#Thai restaurant Singapore

[springtomorrowfoodtravel]

Discover the Taste of Thailand at Sanook Kitchen

Having spent a considerable time in the UK and Europe this year, I came to the realisation that the one thing I truly missed during my time abroad was spices. Although we did enjoy Asian cuisine in the UK and Europe, the taste and flavours somehow didn’t quite match up to what we were accustomed to back home. Consequently, upon our return to Singapore, the first meal that crossed my mind was Thai…

[buffetlicious]

My colleague was asking me to recommend him a few good buffet places in Singapore since I am the go-to person for makan (food) in office. Came across J65 @ JEN Singapore Tanglin by Shangri-La with various seafood theme buffets throughout the week. The two for S$128++ International Seafood Dinner Buffet seem value for the money so I decided to go there myself. Made a reservation for Father's Day since it was a Sunday and Monday happened to be a public holiday. A younger colleague joined me for this meal and I jokingly told my other colleagues that I am bringing my “son” for the special occasion. :D

We were shown to our table and guess what? It is right beside the Seafood Counter with a selection of seafood on ice. The Boston lobster halves were piled high on the crushed ice along with prawns and mussels. A trio of condiments with salad dressing, lemon wedges and Thai sweet chilli sauce were provided. Not sure why lemon was there as oysters were not on the menu that night. I only took one lobster while my dining partner had two. The lobster was sweet tasting but how I wish they were freshly out of the pot and served warm.

[nathandulce]

Bangkok 2024

The one and only time I visited Bangkok was in 2012 when I did an excessive amount of shopping, while Joan kept revisiting the Naraya boutique, and I thought I was being very adventurous when I tried a live shrimp salad from a street vendor only to become very sick and come down with a viral fever for an entire week.

So when I decided to revisit Bangkok this year, I was all sorts of nervous, I mean, could you blame me?

I made sure I had packed sufficient amounts of first aid like my charcoal pills, paracetamol, etc and refrained from eating anything from the street stalls... But I am no way hinting that Bangkok is a dirty or unhygienic place; I just happened to figure out that I have a very sensitive stomach as I coursed through the river of my adult life in my 20s.

My very first meal in Bangkok: a simple bowl of Thai boat noodles at MBK shopping centre. Needless to say, it was delicious.

There was a pet fair going on at Siam Square which I happened to pass by when I was walking around aimlessly. Tortoises are one of my favourite animals.

Snakes are my favourite animals too! This is a giant anaconda and he was just curious about the outside world (all the humans walking around must have smelled delicious to him).

Siam Center at dusk.

Went to a small local bar located in one of the Bangkok Suburbs where they didn't have an actual menu, but the attentive bartender was more than happy to make drink recommendations or serve us drinks of our choice. My partner and I spent quite a few hours here sitting at the outdoor bar (they have indoor seating as well with a live band on some nights) just chatting and enjoying the warm night breeze.

Stayed at this cute boutique hotel called Nine Design Place which was located on a very quiet street away from the hustle and bustle of downtown BKK, and yet within walking distance to MBK Centre (less than 10 mins) and to train stations. The owner of the hotel was a former flight stewardess who takes great pride in her business and it really shows in the quality of the rooms and services. She insisted that my partner and I try their mango sticky rice dessert before we left the premises for the day and it was pretty good!

Typical BKK traffic in the middle of the day. And also, the weather was 38 degrees (celcius).

Delicious Thai food @ Somtam Bangkok located at Siam Square.

Thailand doing things right. Yes to marriage equality!

Thankfully I made it through the trip without getting sick, but also because I was a little more careful about where I was eating. I even ate a local chicken rice shop located in a back alley and was expecting my stomach to churn, but I was actually alright.

I guess I was just being paranoid.

Bangkok is cool. I'll love to visit again.

[passion-8-dining]

Recommended Menu That Wants Her to Open the World of Her Tongue

If you want to find a beautiful shop, this is not this shop.   But if you want to sit down and eat seriously, open your tongue and experience new flavors.  original style  must be here, good people

The original taste of authentic Singaporean food, Passionate Chiang Mai, from the intention of Singaporean people who love Chiang Mai. The chef and owner are Singaporeans. Speak Thai lightly, kind, well taken care of, open for more than 8 years it’s very famous among Chinese people. Used to serve 140 people at once, full of parables on all 3 levels.

The highlight is the food.  Freshly made hot, dish by dish  (It may take a long time to wait) There are many dishes, wow.  Some dishes are hard to find  Some dishes have just been discovered.  It opens the world to many taste buds. Quality ingredients, clean shop.

Recommended menu that Hia wants her to open the world of her tongue:

Singapore Hainanese Chicken Rice (Available only on Saturday)

Must try this dish authentic taste like what he used to eat in Singapore. Chopped into large, thick pieces, the chicken meat is very juicy.  After biting it, it was as if there was water in the mouth. Soft and smooth teeth. The rice grains were arranged beautifully.  If you're looking for the juicy, tender chicken flavor, come try this restaurant, you won't be disappointed, starting at 95.-

Nazi Lemag

This dish must be told by the elders. It's a wow experience on the tongue. It is rice cooked with fragrant coconut milk. Served with beans, dried fish, fried chicken, egg, topped with homemade chili sauce.   This dish is strangely good, but delicious, suitable for 150.-

Baked rice in clay pot   (Good selling menu in the shop)

 It's a very fragrant baked rice.  Because every cooking process is cooked in all clay pots.  A full pot of face topping  When the waiter came to serve me, said it was very hot and really hot, after an hour, I scooped it out and the smoke was still wafting. This pot can be eaten by 3-4 people for 290.-

Singapore Chilli Crab  (similar to stir-fried crab with curry powder)

Big crab, very fresh, stir-fried with unique curry paste.  Served with hot fried mantou, it's so satisfying, hey, it's similar to the famous fried crab with curry powder.  But there is something special in that the curry paste is made by him.   And there is a secret recipe that makes the flavor intense, delicious like no other, 900. - (depending on crab weight)

Steamed Sea Bass with Cantonese Soy Sauce

It comes in a hot, fragrant way through the kitchen. Big fish fill the plate, very fresh, steamed with fragrant soy sauce.  No fishy to annoy Lets get it all. 430.-

Fried Shrimp Cereal

This dish is very popular in Singapore.  You don't have to go that far. Available to try here. This dish is a large deep-fried plum prawns. With the crunchiness of the powder the ragrant top it’s new and different. 400.-

If you want to try food without mass Hey, I recommend you to come to this shop. Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, it's a wide world of tongue perception and its good.

You can order delivery for both Food Panda and Grab, but if you want me to recommend going to eat at a hot restaurant is more satisfying.

Coordinates Passionate is in the M-Town project, Kan Klong Road, opposite Chiang Mai Phu Kham School. Chiang Mai city center.

Map

https://maps.app.goo.gl/Ap15jczFz8SRdNwf6

053 215 117

Open 11.30 - 21.00 (Kitchen closes at 20.45)

The front of the shop is secretly similar to a light tour company.   You can walk in and open the world.

#extremely mean #chiang mai #chiang mai restaurant #Singapore chicken rice #Delicious restaurant in Chiang Mai

★★★★☆ · Restaurant

[mileapo]

Mile & Apo: It takes two to triumph

IN THE GLITZY REALM OF entertainment, where talent often shines like a beacon, there occasionally emerges a pair of stars whose chemistry transcends the screen. Such is the case with Mile and Apo, two charismatic Thai actors whose TV show KinnPorsche has become a global sensation, watched by millions of viewers from Russia and India, to Poland and Peru.

The two have risen from relative obscurity to become the new ambassadors of Dior, mobbed by teenage girls when they arrived in Mumbai earlier this year to attend a Dior fashion show.

On the surface, the Thai series KinnPorsche seems to have thrown the rulebook of “How to make a hit TV show” out the window. It is a mafia story filled with surly men, bloody gang fights and epic shoot-outs – which, yes, is a mainstay of TV programming. But the radical twist is this: the two main characters are a mafia boss’ son (played by Mile) and his male bodyguard (played by Apo) who – surprise, surprise – fall in love with each other.

In the history of TV, there has never been a hit crime series centred on a gay plot. But when KinnPorsche debuted in April 2022 on Thai TV and global streaming service iQiyi, it almost instantly became the top trending title in neighbouring countries such as Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam and the Philippines.

Soon after, it claimed Europe, finding particular popularity in Poland, Turkey, Italy and France. Then it stormed its way into North and South America, where it was a top trending topic in the US, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Ecuador and Colombia.

No one – not even the cast and producers – thought the show would be this successful. It seems to have fed into some untapped market for female audiences who love action shows, but don’t care to see yet another threateningly perfect actress couple up with their fantasy man.

If you ask any fan what it is about the show that makes them sweat, swoon or quiver with delight, they’ll answer quite simply: Mile and Apo.

Double or nothing

At their photo shoot in Bangkok’s top restaurant Nusara, which overlooks the splendid temple complex Wat Pho, the models-turned-actors are in their element. They tailor their bodies and facial expressions instinctively for the camera, conveying a range of emotions, from sultry and mysterious to bright and playful. The slinky Dior suits, with their clean lines and minimal embellishments, don’t hurt either.

Mile (or Phakphum Romsaithong) and Apo (or Nattawin Wattanagitiphat) recently released their new film Man Suang in cinemas. It is a big-budget political thriller set during the 19th century reign of Rama III, replete with historically authentic sets and costumes.

Apo plays a traditional dancer who is recruited to spy in an elite club and uncover a plot to overthrow the order of the king. Finding a kindred spirit in the club’s taphon drummer (played by Mile), the two team up to stop the underground rebellion.

Speaking with the help of a translator, Mile, 31, explains: “We hope the movie reaches out to a wide audience. We wanted it to have both commercial and critical success, something that could show Thai history and culture to the world, but also be fun and entertaining enough to be a popcorn movie for the masses.”

Both actors note how T-pop (the shorthand for Thai popular entertainment) has been hyped as the next global sensation after K-pop and J-pop, following the massive success of Thai stars such as Lisa Manobal, Bright Vachirawit and Win Opas-iamkajorn.

“And it can happen,” says Apo, 29, also through a translator. “Thai people are very humble, gentle, hardworking and friendly. We can blend into any culture. If anything, Thailand has served as a melting pot for different cultures – just as Singapore has. Our culture can be easily embraced by the world.”

The duo believes that the global audience has transformed in recent times. “They’re now more welcoming of stories from different parts of the world, especially if those stories involve characters going on a journey to discover themselves and make themselves better, stronger, wiser and happier,” says Apo. “That’s why when I look for new projects these days, I look for the ones that carry the messages of self-actualisation.”

Mile concurs, adding: “I’ve always believed in ‘high risk, high return’. KinnPorsche was a risky proposition, because it took a mafia crime genre and placed it in the Boy Love category (a niche genre involving gay romance). But I believed in the project’s potential from the start – even if I never thought it’d become the cultural phenomenon that it is today. Its success has only strengthened my belief in ‘high risk, high return’.”

One-two punch

The road to success has been winding for both actors. Though born with the magnetic allure of leading men, they’ve had to work hard to secure roles over countless rivals, as strikingly handsome as they are. Having appeared in smaller parts before, it was the smash success of KinnPorsche – a show that almost didn’t get made because of funding issues – that catapulted them into not just the Thai limelight, but the global stratosphere.

Asked what Dior’s artistic director Kim Jones thinks of KinnPorsche, the duo laughs. Apo says: “We don’t know if he’s seen the show – we didn’t ask him. But we do know that our fans had been bombarding his Instagram account for a while, telling him about us, asking him to check us out, before he signed us up – well, at least that’s what he told us when we met him for the first time.”

“But for all you know, he could be binge-watching the series right now,” quips Mile, prompting another round of chuckles.

As the two men trade jokes in Thai, it’s clear that they share a genuine friendship. Their camaraderie is palpable, adding an extra layer of authenticity to their on-screen chemistry. Their behind-the-scenes antics and playful banter in candid posts have become fan fodder, launching thousands of TikTok videos and memes.

Mile says: “We’ve only become better friends in these past two-and-a-half years. We’ve become more synchronised, and our mindsets and energies are moving at the same pace. I can look at Apo and more or less understand what’s going on in his mind. We have small conflicts, of course – it’s normal among friends – but it’s usually something so minor, we can resolve it quickly.”

The best part of their friendship? Their shared love of dad jokes – that genre of silly, cheesy jokes with predictable punchlines that fathers supposedly love to tell their kids.

But Mile confesses: “I don’t tell dad jokes because I like them, to be honest. What I really, really want to tell are smart jokes, witty jokes… But I’m so bad at making jokes that they always come across as dad jokes, no matter how hard I try.”

Apo interjects: “Do you wanna hear a good dad joke?” Then, switching from Thai to halting English, he says slowly: “Hey you… watch where you walk… or you will… fall… into… my heart.”

[colourme-feral]

A youtuber who reviews Thai BL novels did a video on the Step by Step novel and its spoilers. It’s very spoilery and the spoilers mentioned are under the cut if you don’t want to watch the video.

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(I don't think this was specifically included in the show, so I'm including these details:)

- Pat starts his job after getting a Master's Degree.

- Pat graduated from the US and has interned in companies in the US and Singapore.

- After months of working together, Jeng often keeps his eye on Pat, who has become his favourite subordinate because of his work, and thinks of him outside of work. Jeng also starts asking Pat to have dinner together after work and offers Pat rides home when Pat needs to work overtime.

- On an out-of-town work trip together, Jeng realises he has developed feelings for Pat. He then tries to find ways to take care of Pat discreetly, such as him organising a lunch party in order to have Pat try his food and show off his cooking as well.

- Despite Jeng's efforts to be closer to Pat, Pat didn't feel like they were close and is still traumatised by how Jeng was like prior to Pat's hard-hitting review of Jeng as a manager. As such, Pat doesn't realise that Jeng is actually interested in him. Since Jeng is unable to openly pursue Pat due to his position, several people end up showing their interest in Pat; Put being one of them.

- When they meet for the first time, Put is becomes interested in Pat and starts pursuing him. Pat also likes Put quite a lot and they hang out for a few months. During this period, Jeng decides to hold back on pursuing Pat so that he doesn't get heartbroken and stops talking to Pat about random topics after work, only discussing work matters. Noticing that, Pat is confused and thinks that Jeng has changed, which he doesn't like. After a few months together, Pat and Put's relationship isn't going well, so Pat decides to end things.

- After Pat becomes single again, Jeng starts discussing non-work related topics with him again. They head to a bar one night and there's an incident at the bar, which results in Jeng confessing his feelings to Pat, which surprises Pat. Pat doesn't believe this confession and starts criticising Jeng for other things. He even starts to question whether all the compliments Jeng paid him for his work were true, which hurts Jeng. On top of which, Pat tells Jeng to stop contacting him about anything other than work and to only have a boss employee relationship, which Jeng agrees to. Jeng keeps his word, but the changes confuse Pat, making him feel lonely. ( -> I feel another P&P parallel coming???)

- A few weeks after the confession, Jeng announces to the division that he is leaving his job, shocking Pat. This results in Pat reevaluating his feelings for Jeng and unable to see Jeng anymore causes Pat to realise his feelings for him.

- After the realisation, Pat starts goes to see Jeng. One day, Pat is unable to keep his feelings to himself anymore and confesses to Jeng at Jeng's restaurant. Jeng is delighted and agrees to date.

- After being together for 8 years and going through ups and downs together, the pair gets married in the final scene. Pat's dad also gives a touching speech at their wedding.

- The reviewer also said that the later chapters are filled with NC scenes.

- The reviewer also mentions that the genre is a slice of life/slow burn, with an emphasis on the slow. The later chapters are really long, with each being over 100 pages.

[najia-cooks]

星洲炒米粉 / Xing zhou chao mei fun (Singapore noodles)

This dish fries steamed noodles and assorted vegetables in a mildly spicy curry paste, made from a bespoke curry powder and a blend of fresh aromatics. The result is a crispy, chewy, complex, warming stir-fry with notes of turmeric, liquorice root, and cinnamon.

Though this dish is referred to as "Singapore noodles," vermicelli dishes common in Singapore do not include curry powder! These "Singapore" noodles in fact originated in Hong Kong 茶餐廳 (cha chaan teng; Western-influenced cafés), and gained popularity between the 1940s and 60s. They combine British influence (in the form of curry powder) with the rice noodles common in Chinese, Malay, and Indian cooking; the reference to Singapore is perhaps a nod to the cosmopolitan, "exotic" atmosphere of these cafés.

This is a vegan version of a dish that often also includes shrimp, char siu, or chicken. Instructions for a vegan version of the typical sliced fried egg topping are included.

Recipe under the cut!

Patreon | Tip jar

Serves 3-4.

Ingredients:

For the dish:

200g vermicelli rice noodles (bee hoon / mi fen; 米粉)

4 green onions, greens and whites separated

1/2 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced

1 medium (50g) julienned red mild chili (such as aji dulce), or 1/4 medium red bell pepper

1 medium (50g) julienned green mild chili, or 1/4 medium green bell pepper

1 bunch yellow chives

Small handful bean sprouts

3-inch piece (40g) carrot, julienned

1 tsp table salt, or to taste

Large pinch MSG (optional)

Rice vermicelli (also known as bee hoon / bihun, mee hoon / mihun, or mi fen) are long, fine rice noodles. They should not be confused with semolina vermicelli. They may be purchased at an east or southeast Asian grocery store; Chinese, Vietnamese, or Thai rice vermicelli will all work. I used Hai Ca Vang rice vermicelli, which I like in this dish for how well they stand up to stir-frying, and the chewy bite they give to the final dish.

Yellow chives are simply chives that have less color because they are grown out of the sun. They may be found in a Chinese grocery store; if you can't get your hands on any, omit them or substitute more bean sprouts.

For the curry paste:

4 tsp curry powder Singapura, or to taste

3 cloves garlic

4 Thai shallots, or 1 Western shallot

1-inch chunk (10g) ginger

1/4 medium yellow onion

White of 1 stalk lemongrass (optional)

1 bay leaf (optional)

Some versions of Singapore noodles are flavored entirely with curry powder, or (if a spicier curry powder is being used) with a mix of curry powder and turmeric; home cooks tend to include less curry powder or paste than restaurants do. You could decrease the amount of curry powder down to about a teaspoon for a home cook version of this dish. If you aren't making your own, Singapore curry powder (咖哩粉) can be purchased online from specialty spice retailers, or from a Hong Kongese brand such as Koon Yick Wah Kee; you could also substitute another mild, sweet curry powder, such as Japanese curry powder (S&B is a popular brand).

You could skip prepping the aromatics as well by purchasing a jar of ready-made Chinese curry paste (咖哩醬) from a brand such as Koon Yick Wah Kee (whose blend consists of curry powder hydrated with white vinegar and soybean oil); Malaysian curry paste would be a good substitute. Some recipes make a quick homemade curry paste by combining curry powder with salt (1 tsp), sugar (1 tsp), oyster sauce (1 Tbsp), water (2 Tbsp), and sometimes chili sauce, and add this sauce to the noodles as they are fried. I prefer versions of the dish that add fresh aromatics, though—I think they round out the curry powder by providing a flavorful base for it. You can experiment until you get the flavor and texture you prefer.

For the egg:

1/4 cup (60mL) coconut milk, or water

1/2 tsp ground turmeric

1/4 - 1/3 tsp kala namak (black salt)

1/4 tsp ground white pepper (optional)

1/2 tsp Liaojiu (Chinese cooking wine)

Liaojiu will likely be labelled "Shaoxing wine" in English. For an alcohol-free version, use ume plum vinegar or apple cider vinegar. The wine is used to flavor and cut the 'egginess' of the eggs.

This recipe usually calls for eggs, liaojiu, and salt. The turmeric and white pepper add flavor and color; the kala namak provides an eggy taste.

Instructions:

1. Prepare the aromatics. Peel and chop the garlic; mince the onion and shallots; scrub and mince the ginger (there's no need to peel it). Divide the whites of the green onions from the greens, and mince the whites.

Pull away any tough outer leaves of lemongrass. Separate the yellow / white section from the green, and cut off the root end. Reserve the green to flavor soup stocks. Thinly slice the white of the lemongrass widthwise, then pass the knife through for another few minutes to mince very thoroughly.

For a "saucier" noodle dish, pulverize the aromatics in a mortar and pestle or a blender rather than mincing them.

2. Prepare the vegetables. Cut peppers into a thin julienne; julienne the carrots; thinly slice the onion. Cut the greens of green onions, bean sprouts, and chives into 1 1/2 or 2” pieces.

3. Cook the noodles. Soak noodles in just-boiled water for about 90 seconds, or until they break when pinched firmly. Depending on the thickness of your noodles, they may need as much as 2-3 minutes.

Drain the noodles, but don’t rinse them. Spread them out on a baking sheet and cover to allow to steam for 10 minutes. With oiled hands, gently pull apart and untangle the noodles. Cut them in a few places with kitchen scissors to make stir-frying easier.

4. Cook the egg garnish. Whisk all ingredients for the egg together in a small bowl. Heat a wok over medium heat for several minutes, then add in a couple teaspoons of oil and swirl to coat the surface of the wok. Pour ‘egg’ into the bottom of the wok, then lower heat to low and allow to cook until darkened and solidified on top. Flip and cook the other side on medium-high until browned in places. Remove from wok and thinly slice.

5. Cook the vegetables. Heat wok on high for several minutes. Add in a couple teaspoons of oil and swirl to coat. Fry sliced onions, agitating often, for about 30 seconds; add carrots and fry another 30 seconds. Add peppers and cook for another 20-30 seconds. Remove from wok.

Cook chives or bean sprouts for 30 seconds to a minute, until slightly wilted, and remove.

6. Make the curry paste. Add another couple teaspoons of oil to the wok. Fry the aromatics (whether minced or pulverized) and bay leaf, stirring often, until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Lower heat to low, then add the curry powder and stir. Immediately add another couple teaspoons of oil, or enough to create a bit of sauce (the amount will vary based on how much curry powder you've added).

If you're using pre-made curry paste, just fry it for 30 seconds or a minute until fragrant. If you're using a mix of vegetarian oyster sauce, water, salt, and sugar, skip this step.

7. Fry the noodles. Raise the heat to medium-high. Add the noodles and stir to coat evenly. Allow noodles to sit for a minute or two, then flip with chopsticks or tongs and allow to fry again. This will help the noodles to fry and brown.

Do this a few times until noodles are evenly toasted, 4-5 minutes. Add salt and MSG (or oyster sauce mixture) and stir to coat. Add in vegetables, egg, and green onions and cook for another minute until green onions are wilted.

[tatselksism]

Community Build Ideas for 2024

RESTAURANT

New England style seafood shack in Brindleton Bay Spanish Colonial style restaurant serving Spanish/South American food in Oasis Springs Winery-style restaurant serving Italian food in Tartosa Eclectic restaurant serving Pan-Asian food in San Myshuno

CAFÉ

Modern, minimalistic cat café in Mt. Komorebi Industrial-style café in San Myshuno Multi-lot of small town Main Street-style shops in Brindleton Bay (includes a café, a bookshop and a gym) Multi-lot complex in Tomarang, based on shophouses in Singapore’s Chinatown (includes a café, a co-working office space, a fashion boutique, a bubble tea shop and a music performance space) Multi-lot of Wild West-style shops in Chestnut Ridge (includes a café, a bar and an office space)

GYM / SPA

Thai-style spa in Tomarang Polynesian-style spa in Sulani Modern wellness center in Windenburg

LIBRARY

Mid-century modern library in Oasis Springs Polynesian-style conservationist’s office in Sulani Victorian-style town hall in Strangerville

MUSEUM / ARTS CENTER

Desert modernism arts center in Oasis Springs featuring modern/contemporary art Cape Cod style museum in Brindleton Bay featuring traditional/historic art Traditional Japanese museum in Mt. Komorebi featuring Japanese art

RECREATION CENTER

French Colonial plantation-style mansion in Willow Creek Desert modernism complex in Oasis Springs Yacht club in Brindleton Bay Arts-and-crafts style building in Copperdale Repurposed industrial factory in Moonwood Mill Rustic farm/ranch in Chestnut Ridge

[gefdreamsofthesea]

There's a brand of frozen dinners called Authentic Asia that I've been buying recently. I love their wonton soup with dumplings and Singapore noodles (not actually from Singspore) but today I discovered their pad thai doesn't have any peanuts in it. I can't eat it at restaurants due to the peanuts.

So I bought some to try and it was pretty good for something you heat in the microwave.

[undisclosed-serendipity]

tiny rant below the cut(okay maybe not so tiny)

i am sooooooo 100% done with people asking me why i don't cook asian food. I get it I am an asian, running a restaurant in your very white very european country but who the fuck says I can't cook your food? Sure I can cook a decent asian meal and I love asian food but why the fuck do you have to limit my abilities to my own culture? in fact the best fucking risotto i ever had in my life was cooked by a man from china, what do you say about that?

i get that singapore is like a melting pot of different culture and maybe people in a small european town that I am currently living in, have zero clues about any other countries in asia (probably except thailand because almost 96% of the time they think i'm thai and that's annoying as hell in another way) But they get so fucking surprised that I speak english as fluently (or maybe even more fluent than them) and get surprised that I can actually cook a decent european food?

like seriously? why are you soooooo narrow minded in your tiny worldview that you cannot possible imagine that someone like me, with my background can cook a decent european food? why is it that everyone else have to stick to their own fucking culture when you guys go around misappropriate every other culture out there? don't ask me to stick to my own fucking culture and food.

[levynite]

KUALA LUMPUR: The tiny and sombre young woman in the red long-sleeved blouse – one of only two she had with her – hung back while her three towering male friends laughed boisterously and talked animatedly outside a restaurant in the border town of Mae Sot, Thailand.

The group of young adults – their ages ranging from 19 to 25 – had reason to be joyful. A few days before on Feb 3, they were rescued from KK Garden, located on the Myanmar side of the Myanmar-Thai border. KK Garden’s giant compound has been making the news lately as the base for several scamming centres where hundreds of trafficked Malaysians were reportedly forced to work as online scammers.

Nur Fitriani Abdullah, more commonly known as Fi, remained largely quiet throughout dinner, answering questions posed to her politely but did not volunteer any extra information. It took several meetings before she finally warmed up enough to smile and talk.

Coming from a broken home, the 19-year-old told Bernama she was used to being on her own. The diminutive Batu Pahat native has been forced to support herself since her grandfather, who had been her guardian, passed away over a year ago. His death also forced her to drop out of school without sitting for her Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia examination.

So when she saw a Facebook advertisement looking for Malaysians to work in housekeeping at a hotel in Singapore for US$1,100 (RM4,923), it seemed like an answer to her prayers.

“(Because of) Singapore and the big salary, I thought okay, I can try doing this job. I decided to go on my own. If okay, then I would ask my boyfriend to join me,” she said.

Instead, her 25-year-old boyfriend Kamil Abdul Hamid decided to come along. Without a passport, she and Kamil were smuggled into Thailand across the Golok River and then the Moei River that runs between Myanmar and Thailand in mid-September 2022.

Her tale largely echoes that of others from Malaysia and other countries who ended up in Cambodia, Laos or Myanmar after answering fraudulent job advertisements or love appeals online.

While job or love scams and the trafficking of people falling for them are not a new problem, the methods used and locations of the victims and victimisers have changed with the times. With the advent of social media and digital technology and Covid-19 pandemic restrictions creating more desperate people, job scams and trafficking have become worse.

And experts say there is little sign of this illicit activity stopping, making the masterminds rich with little risk and leaving many victims traumatised and in worse straits.

What’s changed

Malaysia is one of several transit points for human trafficking in Southeast Asia. Where Malaysia used to be a country of destination for trafficked migrant workers and asylum-seekers, it is now becoming a country of origin for trafficking.

The Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific at the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) spokesman Itayi Viriri told Bernama​ that job scams and trafficking of victims have changed beyond the usual established recruitment methods and corridors.

“The kind of numbers we are seeing now and the diversity of the nationalities of the victims, that is completely unprecedented. In fact, we don’t think we have seen that kind of trafficking set up ever before. We think that also says something about the way social networks and online media can be used,” he told Bernama in an email.

Cambodia and Laos used to be the favourite spots for these syndicates but they seem to be losing their lustre in favour of Myanmar. News reports have pegged the troubled ASEAN state, which is suffering from lawlessness and civil strife following the military coup in 2021 and decades-old separatist movements, as the new favourite.

The profiles of victims have also changed. Where syndicates used to target poor and low-skilled workers for the fishery and agriculture industries, now they are recruiting those with some education, Internet-savviness and some skills in English and/or Chinese.

“The way that they choose countries to traffic (victims), it isn’t based on the Asian region, it’s based on English education. It’s English education and Chinese language. They want Chinese translation and English (writers) to run online scams. Malaysians have strong English compared to other countries like Thailand, which has none,” said Judah Tana, founder and international executive officer of Mae Sot-based charity Global Advance Projects.

The US State Department, non-governmental organisations and other experts claim many of the crime syndicates and organised crime elements are from or involve people associated with China. Their middle management tends to be from the same countries as the victims, which means there are Malaysians working willingly as supervisors.

Experts also say the Internet and transnational nature of the offence have made it harder to curb and bring scammers to justice, though not impossible.

Modus operandi

Trafficking people who fall for the job and love scams follow a certain script, according to victims, activists and rescuers. It usually starts with a fraudulent job offer overseas that over-promises or an invitation to chat online with a pretty and receptive girl.

Once hooked, the victim meets up with the recruiter/scammer either locally and is smuggled across the border or receives money or a plane ticket to fly into a transit country. In this case, it is Thailand.

Often, the promised job is elsewhere. Victims only find out the destination has changed after they have embarked on their journey.

Once in Thailand, someone from the company meets the victims and confiscates their passports. Along the journey to the company site, guards keep a close watch on the victims, changing cars and guards every few hours. Security becomes tighter.

The chance to run away diminishes with every step of the way. Victims have reported wanting to escape but were too scared or did not know how and from whom to seek help.

When they reach their final destination – KK Garden in Myawaddy for Fi and friends – they receive their job description, which is to scam people online. If they want to leave, their new “employers” tell them they have to pay the syndicate back the recruitment fees (believed to be RM10,000 per head) and transportation costs.

Fi was devastated when she found out she had been tricked.

“I was thinking, why didn’t they just tell us straight from the start, right? I really regret coming here. Because we know the work is illegal, we don’t want to do the job. But when they threatened me, I thought I would have to work or else I would not be able to leave,” she said.

The syndicate told her and Kamil they had to pay the company RM60,000 each. Her friends, Adam Iskandar Tukiman and Nur Akmar Hamsan, were told they owed the company RM40,000 each.

Their supervisor gave them targets to satisfy. Depending on how successful they were at scamming people, they got perks and cash. If they failed, they got punished with physical exercise.

Anyone who fought back would get beaten, tortured or locked in the isolation chamber. Other threats include being sold off for organ harvesting and thrown into Moei River, which is supposedly inhabited by crocodiles.

Fi said their supervisor would threaten to rape her to keep Kamil in line and to torture Kamil to keep her in line. The threats worked.

Experts say this is forced labour and debt bondage, manipulating and forcing victims to work to pay for the debt they supposedly accrued and for their freedom. The more successful they are, the shorter their stay is. Sometimes, victims turn victimisers as they become successful at scamming and receive lucrative rewards from the company.

Tana, who said he has helped rescue almost 100 trafficked victims, told Bernama the way the syndicates work on victims is almost like a brainwashing programme.

“You can’t say that (brainwashing) has not happened to them in some way, shape or form. That they decided it was okay and they can manage to stay there,” he said.

Aftermath

Fi, Kamil, Adam and Nur Akmar were rescued on Feb 3. Armed with information from Teruntum assemblyman Sim Chon Siang, a contingent from the Thai Army went into Myawaddy looking for them. Bangkok-based Malaysian businessman Victor Wong provided information on a fifth victim Lee Zhi Chong, who was also rescued.

Over a month later, Fi still feels guilt for falling for the scam, for agreeing to take Kamil along and for scamming people for money to save herself. Now, she tells people to be very careful when seeking riches overseas.

She and Kamil are no longer together. She told Bernama via WhatsApp that some of his family members blamed her for him getting trafficked.

“But I’m not hurt because it was my mistake in the first place even though I did not ask him to come along and he decided to come with me. But it’s okay, what happened happened. We need to move on and live our lives,” she said.

[40sandfabulousaf]

大家好! YL and I booked a private hire car to take us across the causeway into JB, Malaysia. In order to avoid the crowds and long waits at customs, we left on Thursday morning. The car picked me up first followed by YL. Along the way, we chatted so much that the driver had to tell us we'd arrived at our hotel! After checking in and dumping our bags in our rooms, we went to the adjoining mall for lunch, which I shared in my previous post. After eating, the fun began. First stop, a local coffee chain popular for this region's beloved Nanyang coffee. Next, we booked a private hire car to take us to another mall. We decided to explore the mall next to the hotel just before we left for Singapore.

When we were done roaming the first mall, we took another private hire ride to a place with rows of shophouses housing specialty clothing shops, cafes and restaurants. It resembles our Haji Lane back home. Traipsing from store to store, we filled up our shopping bags. I bought mostly tees and shorts. YL purchased a ton - dresses, tops, skirts and shorts. We walked so much, by the time we sat down for dinner, my stomach was growling. The restaurant we chose served fish, seafood and vegetables along with meat, eggs and tofu, just what we wanted - something moderately healthy! We had a bowl of rice each and shared stirfried fish slices with ginger and okra with anchovies. The fish was fragrant from hua diao jiu (Chinese rice wine) and the okra was just the right texture, still firm but not overly so. They also weren't too salty. It was delicious! We polished off the lot before heading back to the hotel for beers and to listen to the live band.

We started our second day with breakfast at the hotel followed by a rest of 45 minutes before we headed to the gym. I'd already completed my calisthenics before breakfast, so at the gym, whilst YL ran on the treadmill, I cycled, then ran for 5 minutes. After we showered, we headed to a brand new mall via private hire car and had lunch of steamed seabass, stirfried kailan and rice at a Thai restaurant. YL and I like seabass prepared this way more than panfried or baked. The flesh is tender and flakey and the milky gravy was fragrant from Thai wine. This was so delicious, again, we finished the entire fish, the whole plate of vegetables and our rice.

We had coffee to wash everything down, then it was time to begin our shopping frenzy. Store after store sold clothes, shoes, accessories and skincare. YL bought so many things, she had to change extra MYR! I got track pants, an active tee and sporty sling bag; I'll probably be using the sling bag quite often because it comes in candy blue and is very pretty! Tired, we made our way to a popular restaurant chain for dinner. YL and I love fish, so we ordered steamed pomfret as well as stirfried lily bulbs, asparagus, sweet peas, cashew nuts and fu juk (dried tofu skin) along with rice. The sauce wasn't as nice as the one which came with the seabass, but the flesh was smooth and tender. The veggies were light, crunchy, tasty and not too greasy - yum! We polished off everything, including our rice.

Our feet were so tired that we returned to the hotel for a rest. After that, we went to the supermarket to buy drinking water, dumped the bottles in our rooms and revisited the hotel lounge for beers and to listen to the live band. Somehow I ended up being pulled onto the dance floor and the wait staff and female singer danced along with me! It was after midnight that we returned to our rooms, exhausted. I had so much fun! More in the next post. 下次见!

[priyakm]

Restaurants in Vijayawada

Vijayawada, the bustling city on the banks of the Krishna River, is not only a cultural and historical hub but also a burgeoning destination for food enthusiasts. With a vibrant culinary scene that ranges from local Andhra delights to international fare, Vijayawada offers a range of dining experiences that cater to every palate. At Lemon Tree Premier, Vijayawada, guests have access to some of the city's finest dining options. Here’s a guide to the top restaurants within the hotel that promise a memorable culinary journey.

Citrus Café - At the heart of Lemon Tree Premier is Citrus Café, the hotel’s all-day dining restaurant renowned for its diverse and delectable offerings. Citrus Café is the ideal destination for those seeking a blend of local flavours and international cuisine. The restaurant’s menu features a wide range of options, from traditional Andhra dishes like the spicy Gongura Mutton and flavorful Pulihora to global favourites such as pasta, sandwiches, and salads.

Citrus Café’s ambience is bright and inviting, making it perfect for any meal of the day. Whether you’re starting your day with a hearty breakfast buffet, enjoying a leisurely lunch, or having a relaxing dinner with family or friends, Citrus Café provides a comfortable and elegant setting. The variety of dishes and the emphasis on fresh, high-quality ingredients ensure a satisfying dining experience.

Republic of Noodles - For those with a taste for Pan-Asian cuisine, Republic of Noodles offers an exciting culinary journey through the flavours of Southeast Asia. This restaurant is celebrated for its vibrant and flavorful dishes inspired by the culinary traditions of Thailand, Vietnam, China, and Singapore. The menu includes an array of noodle dishes, stir-fries, dim sum, and curries that highlight the best of Asian street food.

Signature dishes like the Thai Green Curry, Singapore Chili Crab, and Vietnamese Pho showcase the rich, aromatic flavours that define Asian cuisine. The restaurant’s chic and modern decor, combined with its authentic cuisine, creates a dining experience that is both enjoyable and immersive. Whether you’re a fan of spicy curries or delicate dumplings, Republic of Noodles offers a taste of Asia in Vijayawada.

Slounge - When it’s time to unwind and relax, Slounge is the perfect spot within Lemon Tree Premier. This trendy lounge bar offers a sophisticated atmosphere where guests can enjoy handcrafted cocktails, an extensive selection of international spirits, and a range of snacks and appetizers. The relaxed ambience of Slounge makes it an excellent choice for socializing or simply enjoying a quiet evening.

With amenities such as pool tables and live music, Slounge provides entertainment and a lively setting for guests. It’s an ideal place to sip on a creative cocktail or catch up with friends after a busy day. The lounge’s stylish decor and vibrant energy make it a popular spot for both hotel guests and locals.

Serenity - For a more intimate and refined dining experience, Serenity offers a serene escape within Lemon Tree Premier. This elegant restaurant focuses on providing a calm and sophisticated environment where guests can enjoy expertly crafted dishes. Serenity’s menu features a selection of classic Indian and global cuisines, with an emphasis on high-quality ingredients and beautiful presentation.

The tranquil setting of Serenity is perfect for special occasions, romantic dinners, or a peaceful meal away from the hustle and bustle. The restaurant’s commitment to excellence in both food and service ensures a memorable dining experience that highlights the best of Vijayawada’s culinary offerings.

[hotelandresorts123]

Best restaurants in Viman Nagar

Viman Nagar, one of Pune's most vibrant neighborhoods, is known for its bustling commercial centers, upscale residential areas, and proximity to the Pune International Airport. It has become a hub for travelers, both business and leisure, looking for a mix of comfort, convenience, and cultural experiences. In the heart of this thriving locality lies Lemon Tree Hotels, a brand synonymous with hospitality, exceptional service, and culinary excellence.

A Welcoming Oasis in Viman Nagar Lemon Tree Hotels in Viman Nagar offer a perfect blend of modern amenities and warm hospitality, making them an ideal choice for travelers. Whether you're visiting Pune for business or leisure, the hotel's strategic location provides easy access to key areas of the city, including major IT hubs, shopping centers, and tourist attractions.

The hotel's ambiance is designed to cater to the needs of contemporary travelers. From its stylishly furnished rooms equipped with modern amenities to its attentive staff, every aspect of your stay at Lemon Tree Hotels is tailored to ensure comfort and relaxation. The rooms are thoughtfully designed with plush bedding, high-speed Wi-Fi, and well-appointed workspaces, making them an ideal choice for business travelers who need to stay connected and productive during their stay.

Culinary Excellence: A Journey Through the Best Restaurants in Viman Nagar One of the standout features of Lemon Tree Hotels in Viman Nagar is their dedication to providing an extraordinary dining experience. The hotel is home to some of the best restaurants in Viman Nagar, offering a diverse range of cuisines to cater to every palate. Whether you're in the mood for traditional Indian flavors, international delicacies, or fusion cuisine, Lemon Tree Hotels has something to satisfy your culinary cravings.

Citrus Café: A Culinary Haven At the heart of Lemon Tree Hotels' culinary offerings is Citrus Café, a vibrant and inviting all-day dining restaurant. Citrus Café, known for its lively ambiance and extensive menu, is one of the best restaurants in Viman Nagar. The café offers a variety of dishes, ranging from traditional Indian favorites to international fare, ensuring that there's something for everyone.

Start your day with a hearty breakfast buffet featuring an array of options, from fresh fruits and cereals to hot parathas and dosas. For lunch and dinner, the café serves a wide selection of dishes, including soups, salads, sandwiches, and main courses that showcase the rich flavors of Indian and global cuisines. The chefs at Citrus Café take pride in using the freshest ingredients to create dishes that are both delicious and visually appealing.

Republic of Noodles: A Pan-Asian Delight For those who enjoy exploring the flavors of Asia, Republic of Noodles at Lemon Tree Hotels is a must-visit. This specialty restaurant is known for its authentic pan-Asian cuisine, making it one of the best restaurants in Viman Nagar for lovers of Asian food. The menu features a tantalizing selection of dishes from Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore, and other Southeast Asian countries.

The restaurant's warm and inviting ambiance, combined with its carefully curated menu, creates a dining experience that's both exotic and comforting. From fragrant Thai curries and stir-fried noodles to delicious dim sum and Vietnamese pho, every dish at Republic of Noodles is a celebration of Asian culinary traditions.

https://www.lemontreehotels.com/lemon-tree-hotel/pune/viman-nagar-pune

[mittwoxh]

Tourist Comfort Bangkok

pic cr: personal archive

Thailand is one of the countries that tourists truly love to visit. They have everything: mouth-watering cuisines and street foods, both traditional and modern tourist attractions, and endless shops to spend your budget on. Despite being near my own country, I often overlooked this place as one of my bucket-list destinations. Their entertainment industry, however, successfully wins my heart. Appealing from their popular Boy's Love series, I decided to visit the country not long ago, equipped with the curiosity packed in my bag.

At the very beginning, my plan was just to watch a concert of their artists. The concert was called "Love Out Loud 2024". I boarded the plane with my older sister, who is great at planning itineraries. Meanwhile, I was just helping to assure her that the traveling options were okay (you will know if you have a reliable older sibling!). In the middle of planning, we shifted our excitement from concert-goers to "We just want to travel for leisure and have fun despite the very short time there!"

We bought a transit airplane ticket through Singapore before finally flying to Thailand. During this time, we seized every opportunity we could have. In only three days and two-night trip to Bangkok, Thailand, we enjoyed the walk around Jewel Changi Airport in Singapore. It was mesmerizing to see the infamous indoor waterfall for the first time and get to grab bites of fishball noodles and coconut shakes before we boarded the airplane to Bangkok.

Suvarnabhumi Airport at night was still crowded with people. While I thought the airport was appealingly plain, the signs were clear as day. Without asking a single person there, my sister and I successfully traveled to our accommodation solely by the integrated train system which we could learn conveniently on the spot.

Shopping at Platinum Mall was a whole experience. Although many people would recommend other markets with significant price differences, this place offered convenience and complete products for tourists to buy in a comfortable place where the building is cool and organized tidyly. The best part is, that you don't have to go outside under the sun to fill your stomach. Just go upstairs, and you'll find a food court. Unless you want to enjoy various activities, you definitely must visit other places, but don't forget to have time and energy!

The main schedule was to watch the "Love Out Loud 2024" concert, in Impact Arena, Muang Thong Thani. Tons of concerts were held in that arena, from local to global scale concerts. So, I was excited to visit the arena for the first time. Once again praising the integrated train system, we can easily go to the designated place by train. Although the area nearby was more of industrial and car-centric roads, we still could conveniently book an online taxi or ride a local motorbike taxi to reach Impact Arena, with a distance from the train station that is not more than 5 km. Unlike most concert places in my country, Indonesia, Impact Arena is surrounded by restaurants and food stalls for us to recharge energy before heading to the main hall. After the concert, the way back to the train station was a core memory. As we couldn't book the same online taxi, the local people actually made opportunities by taking us to our destinations by shuttle bus. Although not as fancy, the situation was beneficial to both parties: visitors got to their destinations, and they got the service fee. Win-win solutions!

My sister booked a flight ticket back home through the Don Mueang Airport this time. This airport is more of a local and smaller in size compared to Suvarnabhumi Airport. While waiting to board the airplane, we got to buy our favorite Thai Tea brand, Chatramue. We also love the iconic mango sticky rice that we decided to buy some as gifts for people back home. My favorite part of the airport was the waiting room. I can see the calming view of the whole airplane runway from ear to ear behind the glass window.

The whole trip was short but I surely loved every second of it. I left my curiosity there. Next time, I would love to go back and explore more aspects of Bangkok. I'll consider it lucky to have the chance to travel to other cities in Thailand as well.

[crystal-in-nagasaki]

crystal NOT in nagasaki, thailand: part one

Hello again! I hope you enjoyed reading about my adventures in Singapore! A few days into the new year, I said goodbye to my friend's incredibly kind and welcoming family in Singapore and hopped on another plane to Thailand, where I stayed for about three days.

This was my first time in Thailand and I only spent time in the city of Bangkok, so there was much of Thailand's nature and regional culture that I missed out on, and I would love to go back again someday to see more!

First, a little bit about Thailand. It's a South Asian country located on the Indochinese peninsula alongside other countries like Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, and Myanmar, with Malaysia to the south. It's not quite as close to the equator as Malaysia, but still had a hot and tropical climate when I visited in January.

People in Thailand speak the Thai language of course, which is a tonal language like Chinese, with its own script. Buddhism is a strong part of Thai culture, and they have many temples and images of Buddha around the country. It's a constitutional monarchy, with the royal family really only holding symbolic power but being beloved and accepted by the Thai people.

With that, I'll share some about my specific experience in Bangkok, with information that I learned about the culture along the way!

On my first day in Thailand, we spent most of the day travelling and making our way to our lodging, so I'll just talk about dinner that day.

We ate at an outdoor table outside of a small local restaurant and ordered several communal dishes to share.

To drink, I got butterfly pea tea, a very popular drink in Asia. It's a lovely purple/blue color tea made from the butterfly pea flower. Lemon and sugar is usually added to make a sweet and refreshing drink.

I'll be completely honest that I don't really know what the other food was because it was ordered by our friend who lives in Thailand, but it was tasty. In the red and black bowl was chicken feet soup. I did not at all like the feeling of chicken feet skin and bones in my mouth, but the taste was good.

After this, we went to a nearby bar that specialized in honey-infused drinks, which was really tasty. I was exhausted after a day of travel, so I then headed back to the lodging early to call it a night.

The next morning we met back up at a large mall called MBK center to do a little shopping. While waiting for my other friends to arrive, I got Thai iced tea flavored ice cream, and it was sooooo good.

After this, we went across the street to the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre to see a few small exhibitions.

The building itself was really pretty. An exhibition about womanhood had recently closed, and this one photo was left behind of some women laughing and swimming together. I thought it was beautiful and powerful, so I took a photo of it.

Another exhibition we saw was photography taken by the queen of Thailand, which just consisted of random things the queen had taken pictures of. Our local friend told us that Thai people love their monarchs, so while we might be confused as to why the pictures warranted a whole exhibition, many Thai people were very interested in seeing the things the queen photographed in her daily life.

Next, we went to the Jim Thompson House. This was a house owned by an American merchant named Jim Thompson who relocated to Thailand in the 1940s to establish the Thai Silk Company. He was very interested in the culture and artwork of Thailand and other south Asian countries, and built the house as a place to show off his collection of south Asian art. It was interesting to see a house of Thai design filled with Asian artifacts, but that also had Western style rooms and furniture.

Jim Thompson made many trips in his life around Thailand and neighboring Asian countries, but on a trip to Malaysia in 1967, he disappeared and was never heard from again. No one has ever discovered what happened to him, but his house now remains as a museum so that people can view and appreciate his collection of art.

After admiring Jim Thompson's house and art, we headed back to MBK center to have lunch, where we ate boat noodles, which are noodles seasoned with pig or cow's blood mixed with spices. At this restaurant, they had several different flavors, types of noodles, and spices, so you could order cheap small portions of noodles and try several kinds.

For dessert, we got a pudding-like dessert made of coconut and pandan.

After this, we spent some time in the huge mall souvenir shopping. One of the floors of the mall had many small stalls and shops selling local and traditional goods, so I was glad to find lots of cool souvenirs for my family and friends.

When we had sufficiently burned through our souvenir budgets, we headed to dinner at a nice restaurant which had various Thai dishes like pad Thai, Tom Yum Kung, and various curries. The food was pretty spicy, but delicious.

After dinner, we decided it was a great idea to cram six people into a tuk tuk and head out for drinks. Tuk tuks are small three-wheeled street cabs symbolic of Thailand. They are usually cheaper than taxis, but some drivers will take advantage of foreign riders and charge them a higher fare, so tourists beware! Many of the tuk tuks in Bangkok had decorations like lights, speakers, or Buddhist images. The one we all crammed into had fun neon lights on the inside. They are definitely not built for six people, but the driver didn't seem to care as long as he was getting paid and we had a fun perilous ride to our next destination.

That night we decided to get drinks in Bangkok's gay district and then see a drag show together. Compared to many other Asian countries, Thailand is a bit more open as far as LGBT visibility and rights, and it was nice to see an area for LGBT people to enjoy themselves openly.

In traditional Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia, it was commonly known that there was a third gender, called kathoey. They are similar to transgender women or gay men in that they are commonly AMAB people expressing themselves in a more feminine way, but are considered to be neither woman nor man, but a third gender containing a body with two souls. It can also be used to refer to intersex people, who are not within the traditional grounds of a "male" or "female" body.

Kathoey and transgender women are visible and recognized in Thai popular culture today by the term "ladyboys." Although the term may not be the most PC, their status in society is admirable compared to many other societies where gender nonconforming people are often shunned and otherized.

Anyway, we enjoyed some drinks at a bar in the gay quarter, then headed to a bar called The Stranger to enjoy a drag show by Thai drag queens (which are not synonymous with kathoeys or transgender women). The drag queens were beautiful, talented, and funny, and it was a really fun time being in a place celebrating queer people.

With that, I'll leave this part here and continue my Thailand adventures in the next part. Stay tuned!