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Did you know Thailand once had a year with only 9 months?
As we prepare for ปี 2568 (2025), we step through the "mirror of time" to explore the fascinating evolution of the Thai New Year. From the ancient วันเดือนอ้าย (lunar New Year) to the "peak" moment in B.E. 2483 when three months vanished from the calendar to align วิถีไทย (the Thai way) with the world.
Join us to uncover the ประวัติศาสตร์ (history) behind our celebrations and find a better version of yourself for the year ahead.
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In Chiang Rai, ลาบสนามกีฬา is the kind of place that proves อาหารเหนือบ้าน ๆ (aa-hăan nʉ̌a bâan-bâan, homestyle Northern food) can be bold, deep, and unforgettable.
From เนื้อเสื้อร้องไห้ (nʉ́a-sʉ̂a-ráawng-hâi) to chewy ไส้หมูย่าง (sâi-mŭu-yâang) and my must-order จิ้นนึ่งน้ำพริกข่า (jîn-nʉ̂ng nám-prík-khàa), every dish hits with real รสเข้มข้น (rót khêm-khôn, intense flavor) and the warmth of local cooking.
The menu is huge, the portions honest, and the vibe feels like true ร้านบ้าน ๆ (ráan bâan-bâan, neighborhood dining)—even though the place is big and always packed with locals.
If you want Chiang Rai in its most delicious form, this is where ความจริงใจของอาหารเหนือ (khwaam-jing-jai khǎawng aa-hăan nʉ̌a, the sincerity of Northern food) comes through in every bite.
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Just an hour from Bangkok, Ayutthaya is where ประวัติศาสตร์ (bprà-wàt-dti-sàat, history) breathes slowly—through ancient temples, silent stupas, and the calm rhythm of วิถีไทยช้า ๆ (wi-thí thai chá-chá, slow Thai life).
From the iconic เศียรพระในรากไม้ (sǐan-phrá nai râak-mái) at Wat Mahathat to sunset gold over วัดไชยวัฒนาราม (Wat Chaiwatthanaram), the city feels like a living postcard that whispers stories with every step.
Cycle past wooden houses, grassy fields, and quiet ruins, tasting riverside กุ้งเผา (gûng-phǎo) and rich ก๋วยเตี๋ยวเรือ (gŭay-dtĭao-ruea) along the way—simple flavors with deep roots.
Ayutthaya is a reminder that ความสงบ (khwaam-sà-ngòp, peacefulness) and ความเก่าแก่ (khwaam-gào-gàe, old charm) aren’t things you look for—they find you, as soon as you begin to walk a little slower.
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Hidden in Chiang Rai, ข้าวซอยร้อยปี สูตรตาหงษ์ is a Northern Thai โอมากาเสะบ้าน ๆ (omakase-bâan-bâan, humble omakase) where every dish carries เรื่องราว (rʉ̂eang-raao, stories) as much as flavor.
From the slow-braised ข้าวซอยหมู 100 ปี (kâo-soi mŭu nùeng-rói-bpee) to ancient recipes like น้ำเงี้ยวเชียงตุง and หมูนึ่งน้ำพริกข่า, each plate arrives with warmth, intention, and the depth of เครื่องเทศเหนือ (khrʉ̂ang-thét-nʉ̌a, Northern spices).
No walk-ins, no calls—just a handful of seats, an intimate pace, and a chef who shares the soul of “บ้านเหนือ” (bâan-nʉ̌a, Northern home).
It’s the kind of meal you remember not only for its รสเข้มข้น (rót khêm-khôn, bold flavor) but for the feeling that you’ve tasted tradition itself.
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Phuket is where ทะเลสวย (thà-lay sŭay, beautiful seas), อาหารอร่อย (aa-hăan à-ròi, great food), and ผู้คนอัธยาศัยดี (phûu-khon àt-tha-ya-săi dee, kind people) meet in one place.
From the pastel streets of ภูเก็ตเก่า (Phuket Gào, Old Phuket Town) to Kata’s easy surf and sunsets at แหลมพรมเทพ (Lăem Phrom Thep), the island blends color, calm, and culture.
And with bold รสชาติแบบบ้าน ๆ (rót-châat-bàap-bâan-bâan, homestyle flavors) in every local shop, Phuket quietly becomes the place you’ll want to กลับมาอีกครั้ง (glàp maa ìik-kráng, return to again).
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Just across the Chao Phraya River, Nonthaburi feels far from Bangkok—quiet, warm, and full of ความเรียบง่าย (khwaam-rîiap-ngâai, simplicity).
From เกาะเกร็ด (Koh Kret) with its Mon pottery and sweet ขนมถ้วย (khà-nŏm-thûuay) to riverside cafés where sunsets slow time down, the city blends heritage and modern life with real ความเป็นกันเอง (khwaam-bpen-gan-eeng, warmth).
And then there’s the food—boat noodles, old family recipes, and รสชาติแบบบ้าน ๆ (rót-châat-bàap-bâan-bâan, homestyle flavor) shared by people who still greet strangers like neighbors.
Nonthaburi is a reminder that sometimes ความสุขเล็ก ๆ (khwaam-sùk-lék-lék, small happiness) is waiting just one river away.
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In 2007, Love of Siam didn’t just tell a love story—it changed Thai cinema.
A quiet film that spoke softly but hit hard, it opened a new space for stories of same-sex love with real ความจริงใจ (khwaam-jing-jai, sincerity).
It begins with มิตรภาพ (mít-dtrà-phâap, friendship): Mew & Tong, childhood neighbors who grow apart after tragedy—then meet again at Siam Square, where old feelings return and questions of ตัวตน (dtua-ton, identity) rise.
Marketed as a boy-meets-girl romance, the reveal shocked audiences—but word of mouth praised its ความกล้า (khwaam-glâa, bravery), warmth, and emotional depth.
The soundtrack—“กันและกัน,” “เพียงเธอ”—stitched past to present and lived on in people’s hearts.
There’s no fairy-tale ending. Instead, a small wooden doll and a big ความเข้าใจ (khwaam-khâo-jai, understanding).
More than a love story, it’s about family, loss, forgiveness—and it quietly ignited Thailand’s BL wave.
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When people think of Khao Yai, they picture mountains, mist, and pretty cafés.
Look closer, and you’ll find something richer: a food lover’s paradise where local Isaan heat, homespun Thai comfort, and farm-fresh goodness all share the same table.
Start with legends like เป็นลาว (Pen Lao)—som tam pla ra, larb, and rustic soups that taste like they were ladled straight from someone’s kitchen. Then slow down at small farm cafés, where greens are picked that morning and cold-pressed juices glow green, orange, and beet-red in the afternoon light.
Craving cozy Thai? ยุ้งข้าว เขาใหญ่ sets a countryside mood—tomyam steam, crispy seabass with fish sauce, chili-paste fried rice. Or dress it up at Prime 19, where a big, honest steak and a good glass of wine meet cool mountain air.
In Khao Yai, the secret ingredient is care—grow it, make it, serve it with heart.
You come for the views; you stay for the flavors… and you leave with full memory cards and a fuller stomach.
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When people talk about Thai cinema, most remember the big blockbusters or intense dramas.
But in 2003, a small, heartwarming film quietly changed everything — Fan Chan (My Girl).
It wasn’t about heroes or heartbreak, but about childhood — running through dusty streets, sharing snacks, and learning what it means to grow apart.
Through Jeab and Noi-Na, the story reminded Thais of a simpler time, when friendship was pure and life moved a little slower.
Fan Chan didn’t just break box-office records; it broke through cynicism.
It proved that honesty and nostalgia could move an entire nation — no special effects needed.
For many, it wasn’t just a movie.
It was a mirror, showing who we were — and who we still are.
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When Bangkokians need a break, one name comes up every time — Khao Yai.
Just a few hours’ drive and you’re surrounded by real nature: mountains, forests, waterfalls, and cool air that feels like a reset.
Thailand’s first national park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Khao Yai is vast enough to cross into other provinces — and wild enough for elephants, gibbons, and deer to roam free.
People come for winding roads, misty mornings, and cafés tucked between green hills. Some drive, some camp, some just breathe.
More than a destination, Khao Yai is a “พักใจ” (rest-the-heart) place — where everything slows down and peace finds you first.
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Get the English translation script and vocabulary list at https://www.patreon.com/c/ilearnThai.
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When people in Thailand think of other countries, Japan often comes first. From anime and sushi to technology and travel, Japan feels like a close friend in Thai daily life. “Made in Japan” has even become a mark of quality here.
At the same time, Thais notice the contrasts—Japanese punctuality and discipline compared to Thai flexibility and warmth. Some find Japan’s lifestyle too strict, but many admire it as part of its unique charm.
For Thais, Japan is more than a destination. It’s a partner, an inspiration, and a second home in many hearts.
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Get the English translation script and vocabulary list at https://www.patreon.com/c/ilearnThai.
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When people think about learning Thai, the first reaction is often: “It’s so hard!” Five tones, a new script, and what sounds like lightning-fast speech can feel intimidating. But here’s the twist: look closer and Thai is simpler than you think.
At its core, Thai is straight S-V-O—no verb conjugations, no gendered nouns, no tenses to memorize. You just add easy time words like แล้ว (already), กำลัง (currently), or จะ (will) to show when something happens. One verb works for every person: ฉันกิน / เธอกิน / เขากิน — all “กิน.”
Tones? They’re logical patterns you can train by listening and repeating. And you’ll recognize plenty of loanwords—คอมพิวเตอร์, อินเตอร์เน็ต, แท็กซี่—right away. Thai isn’t a brick wall; it’s a door that opens easily once you take the first step.
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Get the English translation script and vocabulary list at https://www.patreon.com/c/ilearnThai.
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When talking about Thai behavior, one word rises above the rest: kreng jai.
It’s not just politeness—it’s an unwritten rule that shapes how people eat, speak, and even disagree.
Born from values of harmony and respect, kreng jai makes Thais hold back their wants, soften their words, or quietly refuse help they secretly need.
To outsiders it may look like hesitation, but in truth it’s a cultural balance—keeping relationships smooth, society gentle, and conflict at bay.
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Get the English translation script and vocabulary list at https://www.patreon.com/c/ilearnThai.
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When people think of Thai food, the first taste that often comes to mind is spiciness—whether from tom yum goong, green curry, or som tam. But here’s the twist: chilies weren’t always part of Thai cuisine.
They arrived from South America via Portuguese and Spanish traders, blending into local dishes until they became inseparable from the Thai palate.
Today, chilies don’t just add heat—they balance sweet, sour, and salty flavors, cool the body in Thailand’s humid climate, and define a cuisine now famous worldwide.
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Join me on https://www.patreon.com/c/ilearnThai and learn Thai a little bit every day.
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Just 30 kilometers from Bangkok, Phutthamonthon in Nakhon Pathom is one of Thailand’s most important Buddhist landmarks. Built in 1955 to celebrate the 2,500th anniversary of Buddhism, it’s home to a 15-meter walking Buddha surrounded by stone reliefs of the Buddha’s life.
Spanning over 2,500 rai, the park is both sacred and serene — a place for prayer, meditation, cycling, or simply slowing down. Visit on a Buddhist holiday, and you’ll see candlelit processions that make the entire space glow with peace and devotion.
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Join me on https://www.patreon.com/c/ilearnThai and learn Thai a little bit every day.
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In this episode, we take a quick escape to Nakhon Pathom, just an hour from Bangkok. Our first stop is Wat Samphran, the striking pink temple wrapped by a giant green dragon. Inside, a tunnel leads up to a 360° viewpoint, while the grounds are filled with shrines and statues that make the place both peaceful and photogenic.
Then we continue to Wat Huai Ta Kho, where a golden Buddha nearly 30 meters tall rises from open rice fields. The countryside setting is calm and breezy, perfect for reflection and photos. For a one-day trip, Nakhon Pathom offers a mix of culture, scenery, and unforgettable views.
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Join me on https://www.patreon.com/c/ilearnThai and learn Thai a little bit every day.
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In this episode, we travel to Nakhon Pathom, just an hour from Bangkok, to visit the lively market around Phra Pathom Chedi — the tallest golden stupa in Thailand. Here, the air is filled with the aromas of grilled pork, bamboo sticky rice, and traditional Thai sweets, while the chedi’s golden spire rises above the bustling stalls.
From famous khao lam to crispy hoi tod, juicy tod man goong, and refreshing coconut ice cream, the market is a paradise for food lovers. Add in the local smiles, colorful souvenirs, and the unforgettable sight of the chedi glowing at sunset, and you’ll see why this market captures the heart of everyone who visits.
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Full Worksheet: https://www.patreon.com/c/ilearnThai
In this episode, you’ll hear the slow version of Episode 48: สวนเบญจกิติ – The Green Oasis in the Heart of Bangkok. This is a short excerpt designed to help you practice listening and improve your Thai comprehension.
Want the full version with natural speed and extra content? Check it out on my Patreon at patreon.com/ilearnthai.
Enjoy learning Thai with me, and thank you for listening!
Join me on https://www.patreon.com/c/ilearnThai and learn Thai a little bit every day.
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In this episode, we visit Benjakitti Park, Bangkok’s stunning 453-rai green oasis. Once a tobacco factory, it’s now a living “sponge park” — designed to absorb floodwaters, filter water with over 300 plant species, and give the city fresh air through more than 8,800 trees.
Walk the nature trails and boardwalks around its four ponds, cycle along dedicated paths, or cross the skywalk that links all the way to Lumpini Park. As the sun sets, skyscrapers shimmer in the water and the city feels calm for a moment.
Benjakitti isn’t just beautiful — it’s a self-sustaining ecosystem, with wetlands, an urban farm, and repurposed factory buildings turned into sports halls and cultural spaces. Come in the evening, and you’ll see joggers, kids skating, yoga groups, and sometimes even live music. It’s proof that Bangkok can slow down and breathe.
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Join me on https://www.patreon.com/c/ilearnThai and learn Thai a little bit every day.
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In this episode, we explore Talat Noi, one of Bangkok’s most atmospheric old neighborhoods. It’s a maze of wooden houses, vintage warehouses, Chinese shrines, and hip cafés — all breathing with 200 years of history.
Just a short walk from Hua Lamphong MRT, you’ll feel the city noise fade into the sound of bicycle bells, temple gongs, and friendly chatter in a mix of Teochew Chinese and Thai. The streets are lined with faded Chinese shop signs, quirky street art, and photogenic corners — from crumbling brick walls to converted warehouse cafés.
By the river, the vibe slows down even more. Wooden boats rest on the Chao Phraya, old mechanics work quietly on hulls, and the breeze makes you forget you’re in the middle of Bangkok.
Talat Noi may not be a famous tourist spot, but if you’re after culture, character, and soul, this place might become your new favorite part of the city.
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