Talking with Paul Mueller: How Much Time Does Bangkok's Green Lung Have Left? (2.22)

When you look at Bangkok on a map, you see this enigmatic
little patch of green just off center. It's not a trick. It
really exists. Historically, few people fought the traffic to get
here. But that's changing, and modern encroachment on the green
lungs of Bangkok is threatening this not-quite-hidden gem of
Bangkok. Life in Thailand is hot. Welcome to the
tropics! But this year seems to have gotten hotter earlier. Or
maybe we're just getting old and are fixating on the weather. Of
more importance to this issue is a lovely place in Bangkok to
visit that allows some respite from the heat. That
place is Prapadaeng -- also called Bang
Krachao -- Bangkok's "green lung". We mentioned it briefly on a
previous episode, promising to return to the topic with a much
more in depth discussion. To give the topic the proper
consideration, Greg invites his friend Paul to talk about this
hidden-in-plain-sight key area of Bangkok that is, saddly, in
danger of losing it's luster. Because development.
Today on the show we speak with six-year resident
Paul Mueller. This American expat made this
amazing meander in the Chao Phraya river his home after a solo
bike trip led him to a rickety looking dock with an even more
rickety looking ferry attached, but with an enticing green area
on the other side of the river. He was stunned by the peace,
quiet and space -- things that are hard to find in urban Bangkok,
where we literally live on top of one another. But not in Bang
Krachao. Cars are rare in the interior, and even motorbikes
aren't terribly common. Instead people walk or ride bikes to get
from place to place, harkening to a simpler time.
But those small bikeways are getting blocked, trees are
being uprooted, and that abundance of space is threatened. Not by
condos (yet), but by people who are choosing to make their home
there, taking advantage of the tranquility of the area. As in the
rest of Thailand, if someone is properly connected, they can
probably side-step a few zoning restrictions. The floating market
is growing in popularity -- and that's a good thing -- but that's
bringing it's own challenges. More cars. More room for those cars
to park. And of course more businesses to sell stuff to the
people who drive those cars. You know… development. There's a lot
of pressure on the area, and we can only hope that the commitment
to keeping Bangkok's green lung, well… green, stays the course.
In the meantime, you might want to plan your trip sooner rather
than later. Just in case. Here's a
short video you can watch that talks about the challenges
the green lungs of Bangkok are facing. Or you can
just listen to the show to learn more from Paul's perspective.
That's a good idea!
Love, Loathe, or Leave?

Let's not beat around the bush. Sometimes, when you feel
the call of nature in Thailand, sometimes the porcelain throne is
actually a porcelain hole in the ground. That's called a squat
toilet. And, well… you'll figure it out. Quirky? Sure. Pleasant?
Less so. But it's something you'll likely encounter. And
something that will make you appreciate your western
toilet.
Want more?

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Bangkok Podcast!


(Direct download .mp3)