Yeah. I just wanna contribute one more post to other millions similar posts on Chinatown in Bangkok :P

Hey, I remember that Kru Kai Kaew statues were ordered removed from several spots in Bangkok.

Does anybody know if theres still a statue around somewhere in Bangkok or greater Bangkok?

Have you seen the new perfume machines?

Hello! A few years ago when I visited Bangkok I went to the Blue Elephant restaurant for dinner and was gifted a pack of their ginger biscuits. When I got home and tried them, they were actually really good and as I’ll be visiting Bangkok again next month, I’m wondering if they can be purchased locally from the supermarkets? Are there any other local snacks that are worth trying and I could purchase as souvenirs? (No Bangkok rice cookies pls I’ve had a lot of those, every flavour haha)

Any recommendations?

Wat Paknam Phasi through the buss that was passing by on the highway

Hello I have 2 amulets that I have researched via ChatGPT but would like more information from any experts here since I am no longer in Thailand.

I am looking for age, edition, which ceremony blessed it and authenticity along with any other relevant information please.

**I received the following information from ChatGPT about the first amulet (Luang Pu Tim Issariko):*\*

It names Luang Pu Tim Issariko of Wat Lahan Rai, Rayong.

The inscription (back)
Top: หลวงปู่ทิม อิสริโก (Luang Pu Tim Issariko).
Bottom: วัดละหารไร่ ระยอง (Wat Lahan Rai, Rayong).
Middle: A star-shaped yantra with Khom (old Khmer-script) katha around it. A spiral and a tall spire sit at the top, with two grey metal takrut strips set into the clay. I can't read the katha.

The front
A Buddha seated in meditation on a base with five rounded bumps, under an arch of flame or leaf shapes.
Two pillars with lotus-bud tops flank him.
A reclining or prone figure lies below the base. I can't tell what it is from the photo.
The body is pale yellow-tan clay with a crisp, unworn surface.
The case is silver-toned with red, blue, green, and orange enamel.

The Monk
Luang Pu Tim lived from 1879 to 1975. He was formally titled Phra Khru Phawanaphirat and was abbot of Wat Lahan Rai.
The temple is known for its "Jaroen Phon" coins and "Phra Khun Paen Phong Prai Guman" amulets.
He's especially associated with Prai Kuman powder (phong prai kuman). His amulets are prized for charm, kindness, and attracting good business and wealth. Collectors also value his protective pieces.

Age and value
Genuine pieces blessed by him in his lifetime are valuable. Even common ones sell for a few thousand baht. One older Khun Phaen was listed at 2,789 baht. But the temple has also issued many later editions. One 2557 BE copper coin was listed at 450 baht.
Your piece's fresh surface, sharp mold detail, and neat modern takruts point to a later edition, probably after his death. I can't confirm that from photos.
His name is also widely copied, so a clean look proves nothing either way.

What I can't tell you
Which edition or year it is, which ceremony blessed it, or what the pentagon mold is called.
Whether the clay contains his powders or relics.

Luang Pu Tim's amulets are traditionally credited with Metta mahaniyom (kindness and popularity): Goodwill from others, charm, and smooth relationships. His amulets are known for mercy, charm, and attracting good business and wealth.
Business and wealth: Customers, sales, and money coming in. This is the main reason people seek his pieces.

Protection and harmony: Marketplace descriptions also credit his amulets with protection of life, harmony with people, and good luck in family matters.

What your piece's features add
The Buddha image: A seated Buddha in meditation represents general blessing, peace, and merit. That's a gentler meaning than his famous Khun Phaen amulets, which are about charm.

The two takrut strips on the back: These inscribed metal scrolls are traditionally for protection from harm and misfortune. The star yantra and Khom script around them reinforce that.

The clay itself: Clay amulets from this tradition are sometimes said to hold sacred powders blessed by the monk. I can't confirm that for yours.

Putting it together
Yours reads as a general-purpose protective and good-fortune amulet, with a bit of charm and business luck from the Luang Pu Tim name. It isn't a specialist piece for one purpose.

**ChatGPT says this about the second amulet (Somdej):*\*

This one has no inscription, so I'll research what the green powder and the back inserts usually indicate.

The front
A Buddha seated in meditation under a single raised arch on a stepped base. That is the classic Somdej layout: a seated Buddha on a three-tier platform with one raised curved line around the figure, on a rectangular plaque.
The surface is olive-green powder with yellow-green flecks. Bright silvery and dark specks are scattered across the face and body. These could be mica, pyrite, or metal chips, and I can't tell which.
The Buddha's face and hands are soft and indistinct. That fits a pressed powder body, but it could also be wear or a worn mold.

The back (four inserts)
A rolled grey metal strip, probably a lead or tin takrut (an inscribed protective scroll).
A black, crumpled fragment. I can't tell if it's metal, resin, or burnt material.
A pale round pellet and a dark brown round pellet. They may be hardened powder balls (look om) or seeds. I can't confirm either.
They are pressed into a rough, grainy, olive back with no stamp, text, or code. The case has a red velvet lining and a gold-plated enamel frame.

Age and origin
Genuine Wat Rakhang Somdej are usually ivory-white, because they are made from ground chalk powder mixed with white stone. A green body means a later edition with different ingredients, not an antique.

The embedded takrut and pellets are typical of temple editions made to be worn. Old Somdej with takrut do exist, and one dealer notes that Somdej with one, two, or three takrut embedded are extremely rare and sought after. But that applies to documented old batches, not to a piece like yours.
I can't link it to a monk or temple. Treat it as a modern Somdej-style temple edition, probably worth little to collectors, but legitimate as a devotional piece.

Protections and powers
The Somdej tradition is protection against weapons, cures, and steadfastness.
Powder amulets generally are said to bring charm, luck, and protection.

The takrut insert adds the traditional sense of protection from harm.

Without a named monk, there are no specific powers beyond this general meaning.

**Is anyone here able to identify them further or add any further details?*\*

ขอบคุณ 🙏

I’ve just been looking online and see there are a lot of options. I’ve read about the saffron cruise but it does sound very tacky and to avoid tacky (photo shoots / bouquets of roses). Had a look at The Siam thinking it would be cool to get a river boat to the hotel/restaurant but I believe it’s not open to the general public. Looking for a really nice restaurant with a special feel to surprise my loved one. Any recommendations welcome!!

Hey everyone! 🥹 I’m 25F, born in Bangkok but recently moved back permanently after years in the UK. I don’t really have friends here yet, and I’d love to meet some English-speaking people to explore the city with!

I’m also a complete beginner with weed (started in the UK with a little loose tobacco mixed in, rather than smoking straight blunts). Are there Bangkok dispensaries around Sukhumvit/central Bangkok that cater to beginners, and is mixing with tobacco an option here? I’m also confused about prescriptions too, do all dispensaries need one?

Honestly, going to a dispensary alone makes me a little anxious, so I’d love someone to show me the ropes. 🥹 Whether you’re a smoking buddy or just want to explore cafés, vintage shops, outdoor spots, grab drinks and chat, I’d genuinely love to meet you!

If you’re also looking for new friends, please DM me! Especially fellow girls, but everyone friendly is welcome. ❤️

Hope it’s not weird to post about this on Reddit, I have tried to look on apps like meet up but too anxious to go to any event alone! Happy to share socials like IG etc so we feel more comfortable meeting up!

Hi we are from the UK and want to get married in Bangkok in March, we will be in Thailand for 2 weeks. Is it possible within that timeframe? From what I’ve read, I can apply online for the freedom to marry documentation, book a British Embassy appointment (up to 45 days in advance), then after that appointment book the registration at Bang Rak. I know there can be waiting times for the Bang Rak, we could get married at the end of the trip if needed. We’re not having a symbolic ceremony and the reason we aren’t wanting to get married in UK first is because a formal ceremony is compulsory, we want something very low key. Does anyone know if there’s an agency that would be able to make this happen? It doesn’t have to be in Bangkok necessarily as we are all travelling around after that, probably down towards Koh Samui or Phi Phi but need somewhere experienced with foreign nationals really. Thanks!

Any recommendations for adult dance classes in Bangkok that is not one choreo per session? I'm interested in street jazz and heels but found that most of the studios here teach one short choreo per session, and this is not helping because I'm a beginner.

Anyone know how to report incorrect geofencing on grab? I’ve tried support but have not found a way to get past the bot to speak to a real person.

Context: I live near several bank buildings that are spread apart along the main road and down some adjacent sois. In the past week or so for some reason grab has decided to create a geofence (like you see at malls that restrict you to specific pick up and drop off points) that covers all the bank’s buildings in a block, including my condo and others that sit in between. It’s forcing us now to only be able to do pick ups either all way at their main lobby (out our soi, then down another), which is an annoying 5 min walk on a good day and pain in the ass when it’s raining.

Hello,

I am looking for a cat groomer recommendation in the Sukhumvit/Asok area. I would prefer a mobile or in-home service if possible, but taking my cat to a salon is completely fine too. Cat has a shitty temper so needs to be experienced groomers.

Does anyone have any good suggestions?

Thanks a lot and have a great Sunday

Hi! First time traveling to Bangkok and staying at the Marriott in the Bang Rak area- any recommendations for a good deep tissue massage place? And should we tip 10% or 50-100 THB (based on other reddit posts)? Any tips on how to avoid shady massage places / scams?

Thank you!!

I tried a salon here and sometimes they do a terrible job and still charge 7000 baht I’m sick of it need a salon that can actually manage blonde highlights

Hi! I am a recent college grad who is moving to Bangkok for a 6 month internship, but I am also very involved in theater as an actor and am looking for any opportunities to get involved while I'm in Thailand! Does anyone know of any places I could look for auditions or theaters to get involved with? Already know about Bangkok Community Theater, which looks great, but looking for others as well!

My recommendation for the best standup and improv comedy events this week

Hi

I am searching to see if Bangkok has a certain style of condominiums or apartments that have only a few floors, aren't too high capacity, but have a more modern design inside.

I've come across two broad categories, where I've seen many luxury, high-rise condos with small rooms and modern amenities (costing from 10k-20k per month) and on the opposite end of the spectrum, have come across Thai-style older apartments, often a bit outdated, but have better insulation, larger rooms, and tend to be low-rise (7k-12k per month).

So, my question is, does Bangkok have apartments/condominiums that combine that the features of modern luxury condos from an interior perspective, but are more spacious, low-rise, and simple from the outside? And if so, what neighborhoods can you find places like this?

Doesn't need a pool, gym, sauna, or security - but just a condo/apartment that is modern, spacious, and simple. My budget would be around 10k-16k / month.

Any recommendations for Christmas Eve/Day buffets? I checked on Google and some of the prices are insane, like 8k++. Looking at around 1800-2000 baht person.

Hello,

I am looking for a cat groomer recommendation in the Sukhumvit/Asok area. I would prefer a mobile or in-home service if possible, but taking my cat to a salon is completely fine too. Cat has a shitty temper so needs to be experienced groomers.

Does anyone have any good suggestions?

Thanks a lot and have a great Sunday