The Bangkok Podcast

What Changes Would Greg Make if He Was in Charge of Bangkok? [S8.E24]

On this show, Greg and Ed discuss what Greg would do if he was the boss man in charge of Thailand, echoing a similar show with Ed's plans earlier in the year. (Check out Season 7, Episode 54 if you are curious.) Greg begins with an interesting but ambitious plan to establish bike lanes underneath the elevated portion of the BTS and MRT. Ed immediately welcomes the idea, but both recognize what a massive undertaking it would be. Currently there are long walkways under certain portions of the BTS, but there are miles upon miles of essentially unused 'space' underneath other portions that would be perfect for bicycles. Hey, no one said this would be cheap, just better. Next, Greg suggests that a portion of revenue from traffic fines be put towards police budgets, traffic safety programs, and community education based on improved metrics like response time, crime rate and community sentiment. The guys consider the idea eminently feasible and wonder whether it might be implemented already. On that note, Greg talks about his idea to use heavy fines for air polluters in a similar fashion, only to discover that last month Thailand's new clean air bill does just that. Greg continues with a myriad of other bold plans involving expanding sidewalks, planting trees, and installing free massage chairs in malls. Listen in for the details and Ed's always insightful feedback.

Don't forget the meetup!

Saturday, Dec 6, 2025 at The Warehouse on Charoen Krung Road [https://maps.app.goo.gl/upcWEqZss9Djjgyb7]. Chec our FB page [https://www.facebook.com/bangkokpodcast/] for more details.

Making Bangkok Accessible for All: Khun Saba Keeps Fighting (Classic ReCast) [S8.E23]

On this episode - a classic ReCast from season 3! - Greg interviews Khun Saba, a disabled rights activist in Bangkok. It's a topic near and dear to the Bangkok Podcast, because we want everyone to enjoy Bangkok, which is very hard to do if you don't have full mobility. Khun Saba explains that he became aware of the difficulty of moving around Thai cities, especially Bangkok, after he became disabled, and notes that while physical and structural issues are important, the key issue is really awareness. Simply put, if people blindly accept all the problems with transportation in Bangkok, then of course they will never be solved. Greg asks Khun Saba about a notorious incident in which he broke a pane of glass when he couldn't use the elevator at Asoke BTS Station. The circumstances were unusual and need to be fully listened to to be understood, but the incident highlights the daily frustration of disabled people in Bangkok. Khun Saba also makes clear that his organization fights for the rights of all Bangkokians to safe and convenient access to transportation in the city and not just the rights of people who are actually physically disabled. He describes his dream of making Bangkok a city of truly international standards where all citizens are equal in terms of their access to the city. We urge you to like the page of Accessibility is Freedom - you'll get some great insight into Bangkok from a whole different point of view. As always, the podcast will continue to be 100% funded by listeners just like you who get some special swag from us. And we'll keep our Facebook, Twitter, and LINE accounts active so you can send us comments, questions, or whatever you want to share.

Former FBI Agent John Schachnovsky Talks Crime & Punishment in Thailand Part 2 [S8.E22]

First off - if you're in town, join our meetup: Saturday, December 6 at The Warehouse on Charoen Krung Road [http://maps.app.goo.gl/cCHrpjiKzUV7wDdp9]. Check our Facebook page [https://www.facebook.com/bangkokpodcast] first before you come just to make sure there have been no last minute changes. In Part 2 of Greg and Ed's interview with John Schachnovsky, the former head of the FBI in Thailand, the men continue discussing John's varied responsibilities in the Land of Smiles, this time focusing on specific cases. John brings up the he played in the Asian Tsunami of 2004 and how the FBI used its technology to help identify myriad victims. John mentions that due to the close working relationship between the U.S. and Thai governments, the FBI would lend a helping hand (often one with advanced technology) anytime it could. Greg then brings up a very current issue - the horrible crimes being committed by cross border scam centers. John mentions that the issue was already hot for the FBI several years ago during his tenure. He emphasizes the unique complexity of such crimes - they involve multiple nations, honchos who themselves often come from other countries such as China, and lower level perpetrators who are themselves often victims of trafficking. To wrap up, the guys get personal and discuss John's love of Thailand and his project getting his wife to agree to stay in the country permanently. Greg and Ed wouldn't know anything about that! Get John's book here [https://www.amazon.com/Beyond-Badge-Crime-Justice-Thailand/dp/1544548478]!

Former FBI Agent John Schachnovsky Talks Crime & Punishment in Thailand [S8.E21]

In part 1 of a two-part episode, Greg and Ed interview John Schachnovsky about his upcoming book "Beyond the Badge," which recounts his experience as the head of the FBI in Thailand. John starts out explaining his early career with the FBI and his subsequent move to Bangkok. Greg and Ed ask about the exact role of the FBI oversees and John explains in detail. First, as a branch of the U.S. government, the FBI has no legal jurisdiction in Thailand and must work directly with the Thai government for everything they do. Second, the FBI's role is entirely distinct from the CIA. The FBI does law enforcement, the CIA does intelligence gathering with a focus on American national security. That being said, the two agencies did and do share information when it supports their respective missions. Next, the men focus on the reputation of the Royal Thai Police, which, to put it bluntly, is not good. John stresses that he found the RTP to be hardworking and professional overall, but admits that in some cases, the RTP had different ideas about what counts as 'corruption' and what does not. He emphasizes that, at least in his experience, the reputation is undeserved and he hopes to correct it in his book, which you can get here [https://www.amazon.com/Beyond-Badge-Crime-Justice-Thailand/dp/1544548478], or at Asia Books in Thailand. Tune in next week for Part 2 and a discussion of some of John's more famous cases.