Bang Bang Bangkok. This is my third time here now, and every time it’s an experience. This one is the most special so far, because as always, it’s not the place, it’s the people. This time it’s the local Bangkok crowd from Supa his high school, and it doesn’t get better than that. Supa grew up here, and his high school was just around the corner from Chinatown Bangkok.
After a boat trip in the morning from Koh Phangan and a flight from Surat Thani to Bangkok, we arrive around midday. As I mentioned earlier, Supa is here to renew his US passport and because his childhood friend is visiting from the US. And there’s also a third reason… Supa tells us about the secret of Asian skin. Well, for some it’s not really a secret, there are quite a few little needles involved here too to make the skin look younger. That’s the third reason we’re here: an annual visit for a small Botox touch-up. And yes, while reading this, all sorts of judgments might already be popping into your head. Let it go. It happens a lot here. I actually find it hilarious and choose to look at it positively. Everyone should decide for themselves what they want to do and in what way. Of course, I used to have my judgments ready as well around this topic and yet its everyones own decision. My preference doesn’t go out when it’s too much or used in the wrong way. But it’s outside my control, so why worry about it? Let everyone be themselves. I experience it up close and go along to the clinic. No extreme procedures, just maintenance, Supa says. Larp, his friend from the US, also takes advantage of his visit, while Jason and I are not convinced to get a shot. Yes, it’s fake. Yes, it happens everywhere. No, it’s not natural, and no, Stan isn’t joining either. I only get a face mask. True beauty comes from within, and Supa knows that too, I’ve already experienced it in our friendship. From Bang Bang Bangkok to Botox Bangkok. Supa and Larp get a few injections, and an hour later we’re back outside in the mall.
We take a stroll around the mall and then head to our stay just outside Bangkok, where Mecky and Jar live in a quiet suburb. The whole high school squad of friends are together, and it feels even more special that I get to be here and they let me experience this with them They’ve known each other for 10–15 years, and I don’t mind at all when they joke around in Thai. I can feel that I’m treated with respect, and at the same time I’m not interrogated like some sort of celebrity. It’s beautiful to experience Asian culture up close, especially with a mother living in the house with them. An incredibly kind woman who speaks good English and is very interested. We have great conversations, and I feel how time can stand still in friendships. It also makes me reflect and realize what a valuable person I am to the people around me back home. On the second evening we have a delicious Thai BBQ. The rest of the time it’s relaxed, watching a movie, cooking, walk in the neighbourhood, and just enjoying the company. Mecky and Jar are working on launching a Matcha brand, so we brainstorm creative video ideas for their Instagram. I also record a small promo video when taking a sip. Very 21st century and very much living in the moment. Matcha, Botox, and Bangkok, and a down-to-earth curious Dutch guy who lives with love and compassion, asks questions, and stays open to new things. It gets you every where.
During the one-on-one time I spend with Supa, he tells me how important these people are to him because he never forgets and knows how important it is to be able to fall back on your friends. I reflect on that and know who the people are for me back home, the ones I can rely on. After Supa submits his application at the US embassy, we meet Greg. Greg lives in Bangkok and has his own successful agency that he’s now in the process of selling. Greg is a remarkably creative guy with a lot of depth. Supa and Greg know each other from Koh Phangan. Greg lives in a gigantic villa in the middle of Bangkok and loves having people over. So Thong Lor, right in the heart of Bangkok, becomes our second base. Greg works US hours and is extremely busy. Supa and I go to the gym for two or three hours in the morning, and after that we meet his friends. Most of the days consist of going from mall to mall, eating great food, and enjoying city life.
Supa also has his family living here—his mother and brother. His father isn’t really in the picture, so his mother is the most important figure in his life. The three of them go out for lunch, which gives me a quiet morning. I decide to walk to the city center. Seven kilometers by foot through Lumphini Park. I briefly meet Supa’s mother, and in the evening Chinatown is on the menu. We eat street food at a childhood friend’s place and then head to a cozy jazz bar where we drink and sing along.
For me it’s incredibly special to get closer to the culture in this way and to get to know Supa better. I see myself reflected in him: cheerful, loves good food, thinks big, full of ideas, often talking about what things cost, a reliable friend, shares his success, wants to try new things, caring, a little chaotic sometimes, and above all—a beloved friend.
We finish together at Chatuchak Market, where I share the treat I discovered last time. Then it’s time to say goodbye, and I let go in a powerful way. I’ve built a special connection and feel that this is only the beginning of a beautiful journey, a new friendship, and an adventure that unfolds exactly the way it should. With a big—very big—hug we say goodbye. Supa heads to Samui, and Stan flies from Bang Bang Botox Bangkok to Bali…
Now it’s time for me to visit Jordy, my high school friend who plays football here for Bali United.
A Thai Goodbye 🇹đź‡đź‘‹đźŹĽ
One response
Rowie’ssssss was there