to do, and is a sign of respect both to the religion but also to the family's believes.
Buddism in Thailand
December 2021:
Department of Religious Affairs reported that the population of Thailand identifies as:
92.5% Buddhist
5.% Muslim
1.2% Christian
In other words, a higher percentage of the population of Thailand identifies as Buddhist than the USA identifies as Christian (65% in 2019) or Catholic in Italy (79.2% in 2021).
So Buddism is in Thai BLs because it's in Thailand. It's just very prevalent. One might as well ask why there is so much Christianity in Hollywood's romantic product (oh it's there, language, swearing, modes of address, courting rituals, gendered attire, weddings, etc...).
It's probably unusual and interesting to you, so you noticed it. Also Americans (in particular) - I don't know how you identify but...) tend to be hyperaware of religious/spiritual representation in pop culture because it's so taboo, hyper-politicized, and divisive in the States.
(Appropriate dinner table conversation in different countries is one of the things that fascinates me the most. Like, what's taboo in different countries when you're visiting someone's home for a meal. In larges parts of the US, religion is generally a pretty taboo topic.)
I think it's also prevalent in BL because there's a lot of dead parents, and the death rituals of a culture come into play under those circumstances.
Anything dealing with the spiritual or paranormal, and now weddings and children and blessings and so forth we gonna see religious/spiritual belief rep. As we get more BL delving into different aspects of culture in search of story we will simply see more and more of those aspects of religion that intersect with that aspect of culture, for purely statistical reasons.
Monkhood
I would hazard a guess that the proportion of those in Thailand who chose to be ordained as a Monk is probably the same percent as any other Buddist nation.
Tharn Type 2 takes you through the entire process, if you wanna dive into that franchise.
Also I would highly recommend He's Coming to Me it's got some nifty death stuff going on. Also it's a great BL.
I have kinda talked about this before - old post:
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In the days since Hamas launched a deadly attack on southern Israel on 7 October, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations has not made a formal statement about the crisis. This is not surprising, given that each ASEAN member sees the conflict differently. The language adopted and positions taken by individual ASEAN members reflect the interplay of historical or domestic dynamics in their foreign policy. ASEAN is a grouping – but on this issue, not a bloc.
Let’s look at the diverse response from the ASEAN members – where at one end of the spectrum, Brunei, Malaysia and Indonesia have expressed unity with the Palestinians. None of them has diplomatic relations with Israel and all have remained steadfast in their criticism of Israel despite Western pressure. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim spoke to Ismail Haniyeh, the political bureau chief of Hamas, and expressed support for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.
In each of Malaysia, Brunei and Indonesia, religion is significant in domestic politics. With Muslim majority populations, there is widespread public solidarity with the Palestinian struggles.
The significance of religion in Indonesian domestic politics was compelling enough for Ganjar Pranowo, one of the candidates for next year’s presidential election, to appear during an Islamic prayer call on a private TV station as part of his campaign. Furthermore, recent public demonstrations in Jakarta and Kuala Lumpur against Israel and the United States reflect sentiment on the street about the latest fighting, which governments cannot ignore.
Conversely, Singapore took a firm position against Hamas and strongly condemned the “terror attacks”. The small island-state has close defence relations with Israel, with Israeli military advisers assisting the Singapore Armed Forces since Singapore’s independence in 1965. Defence relations remain strong, as reflected in the joint development and production of surface-to-surface Blue Spear missiles.
Singapore’s strong stance against Hamas leaves it out of step with its larger Muslim-majority neighbours. Bilahari Kausikan, an influential former Singaporean diplomat, made clear the difference by frankly labelling as “bullshit” a view he attributed to a Malaysian ex-diplomat for the “root cause of the current violence” to be addressed, instead supporting a robust Israeli military response against Hamas.
Nevertheless, Singapore is concerned the crisis could lead to domestic division along religious lines as there is a sizable Muslim minority in the island-state. The government has banned events and public assemblies concerning the current Israel-Hamas conflict, citing rising tension as a reason. And to avoid a view that the Singapore position was one-sided, a government minister later said it was possible to be concerned regarding the Palestinian plights while condemning Hamas’ action. The Singaporean President and Prime Minister sent letters to Palestinian leaders, expressing condolences for the mounting casualties in the Gaza Strip, and pledging a $300,000 donation in humanitarian aid.
Two other ASEAN members, the Philippines and Thailand, have large numbers of nationals working in Israel and have suffered casualties in the current crisis. Yet each responded differently. The Philippines condemned Hamas’ actions, while Thailand initially expressed neutrality, stating that “we do not know the truth about the political climate between the two nations [Palestine and Israel].” Manila’s response could be attributed to its experience battling militant groups in the southern Philippines over decades. As recently as 2017, militant groups professing alignment with the Islamic State seized control of Marawi, a city in the south of the Philippines, which led to a months-long campaign by the Philippines military with regional support to drive the militants out.
Across mainland Southeast Asia, Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam issued softer statements, expressing concern about the crisis without assigning blame to any party. The military junta in Myanmar is more focused on regime survival, launching an air strike against domestic insurgents, killing 29 people a few days after the Hamas attack on Israel.
These historical and domestic dynamics inform the policy of individual ASEAN states and provide some perspective in their reading of and response to the current crisis in the Middle East. It demonstrates a lack of unity among the Southeast Asian grouping that some observers argue dilutes its relevance. Yet despite the diverse responses by individual ASEAN members, there has been no official criticism by one member against another. This is consistent with ASEAN’s norms of non-interference in each other’s affairs, which aims to ensure the stability of Southeast Asia, a region that is still experiencing the threat of terrorism, internal rebellions, and inter-state territorial disputes.
Perhaps the silent acceptance of diverse positions is a strategy for ASEAN to cope in the more volatile world that we live in today.
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Recently we have seen in the Middle East what is the purest form of Islam. The leader of Hamas is not some guy in a cave, he is a man wearing a grey suit and he hops on a video and says that it is Allah's wish that what happened in Israel will happen to all of the infidels all over the world.
The stage and the theater of attention in our world is not Finland, it's not Norway, it's not Thailand, it's always been and always will be what's happening in the Middle East because that is the land of Genesis, Genesis meaning "beginning" and that is where everything began, that is where everything is focused right now, and that is where everything will end in the battle of Armageddon which is modern day northern Israel. The world's events around us consistently propel us and catapult us into the land of the Bible. What you are witnessing in our culture is the testimony of the fact that man is not basically good, man is basically and fundamentally evil. In Genesis chapter 3 sin enters the world and in Genesis chapter 4 you have the first murder; Cain kills his own brother, Abel. Men have been murderers from the beginning and they have been restrained by law and by standards of morality that have been imposed on them.
In the beginning God places his people in this rich land between the Tigris and the Euphrates rivers and that is the land called Mesopotamia which is modern day The Middle East. God promised this land to Abraham and his descendants and Abraham messed up this promise in a way when instead of trusting that God would give him a son through his wife Sarah, he slept with Hagar and now the battle that takes place in our modern world is a battle between two former sons of Abraham: Isaac and Ishmael. The sons of Ishmael represent the Arabic world; the sons of Isaac, consequently the sons of Jacob, are the sons of Israel. The sons of Ishmael were unified by a common religion in the 7th century BC under the leadership of Mohammad, the greatest Muslim prophet. And now the hundreds of millions of people that live in the Arab states all hate with a passion and are intent on killing the people of Israel. It's a land mass of Israel that is the size of New Jersey with a Jewish population roughly the size of the greater Phoenix area, but it dominates the media.
All false religions are bad, but Islam may be amongst the worst and most powerful because it perverts the nature and person of Jesus Christ. Islam believes Jesus was a mighty prophet, subject and submissive to Mohammad and he did not die on the cross, he did not die at all, he was taken up to Heaven like Elijah. In the Muslim faith there is no assurance of salvation, but there is a single way you can know for sure you are going to Heaven and do you know what it is? To die in jihad. The only way you can know for sure you are going to heaven if you are a Muslim if you are killed in action, is slaying the infidels. When men die in jihad, as you can imagine there are no shortage of volunteers in a religious worldview like this, when men die in jihad they go immediately to paradise and it says in the Quran that when they are there in paradise they are greeted by 72 beautiful virgins of whom they have eternal sex with. That is the promise to 11-year-old's growing up in the Gaza strip; if you grow up and you blow up Jews and Christians you will enter heaven and be greeted by your own harem of virgins. All non-believers in Mohammad are infidels, but in the Muslim faith, the little Satan they call is Israel. And do you know who the great Satan is? America, because we protect and stand behind Israel. One Muslim on the voice of Palestine radio says, "The Muslim loves death and martyrdom just as you Jews love life."
There is a great difference between he who loves the afterlife and he who loves the world, and the Muslim loves death and seeks martyrdom. One boy after 9/11 is recorded, his name was Ahmad, and he was going to a school on the Gaza Strip and he says this to reporters, "I will make my body a bomb that will blast the flesh of Zionists, the sons of pigs and monkeys, I will tear their bodies into little pieces and cause them more pain than they will ever know." He is 11-years-old and his classmates respond and say, "Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar," god is great. And the teacher says, "May the virgins give you pleasure."
The Quran has 123 verses that call for fighting and killing anyone who does not agree with this statement, "There is no god but Allah and Mohammad is his prophet." Quran Surah 5:33 says about infidels, "They shall be slain or crucified or have their hands and feet cut off"; Surah 9:5 says "Slay the infidels wherever you find them and lie in wait for them and establish every stratagem of war against them"; Surah 47:4-9 promises paradise to whoever cuts off the head of an infidel. Sometimes we call this radical Islam, I want you to understand this is just Islam. That's just what they believe. It's not a peaceful religion. It's a religion at its very core, the first thing Mohammad does, is slaughter all the infidels. It's those who walk in the ways of Mohammad that subscribe to this thinking. You don't just have a different belief system than them if you're a Christian, you're their enemy. And they are commanded by god to fill the rivers red with the blood of infidels. Hamas, or I would say obedient Muslims, could be described as merciless, heartless, violent, wicked, evil, lovers of pleasure.
Jonny Arvadanis
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I made this infographic as a sanity check, partially because a family member I spoke to could not believe that Black Americans were less than 15% of the U.S. population, until I pulled up U.S.census data to convince them. And partially to process the recent news about the Buffalo, NY shooting. Needless to say, I'm tired of living here, playing russian roulette with young, white 4channers with too much time and too many resources, enacting conspiracy-ridiculed hate crimes on innocent lives. The "white genocide" and "great replacement" conspiracy has been pinned on Jewish, Muslim, and non-white populations for decades. But even in the most saturated areas—even with a significant margin of error—we are so small and the gap is so, so wide.
Everything below is sourced directly from the U.S. Census Bureau and pertains to the most recent census. I understand other countries provide very different categories for racial and ethnic reporting.
Transcript: A dot chart with various colored dots loosely indicating population percentage estimates.
2021 USA Population Race & Hispanic origin
White (76.3%) - Indicates race as "White" or report entries from Europe, the middle East, or North Africa such as Irish, German, Italian, Lebanese, Arab, Moroccan, or Caucasian.
Black or African American (13.4%) - Indicates race as "Black or African American," or report entries such as African American, Kenyan, Nigerian, or Haitian or other diasporas from the African continent.
Asian (5.9%)- Indicates race as East Asian, Southeast Asian, or of the Indian subcontinent including, Cambodia, China, India, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Pakistan, the Philippine Islands, Thailand, and Vietnam.
Two or more races (2.8%) - Combinations of two or more of the above race categories.
American Indian and Alaska Native (1.3%) - Indicates race as "American Indian or Alaska Native" or report entries such as Navajo, Blackfeet, Inupiat, Yup'ik, or Central American Indian groups or South American Indian groups.
Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander (0.2%) - Indicates race as Fijian, Guamanian or Chamorro, Marshallese, Native Hawaiian, Samoan, Tongan, etc.
Hispanics or Latino (18.5%) - A person of Cuban, Mexican, Puerto Rican, South or Central American, or other Spanish culture or origin regardless of race.
According to the U.S. Office of Management and Budget, the concept of race is separate from the concept of Hispanic origin. People who identify their origin as Hispanic, Latino, or Spanish may be of any race.
Nearly all groups saw population gains this decade. The Two or More Races population increased the most by 276%. The White alone population (does not indicate hispanic origin) declined by 8.6% since 2010, with current estimate numbers at 204.3 million out of the 331.8 million total population.
#current events#buffalo shooting#mass shooting#us politics#infographic#racial demographics#mine#hate crime#anti blackness#white supremacy#white genocide#the great replacement#death mention#ask to tag
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The BEST Disneyland Snacks for 2024
youtube
HAVE - 2 - CHECK - ROBOFORM
ABOUT - WHERE - I - GOT - POP
POPULATION - COUNT - WELL
CONGRATULATIONS - INDIA
LOVE - OF - CHILDREN
LEGAL - WEDDINGS
18 KIDS - THEY - LOVE THEIR
CHILDREN - SINCE - 2023
LAST - YEAR - CONGRATS
INDIA - WORLD's - LARGEST POP
WORLD OMETERS. INFO
NO 1 - INDIA - 1,428,627,663
NO 2 - CHINA - LAW - JUST
1 KID - EACH - AFTER 30 YRS
ENDED - BUT - INDIA's LOVE
OF - CHILDREN - WON
NO 2 - CHINA - 1,425,671,352
NO 3 - USA - 339,996,563
NO 4 - LARGEST - MUSLIM
COUNTRY - INDONESIA
ISLAM - 1 DAY OF SILENCE
JANUARY's - 18 AND OLDER
1 MONTH - JUST - WATER
NO 4 - INDONESIA - BALI
277,534,122
NO 5 - PAKISTAN
240,485,658
NO 6 - NIGERIA - BLKS
223,804,632
NO 7 - BRAZIL - PORTUGUESE
216,422,446
NO 8 - BANGLADESH
172,954,319
NO 9 - RUSSIAN FEDERATION
144,444,359
NO 10 - MEXICO
128,455,567
NO 11 - ETHIOPIA
126,527,060
NO 12 - JAPAN
123,294,513
NO 13 - PHILIPPINE ISLANDS
117,337,368
NO 14 - EGYPT
112,716,598
NO 16 - VIETNAM
98,858,950
NO 19 - GERMANY
83,294,633
NO 20 - THAILAND
71,801,279
NO 21 - UNITED KINGDOM
(ENGLAND - WALES - NORTH
IRELAND - SCOTLAND)
67,736,802
NO 23 - FRANCE
64,756,584
NO 24 - SOUTH AFRICA
60,414,495
NO 25 - ITALY
58,870,762
NO 29 - SOUTH KOREA
51,784,059
NO 38 - CANADA
38,781,291
NO 55 - AUSTRALIA
26,439,111
NO 98 - ISRAEL
9,174,520
NO 104 - HONG KONG ISLAND
7,491,609
NO 114 - SINGAPORE
6,014,723
NO 115 - DENMARK
5,910,913
NO 175 - MALDIVES
521,021
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The invention of Coffee, what country's customs, and which region's Coffee is best - 10 unknown facts about Coffee.
There has never been as much buzz and discussion about Coffee in today's urban society.Many people have a habit of drinking Coffee before starting their daily work, after lunch, or on a lazy afternoon.
According to the International Coffee Organization, 90 million 60 kg bags of Coffee were sold worldwide in 1991. This year that number will reach 16 crores.
The beans that are brewed to produce Coffee are the roasted seeds of a fruit called a coffee cherry.
If you bite into the main coffee cherry fruit, the seed splits into two oval-shaped halves.
According to the US National Coffee Association, 5% of the world's coffee consists of a single seed called the 'peaberry'.
These 'peaberry' coffees are hand-separated. This type of coffee bean is famous for its strong flavor and excellent blend.
2. Somewhere people don't drink coffee, they eat it
Although people have been drinking coffee for ages, people feel more comfortable drinking it somewhere.
Also, read:
Why is the digestive system called the second brain?
Khaleda or Tariq's question 'Is not a condition of electoral unity'
How do change the operator while keeping the same number
What is known about the persecution of Uyghur Muslims in China
Many Coffee breweries make flour from spoiled Coffee cherries. This flour is used to make bread, chocolate, sauce, or cake.
It does not taste quite like Coffee; Its taste varies depending on the variety of the seed.
3. Coffee made from shit can be very expensive!
The world's most expensive Coffee reaches humans through the digestive system of either of these two animals - a mammal called a 'civet' - a cat or an elephant.
'Kopi Luak' is a type of Coffee made from the dung of the civet, an Indonesian mammal.
Coffee cherries are naturally fermented as they pass through the cat's digestive system, then harvested and sold.
The price of 500 grams of that type of Coffee can be up to 700 dollars (about 60 thousand taka).
However, this type of Coffee is currently being challenged by Black Ivory Coffee. This type of Coffee is made from the droppings of elephants in Thailand after eating hand-separated Coffee cherries.
Black Ivory Coffee was invented by a Canadian named Blake Dinkin.
The price of 35 grams of Black Ivory Coffee in the United States is around $85.
4. Coffee is good for your health
Coffee is rich in antioxidants. They help our body cells to prevent harmful toxins and chemicals.
A study published earlier this year found that drinking at least three cups of Coffee a day can reduce the risk of many serious diseases, including heart attacks.
The research was carried out with the data of 500,000 people from ten European countries for 16 years.
The caffeine content of Coffee helps to increase the freshness and sports activity of people.
5. But Scandinavian people drink the most Coffee
According to the International Coffee Association, Finnish residents drink the highest amount of Coffee on average.
The average annual Coffee consumption of a Finnish person is about 12 kg.
In addition, the average Coffee consumption of people in Norway and Iceland is over 9 kg per year. Residents of Denmark and Sweden also consume an average of more than 8 kg of Coffee per year.
6. Tea or Coffee?
Which is popular in your country - tea or Coffee?
According to the British Coffee Association, Coffee is the most popular drink in the world. About 200 million cups of Coffee are drunk in the world every day.
But is the equation really that simple?
Two of the world's most populous countries - India and China - prefer tea over Coffee.
Coffee is popular in the Americas and mainland Europe; However, tea is still popular in most parts of Asia and the former Soviet Union.
Geographer David Grieg, in his publication published in 2006, pointed out that to solve this conflict between tea and Coffee, it is necessary to calculate not by weight, but by how many cups of tea or Coffee are drunk.
According to him, the comparison should be made to how many liters of tea or Coffee were drunk.
Because of weight, about 80% more Coffee is drunk than the amount of tea that is drunk in the world every year.
But while about 2 grams of tea leaves are needed to make a cup of tea, about 10 grams of Coffee seeds are needed to make a cup of Coffee.
By this calculation, according to him, "One cup of Coffee can be equivalent to three cups of tea."
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Malaysia Travel Guide
How does this Malaysian driving guide assist you?
Malaysia is one of the safest locations to drive because it is one of Asia's slower-growing nations. However, there are a few things you should know first if you're just a traveler renting a car.
Basic information
The nation is cosmopolitan and multiethnic. This indicates that individuals within the population practice several religions. Although Islam is the official religion of the nation, other non-Muslims are given freedom of worship. Peninsular Malaysia has the bulk of Malaysia's population, with East Malaysia housing the remainder.
They exhibit a wide range of racial, linguistic, cultural, and religious backgrounds. For administrative reasons, there are certain divisions created between native peoples, known as Bumiputera, and immigrant groups, mostly Chinese and South Asians, known as non-Bumiputera, as a result of this variety.
Geographical area
The Southeast Asian nation of Malaysia is located north of the equator. Peninsular Malaysia (West Malaysia), on the island of Borneo, and East Malaysia are her two regions, divided by the South China Sea. Malaysia's 13 states and 3 federal territories are considered to be part of the country's federal constitutional monarchy.
Malaysia is connected to Singapore and has shared borders with Thailand (West Malaysia), Indonesia, and Brunei (East Malaysia). Additionally, it shares maritime borders with the Philippines and Vietnam.
Speakable language
Malaysian is their official language. Following the racial unrest of 1969, English replaced Malay as the second language in Malaysia. According to the National Languages Act of 1967, it may be used for official purposes.
English, along with Malaysian, is the official language in Sarawak, nevertheless.
Additionally, there is Malaysian English, which is a variant of British English and is also referred to as Standard Malaysian English. Along with Manglish, the informal variety of Malaysian English, it is frequently employed in business.
Sightseeing
Due to the Malaysian Ministry of Tourism's push to market Malaysia as a top-tier tourist destination, the phrase "Malaysia, the true Asia" has been used to describe Malaysia since the 1990s. From a vast range of delectable street foods to internationally renowned sites that make a journey tremendously valuable, Malaysia has a lot to offer.
Renting a car in Malaysia
In Malaysia, renting a car makes traveling easier. In Malaysia, there are several automobile rental agencies, and you can contact practically all of them online. But how can you be certain that a particular car rental company in Malaysia is reliable? See more details about renting a car below. Once you've rented a car in Malaysia, keep in mind that you must always have your driver's license on you.
Auto rental
The following step after obtaining your Malaysian IDP is to rent a vehicle. You may pre-prepare this online. Online reservations might help you save money as well. When you arrive in Malaysia, you may also rent a vehicle.
Required paperwork for renting a car in Malaysia
You must obtain the required paperwork from the local Malaysian agency to hire an automobile. which are:
A valid driving permit
You must have a photo on your driver's license, and it must be unencumbered and valid for at least a year. Even if you have already leased a car in Malaysia, you need to always have your driver's license with you when you are out on the road.
Passport or visa as acceptable identification
Keep in mind that your visa must be current and not rejected. Every other identity will eventually be rejected. You must always have your passport with you. For security purposes, certain agencies may also keep a copy of your ID.
4 to 5 passport pictures
The agency decides if a passport photo is necessary. It's safer to carry extra, as some agencies need you to take three shots.
Driver's license or international driving permit:
The IDP license is a translation of one issued domestically. It is crucial to take the car to all of your scheduled excursions. You may apply for an IDP at E-ITCA.org if you haven't already. Anyone can understand the process because it is quick and simple.
The local driver's license in English
If the characters on your driver's license are not Roman. There must be an English translation for Chinese and Japanese. The English version is intended for both transportation professionals and automobile rental organizations. aims to remove linguistic barriers.
International Driving Permit in Malaysia
A domestic driver's license has been transformed into an international driving permit (IDP). In a nation that accepts the document, you are permitted to operate a personal vehicle. Travellers like you have the option of arriving at your destination more quickly and affordably, particularly when traveling in groups. We are all aware that Malaysia does not accept various kinds of driver's licenses. However, residents of ASEAN (Southeast Asia) nations may drive in Malaysia using their home country's license. It is inexpensive and simple to apply for an IDP in Malaysia directly from E-ITCA.org. For quicker transactions and outcomes, you can submit your application for a Malaysian International Driving Permit online through. To apply for an international driver's license via e-itca.org, all you need is a copy of the front and back of your current driver's license, a picture of your digital passport, and your IDP payment.
What conditions must be met to obtain an international driving permit?
To drive on Malaysian roads, visitors from outside Malaysia and Southeast Asia need an IDP. Despite Singapore's membership in ASEAN, Malaysian drivers are not permitted to use Singapore driver's licenses while operating Malaysian vehicles. Therefore, even if you reside in Singapore, you require an IDP. Anyone over the age of 18 with a valid driver's license who has at least one year left on it is eligible to receive an IDP. An IDP is an essential document required to drive in Malaysia. The following documents are necessary to apply for a Malaysian International Driving Permit:
Please be aware that if you simply have a trial/learner license, you cannot apply for an IDP. Holders of motorcycle learner licenses are likewise ineligible to apply for an IDP.
Malaysian traffic laws
If this is your first time visiting Malaysia, you should be aware that driving laws must be respected. Numerous tourists who use self-driving cars have been in minor collisions or have been pulled over by police for breaking the law. For a safe vacation, read all of Malaysia's self-driving rules and restrictions before traveling on the nation's congested roadways.
Important guidelines for driving in Malaysia
You should educate yourself on the traffic laws and road rules in Malaysia before you begin driving. We have included a collection of these rules and guidelines below to help you get started on your trip.
Law on Drunk Driving
You should also be aware that it is illegal to drive in Malaysia while under the influence of alcohol or other drugs that are forbidden. cocaine, marijuana, heroin, opium, etc. 80 milligrams of alcohol are allowed in every 100 milliliters of blood, which is the highest acceptable blood alcohol level.
Authorities may punish you with up to RM2,000 and put you in jail for up to 6 months if they believe you are under the influence of alcohol. Both drivers in Malaysia and visitors are obliged to abide by this guideline.
General standards
In addition to the guidelines listed above, it's critical to be aware of and comprehend several Malaysia-specific guidelines. You should be aware of this and continue to follow these guidelines, notwithstanding the possibility that they also apply in your country of residence.
Vehicle taxes
You should be aware of the road tax if you drive in Malaysia. You can register at the JPJ office or the Road Traffic Division. You may either pay in person at the Pos Malaysia office by presenting his JPJ registration card in the automobile, or you can pay online. Make sure your auto insurance is current before paying your road tax.
The seatbelt
In Malaysia, using a seat belt is required. Additionally, seatbelts are a requirement for motorists. By law, seat belt use is required. Therefore, if you drive while not wearing a seatbelt, you risk receiving a fine for this one offense alone. Children under the age of four must also be secured in child safety seats and are prohibited from riding in the front seat.
Mobile device
In Malaysia, using a mobile device while operating a vehicle is severely forbidden. only permitted when linked to a hands-free device, such as Bluetooth. In that nation, you risk fines and license suspension if you're discovered using your phone while driving.
Lane shift
You should be cautious when changing lanes when driving in Malaysia. Many bikers don't always abide by the law. In Malaysia, many drivers frequently weave in and out of traffic with little regard for other motorists. According to statistics, fast motorbikes, primarily driven by relatively young individuals, are responsible for nearly 60% of traffic incidents in Malaysia.
Speed restriction
Within Malaysia, there are three different types of speed restrictions. On highways, the top speed is 110 km/h (68 mph); on public roads, it is 90 km/h (55 mph); and in towns, it is 60 km/h (37 mph). Since many traffic accidents have been reported as a result of drivers' failure to ensure their own and other people's safety, Malaysia's speed limits are a little slower than those in other nations. The number of road deaths is progressively declining, thanks in part to speed limits.
As a result, you must adhere strictly to the posted speed restrictions when driving on Malaysian roads to prevent any potential collisions.
Age Limit for Driving in Malaysia
He must be at least 18 years old to legally drive a car on Malaysian public roads and possess a driver's license. Although the minimum age varies by jurisdiction, it is typically set at 18.
In Malaysia, you must be at least 18 years old to drive and hire a car; you must be at least 23 years old and have had a license for a year.
Taking over technique
Due to the tendency of Malaysian motorcycle riders to zigzag across the road, overtaking might be challenging. It's worth the risk, for instance, if you're running late for a meeting or a trip or if one of your loved ones needs help right away. but proceed with caution. It is wise to presume that the motorcycle will attempt to go ahead on occasion.
To pass on a three-lane highway, go into the rightmost lane. In Malaysia, left-hand drive is indicated by passing in the far right lane. In other words, the car's steering wheel is located on the left side.
Driving side
If this is your first time driving in Malaysia, you should be aware that the country uses the British system.
To put it another way, Malaysians drive both left and right. For instance, on a three-lane highway, the slow lane is on the left edge, while the fast lane is in the middle, on the right edge.
However, despite the driver or drivers honking their horns or flashing their lights, many slowly moving vehicles continue to travel in the passing lane. Rest areas with gas stations and eateries are common along roads.
Activities to do in Malaysia
There are several things you may do when you organize your vacation to Malaysia. especially if one of them entails operating a vehicle or hunting for employment. Getting a job in Malaysia might be challenging for foreigners, especially given how competitive the employment market is. However, don't give up. If you seek long and hard enough, there is always employment for you.
Driving while being a visitor in Malaysia
When traveling by car in Malaysia, it can be very stressful, especially if you're not used to the aggressive driving style of the locals. It will be exciting and enjoyable. Additionally, even those who don't want to drive abroad can learn a lot by doing this.
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If you are thinking of traveling to Bangkok, Thailand, you are in the right place. Bustling nightlife, rows of skyscrapers and hot Bangkok are the things that come to mind. Although the words dirty, chaotic and hot are used a lot for Bangkok, the city is always energetic and lively. It is Thailand's largest city and also its capital.
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The city's official name in Thai has the longest place name in the world: Krung Thep Mahanakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahinthara Yuthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom Udomratchaniwet Mahasathan Amon Piman Awatan Sathit Sakkathattiya Witsanukam Prasit. It is also known colloquially as Krung Thep, the City of Angels, or the Venice of the East.
Due to the tropical climate of the country and the abundance of skyscrapers, Bangkok is very hot. So much so that it was chosen as the hottest metropolitan city in the world by the World Meteorological Organization. Many people see Bangkok as a fusion of the traditional and the modern. While skyscrapers and luxury residences rise on one side of the city, there are slums on the other.
The city, which has an official population of 8,280,925 - and this number increases even more when the fugitives are taken into account - is one of the places where the temperature is high, the majority of the population lives on the border of hunger and world-famous companies set up their factories to make their products cheap. According to estimates, the city, which has a population of more than 11 million, is considered too active and tiring due to its heavy traffic.
In addition, the city is home to many ethnic groups. People of different faiths belonging to Buddhist, Muslim, Christian and local religions live in different regions of this city. The group that has the majority in terms of population in the region can put pressure on people who are in minority status. In this respect, the concept of gangs is quite developed.
In addition, one of the negative aspects of Bangkok is that sex for money is uncontrolled and women's trafficking is carried out openly on the streets. However, Bangkok is still a very safe city for tourists. The people of Bangkok, like the rest of Thailand, are helpful and tolerant of tourists.
Where Is Bangkok?
Let us share with you some of the things you need to know when traveling to Bangkok. Bangkok is located in the south of Asia, next to the Gulf of Thailand.
When To Go To Bangkok?
In Thailand, which is in the tropical climate zone, the seasons are divided into three as cool season, hot season and rainy season. The cool season between November and February is the ideal time to travel. Temperatures generally vary between 20-27 degrees. During this period, the monsoon rains are over and the sweltering heat leaves its place to a mild weather.
March and June correspond to the hot season. This is the period when the country reaches the highest temperature, and these temperatures are above 35 degrees. Due to high temperatures and urbanization, a very heavy, polluted air occurs. In this season, your trip may not be as pleasant as you hoped. Finally, the rainy season runs between July and October.
The effect of monsoon rains is seen in this period in the country. It rains almost every day. During this period, the number of tourists is less and the city is less crowded, so it can be a suitable period for your trips. The rainy season also comes after the hot season, so the rains lower the air temperature by a few degrees.
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Where To Stay In Bangkok?
Bangkok is the capital and also the largest city of Thailand. Choosing where to stay in Bangkok can make your vacation a whirlwind or a disgrace. It will be worth a few minutes to take a look at the pros and cons of each region. After deciding which area to stay in, choosing a hotel will be quite easy.
If you want to pack your backpack and see the colorful
Bangkok, you can visit China Town, if you want to shop on a budget, Pratunam, Silom for lively nightlife, Siam for shopping with your family, the most romantic place in Bangkok. You can choose Riverside to visit.
Places To Visit In Bangkok
When you explore the places to visit in Bangkok, you can see more Buddha statues than you have ever seen. Buddha statues sitting cross-legged in the streets, avenues and squares… High buildings reminiscent of New York, entertainment venues, Buddhist temples, palaces and many other places waiting for you to explore. The distant culture of the Far East, which you can't get enough of, will call you again and again. While this warm and crowded city has become one of today's metropolises, it keeps its own culture alive in different corners.
While walking on a crowded street full of skyscrapers, you may come across traditional wooden houses of Thailand when you turn the corner. You will notice that the locals, who are also famous for their tolerance, are helpful towards tourists. It is necessary to spare a few days to visit Bangkok, which is lively at all hours of the day.
The historical part of Bangkok lies along the Chao Phraya River. The Great Palace, which was the residence of the royal family for nearly 150 years, is also located on the river bank. Wat Phra Kaew, located right next to the palace, is Thailand's holiest temple. Home to the Reclining Buddha Statue, Wat Pho Temple is also considered the birthplace of Thai massage. Wat Arun is also one of the most beautiful temples in the city.
The place that houses the Golden Buddha Statue is Wat Traimit Temple. The home of the American Jim Thompson, who revived the silk industry in Thailand, is also located in Bangkok. Lumpini Park, one of the few resting places in Bangkok, is an ideal spot to unwind. Dusit Palace is also a palace where Thai and Western arts are blended. The largest museum in the country, the Bangkok National Museum houses valuable objects.
The Suan Pakkad Palace Museum, which consists of traditional wooden Thai houses, is also worth seeing.
Wat Pho Temple
Wat Pro is known as the birthplace of Thai Massage. This is one of the most famous Buddhist temples in Bangkok. It is easier to get around here as it is less crowded compared to Wat Phra Kaew Temple. The Buddha statue in the temple is called the Reclining Buddha because of its position. The statue is 15 meters high and 43 meters long and depicts Buddha with his right arm stretched out. There are 108 symbols under Buddha's feet and on the bowls in the corridor. This symbolizes the Buddha's 108 auspicious states.
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The temple is also considered Thailand's first educational center and first university. The medical school, which was established here in the 1950s, still provides education. The temple was built before King Rama I declared Bangkok the capital. It is estimated that the temple dates back to the 16th century, but when King Rama moved its capital status from Thonburi to Bangkok on the other side of the river, he ordered a more beautiful temple to be built in its place.
Since the land where the temple is located was swampy, it was first dried and then the construction was started. In 1832, King III. Rama had the temple renovated for 16 years.
Grand Palace
Wat Phra Kaew
Wat Arun
Jim Thompson House
Wat Traimit
Lumpini Park
Dusit Palace
Bangkok National Museum
Suan Pakkad Palace Museum
Transportation In Bangkok
When you travel to Bangkok, you should also know how to get there. The public transport system in Bangkok, consisting of bus, subway, train and boat services, is highly developed. The most effective means of public transport are buses. With bus connections, you can reach every point in the city. The metro, on the other hand, serves only in a limited area. Blue buses operate in the normal system and yellow buses have the express feature.
There are air trains (BTS Sky Train) in the city.
This system, which is established over viaducts, provides a significant time saving. The two-track ferry system on the Saen Saep Canal is also under public transport. It offers a romantic trip to the east and west, similar to Venice. As of 2013, Bangkok has 2 skytrain (BTS) lines and an airport subway called MRT. Others are under construction. All of these can be used with cards or coins. For tourists, there are also options such as daily or longer-term tickets.
The first rule of thumb for urban transport in Bangkok is to understand that the system is modular. In other words, you cannot easily go to your destination with a single vehicle. Of course, although you can do this with a taxi, this mode of transportation depends on traffic density, construction works that sometimes block the roads and other factors. Those who know Bangkok well always use the most suitable combination. This may be where you want to go first by taxi to the metro, or from the metro by motorcycle taxi.
There are two airports in the city. In transportation from the airport to many points of the city, buses under the body of public transportation serve 24 hours a day. There are also taxis available. Taxi prices in Bangkok are very cheap compared to Turkish lira. It is recommended to travel by taxi whenever possible.
After going south 6.5 km from Mo Chit station, the BTS Sukhumvit line turns east and ends at Bearing station after 15 km. BTS Silom line starts from National Stadium station, goes 1 km east, then turns south, crosses the river, and ends at Talat Phlu station after about 9 km. (Wutthakat and Bang Wa stations will open soon). The Sukhumvit and Silom lines converge at only one point: Siam Square. You can transfer from this point.
The MRT metro is a little easier as it consists of only one line. It starts from Bang Sue station near Chatuchak Market and ends at Hualumphong station near Chinatown. You can transfer to the BTS line at three points: Sala Daeng/Silom, Suhkumvit/Asok, and Chatuchak/Mo Chit.
Similarly, the SARL Airport Link consists of a single line starting from Phaya Thai and going 20 km east to Suvarnabhumi Airport. Honestly, unless you're going to the airport, you won't use this line much.
Motorcycle taxis and tuk-tuks: It is recommended to bargain before boarding these alternatives, which are frequently preferred due to heavy traffic. There is no fixed price policy.
Khlong Ferries: The Saen Saeb Khlong Ferry departs from the largest canals in Bangkok. It's cheap, it's loud and it smells bad! However, it allows you to progress very quickly along the canal that divides the city in half. It is the best way to get through Bangkok without getting stuck in traffic.
River Boats: This is the route you should take to explore the city or get to your destination. Unlike tourist boats, these 'water taxis' stop at different points along their route. It also changes according to the color of the flag on this boot. These can be yellow, orange, green, or no flags at all. The stop varies according to the flag of each port where the boats dock and rarely costs more than 20 THB.
The prepaid card system is valid in all public transports.
Bangkok Cuisine
Your trip to Bangkok continues, if you can't decide what to eat, then it's time to talk about what to eat in Bangkok. Thai cuisine has gained an international reputation over the past 50 years. Thai cuisine is a synthesis of Southeast Asian culinary cultures in general. Table balance is based on sweet, salty, bitter and sour with the help of spices. Spices are very important in Thai cuisine. So much so that even fruits are consumed with spices.
Rice and seafood have an important place in Thailand, as in many countries of the Far East. In Thai cuisine, which does not vary greatly between regions in general, special sauces also add a different flavor to the dishes. There are 50,000 restaurants in Bangkok, the capital of the country. In addition to the fact that the majority
of them are occupied by local restaurants, there are also many restaurants of international cuisine.
In addition, peddlers in the city streets are also quite common. Here, people cook their dinner on the street and sell the leftovers. You can also experience these different flavors.
The Sukhumvit region is one of the areas with the highest concentration of restaurants and there are places that serve international cuisine. However, prices are generally high in this region. More affordable restaurants are available on Khao San Road. No matter the price, it's possible to have a delicious Thai meal in Bangkok. Krua Apsorn, Likhit Kai Yang, Nang Gin Kui, Jay Fai, Nahm are just a few of the dozens of restaurants that can be recommended.
Shopping In Bangkok
Wouldn't you like to beautify your Bangkok trip with shopping? Bangkok has some of the best shopping in Asia. There are hundreds of shopping malls and markets in the city. In the Siam Square area, there are shops of the world's most famous brands and boutique shops. The largest market in the city is the Chatuckak Weekend Market. Here you can find all kinds of products, from vintage items to food. Since the market is among the largest markets in the world, its map has also been made.
Using this map, you can visit the sides with the products you are interested in. It has sections such as clothing, accessories, food and beverage, home decoration, antiques, souvenirs, handicrafts and gardening. It is a good idea to come early in the day, as the weather is hot in the city and not to be caught in the crowd.
Opposite Chatuchak Market is Or Tor Kor Market, the best fruit and vegetable market in the city. It is possible to find the freshest exotic fruits here. Talat Mai is a Chinese market in every way. This market mainly sells food items such as spices and dried foods. Taling Chan Floating Market is also quite an interesting market. Here merchants sell on their boats.
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Apart from these, there are many other markets in Bangkok such as Amulet Market, Khlong Toey Market, Pak Khlong Talat, Saphan Phut Night Market, Nonthaburi Market. MBK Center, the largest shopping center in the city, is also a frequent destination for Bangkok residents.
It is a meeting point for vendors for souvenirs, ornaments, local crafts, food, drink, clothing and more. In addition, many stalls in the city squares offer shopping opportunities. You can also buy many electronic gadgets at a cheap price in Bangkok. While shopping, one should not forget to bargain at places other than chain stores.
Bangkok Nightlife
The most attractive aspect of Bangkok for many people is its nightlife. Just like in Las Vegas and Amsterdam, there is an endless nightlife here. Pattaya, the center of nightlife, has dozens of nightclubs, pubs and go-go bars. Bangkok is one of the best cities for nightlife lovers. Every year, thousands of tourists come to Bangkok for the nightlife as well as the city's historical and natural beauties. It is possible to experience all kinds of activities in Bangkok nights, from cocktail lounges to night markets, from crazy nightclubs to cabaret shows.
However, the Thai government has imposed some restrictions on this vibrant nightlife. Indoor smoking is prohibited, many venues close after 02:00 and frequent passport/ID checks. It is useful to always have your passport with you in order not to have problems with the Thai police.
Smalls is a cocktail bar with a light Parisian cafe vibe, weekday jazz and weekend DJ performances. Located in Thong Lo area, WTF Bar, Cafe and Gallery is a popular bar for its delicious snacks. The owners of the venue also organize Bangkok's poetry events at the bar. The Adhere 13th Blues Bar is one of the best live music bars in Bangkok. It is very enjoyable to listen to the band performing here. It is a very popular bar, especially on weekends, both by Thais and tourists. Maggie Choo's is a preferred lounge.
Drink prices are a little high, but it is a place that is considered among the stylish places of the city. The people who prefer this place usually dress smart casual. Sirocco Sky Bar is located on the 64th floor of Bangkok's second tallest building. You can enjoy live jazz music by eating oysters with your drink at the bar, which has a wonderful view.
Silom region is one of the most popular areas in terms of nightlife. There are many nightclubs and many go-go bars, especially Patpong. Besides the Sirocco Bar located here, Vertigo is also a bar with a beautiful view. The Sukhumvit area is also very lively, and the Thong Lo area in Sukhumvit is home to some of the city's classiest bars and nightclubs. Examples of these are Q Bar and Narz. Iron Fairies is a nice bar that makes delicious cocktails as well as local beers.
Ce La Vi is one of the popular clubs in the city and plays EDM, R'n'B and pop. With a capacity of 2,000 people, Onyx is the city's largest nightclub. It is one of the liveliest spots of Bangkok nightlife with its moving EDM tracks, dance shows, laser shows and confetti. Route 66, Levels Club&Lounge, Sing Sing Theater, Live RCA are also popular nightclubs.
Also, Bangkok residents do not discriminate against LGBTI+ individuals. LGBTI+ individuals in the city can enter any place without any problems. In addition, DJ Station, Expresso, Freeman are nightclubs where LGBTI+ individuals are concentrated. When you travel to Bangkok, do not leave without tasting the nightlife!
Bangkok Festivals
Chinese New Year Celebrations: Organized by the Chinese living in Thailand, the arrival of the new year celebrations are held according to the lunar calendar between the last week of January and the last week of February.
Kite Festival: The Kite Festival is held every two years between February and April. Sanam Luang and Lumphini Park will be the scene of a colorful sky at the kite festival, which is held with international participation.
World Thai Martial Arts Festival: This festival, which takes place every year in March, lasts for a week. Alongside the fighting performances, the Waikru Muay Thai ceremonial show reflects the spiritual side of the festival.
Rice Season Start Ceremony: In Thailand, which is an important rice producer, this festival is celebrated every year on the occasion of the beginning of the rice planting period. The festivals that start in May take place with the participation of the king or prince.
Festival of Lights: The Festival of Lights is all about Buddhism. On this day, which is of great importance for Buddhists, one enters the water in the morning and spiritual purification takes place, the city is covered with colorful lights, the Festival of Lights (Loi Krathong) is held with the participation of large crowds in many countries where the Buddhist faith is widespread, especially in India. Celebrations begin in the middle of November, according to the Gregorian calendar, on the full moon of the 12th month of the lunar calendar.
Bangkok Practical Information
Police / Ambulance: 191
Tourism Police: 1155
Fire Brigade: 199
Bangkok Public Holidays
January 1 – New Year
March 4 – Maka Bucha Day
April 6 – Chakri Day
13-14-15 April – Thai New Year Songkran Festival
May 1 – Labor Day
May 5 – Coronation Day
13 May – Royal Farming Ceremony
1 June – Visaka Bucha Day
30 July – Asalha Bucha Day
July 31 – Buddhist Lent Day
12 August – Queen's Birthday and Mother's Day
October 23 – King Chulalongkom Day
4-5-7 December – King's Birthday and Father's Day
December 10 – Constitution Day
31 December – New Year's Eve
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Why is Indian Food Good For Curing Acidity
India is a part of the Asian continent. It includes countries like Japan, Korea, China, and Vietnam too. Regardless of which country, all Asian countries are known for their amazing food. Ready for a fun fact? Asia contains about 30% of the world’s land area and 60% of the world’s population. The most famous dishes from all of these countries are Sushi (Japan), Kung Pao chicken (China), Pho (Vietnam), Gimbap or Ramyeon (Korea), and Tom Yung Goong (Thailand). In India, the most famous dish would be either butter chicken or naan.
Indian cuisine has been around for over 5000 years. Each of the regions here has its own traditions and religions. Indian cuisine (mostly Hindu) usually excludes beef due to religious beliefs. Muslims do not consume pork, as it is forbidden meat. Indian food has been influenced by Mongolian, Persian, and Chinese cuisine, among a few others. The special blend of spices that brings out the flavor and aroma in Indian food has remained consistent over the centuries. Indian food also varies from north to south, east to west. In the north people prefer eating things like chole bhature or rogan josh while in the south dosas or Pongal is preferred.
Is Indian food Vegan friendly?
No matter where you go in India, vegetarian food is super easy to come by. Around 38% of Indians eat only vegetarian food. Surprisingly, no other country in the world can even catch up to this number. But saying this, the food does contain milk sometimes. This is because Hindus believe milk has many benefits.
However, the most basic ingredients in Indian cooking are vegetables and rice. The vegetable is cooked in rich Indian spices and served with rice (does not contain milk or meat). Dal is another popular Indian dish made with lentils. This too does not contain milk and is filled with proteins and nutrients.
You might wonder where you can find the best Indian food. Traditional Indian food tastes best when it is made with aromatic spices, medicinal herbs, and premium-quality ingredients. Also, to perfect this, you need to add a touch of love. This is exactly how we at Shiva Shakti prepare food for you. Shiva Shakti offers you delectable dishes paired with tasty drinks and a cozy atmosphere that will make you feel right at home.
Is Indian Food Good For Curing Acidity?
Indigestion, Acidity, and heartburn in general might be some of the most common problems people face around the world. Not only does it make you feel uncomfortable, but it also indicates that something is wrong with your current diet or lifestyle. Most people ignore it and reach out for quick remedies like Eno or some antacid pill that will temporarily solve their digestive issues. But what they don’t know is that there is no disease to be cured. You mostly have a really sensitive stomach. What if we tell you that a change in your diet and lifestyle may significantly improve this problem and will definitely be tasty? Firstly, let us understand the difference between Acidity and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease.
To read more click here
Website: https://shivashaktikh.com
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A majority of the Thai population (93.6%) identify as Buddhist. Buddhism is a religious tradition that has made a huge impact on not only Thailand, but all over the globe. There are currently over 488 million Buddhists in the world. Buddhists don’t believe in a supreme being, rather it’s a way of life. The primary purpose of life according to Buddhism is to end suffering. The Buddha teachings emphasize that humans suffer because of worldly pleasures. These pleasures mask the rate of human suffering. Buddhism teaches the importance of recognizing the impermanence of all things and how to free oneself from such attachments. The core Buddhists beliefs include the following: reincarnation, karma, meditation, Four Noble Truths, Noble Eightfold Path, and the Five Precepts.
Reincarnation is the concept that people are reborn after dying. The Buddhism belief about reincarnation is that it takes 49 days to two years after death for someone to reincarnate. Karma means that all actions have consequential effects. The consequences of acts undertaken in previous lifetimes will be felt immediately or years later. Everything we do links to our karma. Meditation is an essential practice of a Buddhist. It involves focusing on the mind to achieve an inner stillness that leads to a state of enlightenment. The Buddha’s first sermon after his enlightenment centered on the Four Noble Truths which are the foundation of Buddhism. The Four Noble Truths are listed in order as the following: life is suffering (dukkha), the truth of the cause of suffering (samudaya), the truth of the end of suffering (nirhodha), and the truth of the path that frees us from suffering (magga). One can permanently escape suffering by following the Noble Eightfold Path. The items of the Noble Eightfold Path include the following: having the right understanding, thinking, speech, conduct, livelihood, effort, mindfulness and concertation. The Five Precepts are the basic ethical guidelines for the followers of Buddhism.
There are over 227 rules of conduct that all Buddhists are supposed to observe but five of the precepts summarizes them all. The five precepts include abstinence from murder, abstinence form alcoholism, refraining from sexual misconduct, abstinence from stealing, and refraining from evil-minded thoughts.
Although Buddhism is the prominent religion in Thailand, freedom of religious choice and expression is protected by law. Of the remaining population, 4.9% identify as Muslim, 1.2% identify with Christianity and 0.3% associate with some other or no religion. The constitution of Thailand states that all persons are equal before the law regardless of religious belief and allows all persons to profess, observe, and practice any religion of their choice as long as it’s not harmful to the security of Thailand. The constitution empowers the state to protect Buddhism and provides special promotion of Buddhism through education, propagation of its principles and establishment of measures and mechanisms.
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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Demographics_of_China#Vital_statistics
This got buried in a lot of stuff, but this year, Chinese population has actualy decreased for the first time in 62 years. Nonetheless, Chinese population pyramid looks closer to South Korea than Japan:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Demographics_of_Japan
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Demographics_of_South_Korea
Chinese population will likely continue to grow artificially through Chinese diaspora’s (and their partners’) immigration back to the PRC, but this effectively proves Chinese growth miracle is over. It remains ambigous if the slowdown will be graceful like South Korea, or a series of successive horrible declines with occasional false growths like in Japan. Most evidence point to former, largely thanks to China’s massive trade routes that go back before antiquity.
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The relevant part of this for neocons is that this might speed up Chinese takeover of Taiwan, similar to how the population slowdown in 2010s trigger Russian annexation of Crimea:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Demographics_of_Russia
(Russian population started to decline again starting in 1987, sped up the decline with the Soviet collapse, and US shock therapy, then started to recover a bit after 1999, when Putin came to power. Population gains slowed down after 2009 (South Ossetian war), and gains reversed once again after Crimean annexation.)
I’m not buying this, of course, but in case you wonder where China might invade to reunify with ethnic Han Chinese a la Russian Federation:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Overseas_Chinese
Singapore is obviously the next option, since the ethnic Han Chinese are the majority ethnicity there, and the ruling class, but the Greater Chinese areas (Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia) have larger populations of Chinese people.
Realistically though, once the Chinese population is consolidated in the cities (which is not going to happen until the next 40 or so years), they will likely go back to being a hermit kingdom, because that has been the traditional Chinese policy, regardless of the ruling ethnic group.
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Predicting other Asian countries’ demographics is fundamentally impossible, because they are largely rural, or Muslim (or Catholic, in the case of Philippines). As a general rule, most non-European Catholic countries, and Muslim countries keep positive population growth through natural change, though it still declines over time, and obviously countries with large rural populations will not have birth control/abortion, or any form of family planning.
So, for example, even if the Hindu majority in India were to collectively stop having sex, Muslim, and Christian groups in India will simply continue to grow, obviously in smaller amounts than in Pakistan, since they still nominally accept secularism (however it is defined).
So far, Thailand’s population seems to be declining:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Demographics_of_Thailand
But it is hard to say if this will continue on once the military establishment is permanently toppled, and/or there is some sort of final peace between ethnic Thai, and ethnic Malay populations (and other minority populations in Thailand of course). Until then, Thailand’s peoples are being f***ed by the military before they have a chance to have sex.
Since Thailand’s population remains significantly rural though, this likely won’t trigger another real estate based financial crisis until the next 14 or so years, and the consolidation of the population to cities will take 70 years, due to lower urbanization rate. Or in other words, there is a lot of people hiding in villages to avoid the military, basically. This means the population decline can be reversed for a while if proper democracy is introduced, though the overall route will not change.
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Thailand Blog Post 3
In today’s society culture has a big part in how you view the world. The main thing that controls Thailand’s worldview is religion. Although Thailand allows all citizens to have their own religious view there is one religion that is the domain. This religion just so happens to be Buddhist. Many people in this culture believe Buddhism is more than a religion it is a way of life. When it comes to holidays or special occasions many people often attend local temples to receive blessings from monks. In an article in cultural atlas, it contains the percentages of religions spread throughout Thailand. Ninety-three-point six percent of the population identify Buddhist as their religion while four-point nine percent are Muslim, one point two identify as Christian and less than point three percent do not associate with religion. Everyone has the right to have their own belief and it’s within the laws that no one must believe in the same religion. When it comes to Thailand’s economy, they have spent most of their time focusing on industrialization and technology. In the article Cultural Identity and Art Education in Thailand, it states that “Thai identity as the national identity is broadly defined as the composite of outstanding features and characteristics of Thai society and people that differentiates Thailand from other countries, and which has helped the Thai people to move forward, while maintaining their "Thainess," despite external influences and threats throughout history.” This means that Thai people have many of the same aspects when it comes to characteristics within themselves however, they can be different in other ways.
What is homogeneous? Homogeneous when it comes to culture is when the population within a country has shared meanings and have little to no differences in beliefs. In Thailand the society actually disperse throughout many groups even when it makes come off as homogeneous. In an article I found on the website factsanddetails.com it states that “in the past, in modern Thailand the basic social and communal structure are controlled by a power elite system comprising the monarchy, the military, and upper level bureaucrats. These groups have a symbiotic relationship with the economic and business community that strongly influence decision making.” This ends up resulting in international influences that consists of modern education however parts of the elite system defiantly have changed. When it comes to religious beliefs they do in fact allow the practice of religious beliefs and do not go out of their ways to try and persuade others to change their own religious beliefs. Like stated in the first paragraph all citizens in Thailand are allowed to have their own beliefs and they will not be put in a bad position if they are not Buddhist like majority of the country. Thailand has free reigns when it comes to allowing people to have their own beliefs and not punishing citizens for not agreeing.
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The Halal market: an economic opportunity for Thailand
The Halal market: an economic opportunity for Thailand
It was in 2001 when Thailand adopted the policy of becoming the “Kitchen of the World” whereas in 2004 Chula’s Halal Science Center was established. Since then, it has played an important role in assuring Muslim consumers all over the world of their food safety.
“Despite the limitation that Thailand isn’t a Muslim country, Muslims all over the world are confident that if the Halal food item is from Thailand, it has gone through stringent measures that meet both scientific and religious standards.” Associate Professor Dr. Winai also went on to disclose the numbers for its economic value “the halal market is enormous since it covers one-fourth of the world’s population or about two billion people. As a country that exports food and agricultural products worth 24 percent of its GDP, Thailand pays much attention to the world halal economy since its total worth is higher than 4.8 trillion USD per year with 1.3 trillion USD alone for food products.”
Realizing its tremendously high market value, the cabinet in 2005, resolved to push forth Thailand’s strategy to the level of Thailand Diamond Halal to ensure that the country’s products and services be more widely accepted. exchange program in thai
Full HAL-Q standards and services
Associate Professor Dr. Winai explained that “Halal refers to items that Muslims can consume safely both physically and spiritually. As such, the item must be free of any haram substances i.e., swine, dogs, carnivorous animals, poisonous animals, reptiles, etc. Animals that can be eaten must also be slaughtered by way of Islamic law and must be healthy, not diseased, and not have suffered before their slaughter. A Muslim has to perform the slaughter in the appropriate ritual manner and use the correct utensils as prescribed. The complicated composition of raw materials and production process make Muslims particularly interested in halal safety standards.
Generally speaking, standards are about principles stipulated in documents whereas putting these standards into practice is known as standardization. There are international stipulations of basic standards like SOP, SSOP, GMP, and HACCP that Chula’s Halal Science Center has developed a method of integrating into the system for example the Halal-GMP/HACCP which later became HAL-Q (Halal Assurance, Liability–Quality System) and was awarded the Best Innovation in Halal Industry from the Prime Minister of Malaysia in 2006.
“HAL-Q is a full-scale management system created to certify and take responsibility for the halal features as well as to integrate halal standards into food safety so that the halal food production conforms with Islamic laws and is clean and safe by international standards.”
According to Associate Professor Dr. Winai, there are now over 770 factories around the country that have become part of the HAL-Q system involving a labor force of more than 200,000.
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New Post has been published on https://ourbigescape.com/15-of-the-best-recipes-from-laos/
20 Best Recipes From Laos (Updated 2022)
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Recipes from Laos and Laotian food is distinct from other SE Asian cuisines. Laotians enjoy sweet, salty, sour, & bitter flavors as long as they are strong.
Steamed sticky rice is the Laos’ main dish. Sticky rice is known as Khao Niao – khao means ‘rice’ and niao means ‘sticky.’ In fact, the Laotians consume more sticky rice than anyone else in the planet.
Jump to Traditional Laos Food Recipes
Jump to Laos Recipes – Unassuming But Packed with Flavor
Jump to Laotian Food vs Thai Food
Jump to FAQs About Laotian Food and their Laotian Recipes
Jump to 20 Best Recipes From Laos
Sticky rice is thought to be the essence of Laotian culture. Sticky rice, is widely believed in the Laotian community, that it will always be the glue that binds them together, connecting them to their culture and to Laos, no matter where they are in the world.
The Laotian people are often referred to as Luk Khao Niaow, which means “children or descendants of sticky rice.” Sticky rice, Larb, and Tam Mak Hoong are the trifecta of Laos recipes.
Tam Mak Hoong, sometimes known as Som Tam in the West, is a spicy green papaya salad that was invented in Laos.
Recipes from Laos come in a wide variety of regional variants, owing in part to the fresh Laotian foods available in each location. Baguettes are sold on the street in the capital city, Vientiane, and French restaurants are frequent and popular, both of which were initially introduced while Laos was a part of French Indochina.
Traditional Laos Food Recipes
Laotian food is the most essential activity in Laos at all times of the day. It is fairly typical in the local language for people to greet each other by inquiring, “Have you eaten food?” Laotian food is often the topic of many talks, especially when friends and family are dining and sharing meals. Laotian people also take great pride in sharing their traditional Laotian food recipes with inquiring visitors.
Lao people were initially migrants from Southern China, and they were made up of a variety of ethnic groups who spoke different languages and had varied cultures. They brought their traditions with them when they went further south. Lao cuisine has a much greater awareness in the world as a result of historical Lao migration from the Lao PDR to Thailand and adjacent nations. According to Arne Kislenko, there are more ethnic Lao residing in Northern Thailand than in Lao PDR, resulting in the spread of specific Lao recipes far beyond the country’s borders. In truth, much of Thailand’s “Isan” cuisine is actually Lao rather than Thai in origin. However, we believe that the best approach to sample Lao cuisine is to travel within the country’s borders and sample the variety of cuisines available.
Because of the various ethnic groups that make up the country, traditional Laotian recipes are diverse. Southern cuisine is fiery, spicy, and salty, whereas Northern cuisine is gentle. Most Laos foods are steamed, boiled, blanched, or stewed and are not fatty.
Because of migration, several surrounding cuisines, particularly from Southern China into Northern Laos, have influenced Laotian recipes. There is also a major link between northeastern Thai and Cambodian cuisines. ‘Fer’, for example, has been influenced by Vietnamese cuisine and has become a famous dish in Laos (Vietnamese Pho-noodle).
Laos Recipes – Unassuming But Packed with Flavor
The country’s ability in combining herbs, chilies, and the aromatic bacterial riot of fermented meat and fish is on display. Fresh ingredients like as vegetables, poultry (chicken, duck), pork, beef, and water buffalo are used in most dishes.
Fish and prawns are plentiful, but because Laos is a landlocked country, they are almost usually freshwater varieties. Mutton is only eaten by the country’s small South Asian Muslim population, which is almost entirely concentrated in Vientiane.
Laotian food recipes is one of Southeast Asia’s best-kept secrets. Due to its landlocked location, this small country receives less attention than its neighbors, yet it nevertheless has a lot to offer in terms of culture and cuisine. Laotian food recipes are flavorful, with herbs and fresh ingredients. There are several regional differences, but Laotian food recipes can be defined as the entire Lao ethnic group’s cooking heritage and style. The main cuisine of Laos is sticky rice, which is often believed to be the glue that binds Lao populations to their culture and to Laos.
Laotian Food vs Thai Food
Isan (Thai) and Laos food recipes are both herbaceous and vegetable-heavy, with a lot of bitter notes. Thinly sliced banana blossom lends bitterness and floral overtones to dishes like naem khao and laab, while sliced raw Thai eggplant provides bitterness and texture to dishes like naem khao and laab. Fresh bamboo shoots, ginger, galangal, and vast amounts of fresh herbs including mint, cilantro, makrut lime leaf, and dill are among typical ingredients.
Laos recipes are simpler than Thai recipes, with fewer ingredients. It’s additionally hotter because dried chilies are used. While coconut milk is occasionally used in Isan and Laos food recipes, the sweet, thick sauces that are commonly associated with Thai cuisine are not seen in Laos recipes.
Laotians enjoy sweet, salty, sour, and bitter flavors as long as they are strong. Prepare to eat a lot of sticky rice with your hands if you decide to go native.
FAQs About Laotian Food and their Laotian Recipes
What is Laos Food?
In terms of flavor and ingredients, Laos recipes are quite similar to those found in Thailand and Vietnam, and frequently include fresh herbs, spices, noodles, and rice. The Laotians’ staple dish is khao niaw (sticky rice).
What is it About Laos Food Recipes and Sticky Rice?
Every meal in Laos starts with khao niew, or sticky rice. It’s all over the place. Sticky rice is prepared from glutinous rice, which contains more sugar than ordinary rice and becomes sticky when steamed.
What are a couple of Traditional Food Recipes from Laos?
Laab (also known as “larb” on Thai restaurant menus) is a salad made from ground meat and herbs, laced with fish sauce and lime juice, and topped with a powder made from dry powdered rice. Every meal prepared in Laos includes ‘sticky rice’ and it is considered one of the country’s most defining dish.
Is Laotian Food Spicy?
The most renowned of Laos recipes is Larb (also written laab or laap), a spicy mixture of marinated meat or fish that is occasionally served uncooked (similar to ceviche) with a variety of herbs, greens, and spices.
What is the Difference Between Thai and Laotian Food?
Both Laotian food and Thai cuisine have distinct and excellent flavors. The distinction is that, unlike Thai cuisine, Laos recipes use herbs and vegetables that aren’t cooked or require overnight marinades. Thai food is usually served individually, whereas Laos food is frequently offered in a family setting.
Is Laotian Food Healthy?
Laotian food is fresh and nutritious, with nearly no processed foods. Sticky rice, fresh vegetables, fresh herbs, fish and meat, fish sauce, chili, spices, and fruit are the main ingredients of Laotian recipes. In Laos, sticky rice is served with every meal and is considered the country’s main food dish.
20 Best Recipes From Laos
1. Laotian Shrimp Larb
It’s one of the traditional Laotian recipes that’s meant to be eaten with your hands and relies on chopped meat or seafood, flavorful aromatics, and fiery chilies. Toasted and ground rice adds a subtle nutty-sweet flavor and also thickens the sauce for our shrimp variation.
2. Sweet Coconut Cakes
Among the hubbub of the Luang Prebang night market, you’ll find a handful of vendors hunched over large steel pans covered in half-moon dips, making these delectable treats. They pour the batter directly into the pans, scoop them up fresh and serve them in banana leaves. For a couple thousand kip (aka 50 cents) you can buy half a dozen cakes and dig in while dodging vendors and other tourists in the night market.
Get in the festive spirit, help out a local Lao street food seller with their sweet coconut cakes. These steamed cakes are dairy and gluten-free and are best when eaten piping hot. This Laotian food creates one of the sweetest recipes from Laos.
3. Incandescent Lao Salad
Have you ever had larb? Sometimes it’s spelled laab or laap. It’s a kind of meat salad eaten in Laos and northern Thailand. It’s light, bright, and fiery hot, almost incandescently so, due to hot chilies. And it’s kind of sour due to citrus. It’s absolutely delicious. We have tried many recipes from Laos and this is one of our favorites.
In all seriousness, if you’re not a fan of ridiculously hot food you can certainly cut back on the chilies to suit your taste. Still, the virtue of this salad is that it’s really all in your face with intensity. It’s bright and colorful, it’s intensely flavorful, and it’s hot!
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4. Nam Kao (Lao Crispy Fried Rice Ball Salad)
One of the favorite recipes from Laos is a crispy rice salad (Nam Khao) with crispy, chewy textures with a balance of sweet, tart, salty and spiciness. If you have never had a Lao Crispy Rice Salad, it’s unlike anything you’ve ever tasted before and you need to try it because my words just won’t do it any justice.
Crunchy, chewy rice with a well-balanced tart, salty, spicy and sweet combination of toppings and fresh herbs. It is one of the tastiest traditional recipes from Laos. The salad is a wonderful combination of flavour and textures. It’s the texture specifically than makes it so memorable. Crispy, soft and aromatic in every bite.
5. Mok Pa (Lao Steamed Fish)
Bring the exotic flavors of Laotian recipes to your table with this zesty daily staple named Mok Pa. Infused with fresh, aromatic herbs and tender white fish, this melt-in-your-mouth Lao Steamed Fish (Mok Pa) is sure to impress. These steamed fish parcels look and taste amazing! Pair them with rice and steamed greens for a satisfying and healthy meal.
Bathed in fresh, aromatic herbs, Lao Mok Pa is perfect for those who don’t like strong tasting fish. Lemongrass, chilli and spring onion add a burst of citrus alongside the herbaceous hit from fresh dill and kaffir lime leaf. The addition of toasted sticky rice powder adds a unique texture and savoury nuttiness, helping to blend and bind the fish with all those incredible flavors.
6. Jeow Mak Len (Lao Tomato Dipping Sauce)
Charred tomatoes, chilies, and onions are mashed into a sauce, then flavored with fish sauce and cilantro for a delicious accompaniment to meat and vegetables. It is perfect for summer! Tomatoes, chilies, and onions are grilled until starting to blister and char, then mashed with a mortar and pestle into a smoky and spicy sauce.
Spicy and zesty dip used in Laos recipes at virtually every meal. When you want a surprising new dip to roll out then this is the one.
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7. Laab Diip (Raw Beef Salad)
Another one of the great recipes from Laos is Laab Diip. It is one of the essential Laos recipes that incorporates unique and delicious ingredients. The recipe looks easy, but the key to making this dish is sourcing and making the ingredients from scratch or finding the Lao aunty that has all these ingredients! Enjoy!
8. Tom Khem
One of my favorite comfort Laotian food is Tom Khem. “Tom” means boil and “Khem” means salty. It is a braised pork dish in a salty, yet sweet broth. The sweetness balances out the saltiness and the pork is ever so tender. But for me, the hard-boiled eggs are my favorite part of these Laos food recipes. After the eggs have been in the simmering broth for a while, the flavors soak into the eggs and make them so delicious!
9. Khao Piak Sen (Lao Chicken Noodle Soup)
When it comes to noodle soups, Asia is the best. An aromatic Lao chicken noodle soup that can be customized to taste at the table. This Lao noodle soup is loaded with layers of flavor. To top it all off, an array of toppings, like fried garlic and shallots, cilantro, chiles, and scallions, allow diners to customize their bowls as desired.
Multiple aromatics go into the rich chicken broth, including onion, ginger, lemongrass, lime leaves, and cilantro. The handmade tapioca-and-rice flour noodles, meanwhile, are cooked directly in the broth, their excess starch helping to thicken it and give it its signature viscosity.
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10. Luang Prabang Salad (Laos salad)
Luang Prabang salad is an easy, simple dish with a slightly unusual dressing that’s a classic in Laos. This Laos salad is a perfect light lunch or side dish both to Asian food and many more. At the top of the recipes from Laos is the freshest salad you have ever eaten.
This salad has maybe a little French influence in it but with a regional twist too. The dressing is almost like a mayonnaise, but uses a clever trick of cooked egg-yolk to keep it more stable. It also has added lime juice to make it more distinctly Laos.
11. Pra Nuea (Lao Style Beef Salad)
Thai restaurants around the world sell larb (also spelled laab) in various styles, usually with ground chicken “Larb Gai” or pork “Larb Moo”. Our Laotian recipe here, made with rare lean ground beef, is exceptional because the meat soaks/cooks in lime juice for several hours then finished briefly in a skillet to give it an especially sour flavor.
Combined with the shallots, sliced lemongrass, fish sauce and ground chiles, it all comes together so well. It’s very healthy too. You can make this same version with pork, chicken, shrimp or lobster.
12. Jeow Mak Keua (Lao Eggplant Dip)
A smoked and spicy eggplant dipping sauce typical from Laos food recipes. It reminds me of Babaganoush, with fish sauce instead of tahini. The fish sauce in Laos is called Padaek, it is a thick fermented sauce that might be difficult to find outside the country. However, you can substitute it for Thai fish sauce (Nam Pla) found in any Asian store or you can use soy sauce.
In Laos, it is served with glutinous rice (sticky rice), pieces of dried meat or vegetables to dip in the sauce. In Laos, the duo Jeow Mak Keua and Sticky Rice are a favorite breakfast in the school lunchboxes.
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13. Nam Khao (Lao Crispy Rice Salad)
If you have never had a Lao Crispy Rice Salad, it’s unlike anything you’ve ever tasted before and you need to try it because my words just won’t do it any justice. Crunchy, chewy rice with a well-balanced tart, salty, spicy and sweet combination of toppings and fresh herbs make up these Laotian recipes.
It’s honestly something you absolutely must try once in your life. Laos food recipes like this is usually a hidden gem in the cuisine world, you might be familiar with its flavors if you’ve had Thai or Vietnamese foods.
14. Laotian Omelette
For crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside Omelettes you can whip up in 10 minutes, check out this Simple Lao Omelette. Filled with perfectly wilted greens and dished up with a tasty sweet and sour dipping sauce, this vegetarian Omelette is deliciously filling and healthy!
A great recipes from Laos breakfast special is the Laotian Omelette. This hearty omelet is loaded with fresh herbs and snake beans to make a great breakfast or as part of a multi-course Asian meal. All from simple Laotian food.
15. Larb Laotian Chicken Mince
A friend taught me how to make these recipes from Laos. They originate from Laos and Cambodia. If you can’t find galangal, substitute fresh ginger and a squirt of lime juice. Pre-ground chicken, turkey, or pork may be used instead of the chicken thigh meat. Serve with sticky rice or in lettuce cups.
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— 5 New 2022 Recipe Additions: Laotian Desserts —
16. Khao Neow Mamuang (Mango Sticky Rice)
Mango Sticky Rice is a popular Laotian food dessert. The mangoes have to be fully ripened for them to be super sweet. It’s not just any sticky rice. It’s glutinous rice that is soaked in a sweet coconut mixture. It enhances the flavors of the sweet mangoes and it makes for a simple yet impressive dessert. You can even serve it in a martini glass to make it super fancy.
When you are finished, cut half a mango into bite size pieces. Next to the cut mango, spoon the sticky rice onto the plate and drizzle with the salted coconut sauce. Sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds for a pretty touch. It’s so easy!
17. Khao Lod Song
Khao Lod Song is a Lao dessert made with sweetened coconut milk with floating green pandan flavored gems. It can be sweetened with caramelized sugar or palm sugar. The green gems are made from a large strainer with the gems falling into ice cold water like green rain. There are variations on these Laos recipes found across Southeast Asia.
Pandan leaves can be found everywhere in Laos. It’s fragrant smell and vanilla like flavor is used often in desserts. One way to extract the flavors is to blend the leaves with warm water and then strain it. Warm green liquid will come out. I love using the pandan flavoring for all types of desserts.
18. Khao Nom Kok (Coconut Rice Cakes)
Khao Nom Kok is a popular street food dessert in Laos. These bite sized desserts are sweet coconut semi sphere cakes that will melt in your mouth. A little crispy on the outside and smooth on the inside.
Khao Nom Kok is made out of rice flour, tapioca starch, coconut milk, sugar, salt and oil. Simple ingredients that are whisked together to make a smooth batter. The most classic topping for these Laos Recipes is chopped green onions. You can also use cooked sweet corn kernels, taro cubes and kabochi cubes. You can experiment and try any topping you like.
19. Nam Van Sal Lee (Laos Sweet Corn and Coconut Pudding Dessert)
Laos food recipes have some of the most incredible desserts including Nam Van Sal Lee, a sweet Laos pudding that is absolutely divine. Sweet fresh corn cut from the cob combined with fragrant, hearty coconut cream and sugar make this pudding undeniably addicting. This Lao sweet corn pudding is so easy to make, you’ll have it on the table to serve in absolutely no time at all.
Nam Van Sal Lee consists of fresh sliced corn, coconut milk or cream, and sugar. Three ingredients and is incredibly easy and fast to make.
20. Khanom Man Sam Pa Lang (Steamed Cassava Cake)
It is a steamed cake prepared with coconut milk, sugar, and grated cassava or man tone in Lao. Before being chopped into bits and sprinkled with shredded coconut, the raw mixture is squeezed into a pan and steamed. It has a mildly sweet coconut flavor and a chewy texture.
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