IGNITE BKK - Click here The first of many IGNITEs in Bangkok.   "Got something to say?  You got 5 minutes...!!!" On Thursday, August 21st, at Rodeo Mex Tex Grill & Tap House and with the support of GPN, Maxxelli proudly further established our presence in Thailand by hosting our first IGNITE event. It was an engaging evening that brought together the expat and local communities for a night of inspiration. The talks included: •⁠  ⁠Ancestral Wisdom (great story of family tradition from South America) •⁠  ⁠⁠Sour Patch Kids  (sugar & health) •⁠  ⁠⁠Sustainable Travel (what to be aware of) •⁠  ⁠⁠A Life Across Borders (growing up an expat) •⁠  ⁠⁠The Real Wuhan (what makes Wuhan a great city) •⁠  ⁠⁠The Psychology of Money (how we look at money) •⁠  ⁠⁠Procrastination, My Superpower (name says it all) •⁠  ⁠⁠How to Save Thailand (views on how to diversify a country) •⁠  ⁠⁠One Million Children Impacted, What’s Next (an NGO supporting literacy in Asia, his story of inspiration) A wonderful further event in Thailand connecting the community!

Bangkok is a sensory overload in the best way possible. As a new expat, you're likely navigating a whirlwind of paperwork, new neighborhoods, and the thrilling challenge of turning a sterile condo into a home. Amidst the sleek, air-conditioned malls, there exists a solution that is infinitely more vibrant, affordable, and memorable: Chatuchak Weekend Market. More than just a tourist attraction, Chatuchak (or JJ Market) is a sprawling, bustling hub where you can find everything from a single decorative cushion to fully furnishing an entire apartment. This guide will help you navigate its maze like a pro and transform it into your one-stop shop for home essentials. ⏰ The Practicalities: Days & Times While famously a weekend market, parts of Chatuchak are open throughout the week. For the full, overwhelming, and complete experience, weekends are king. • Saturdays & Sundays: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM 🕘 The entire market is open. This is when you'll have access to all 27 sections, including furniture, home decor, ceramics, and plants. Go early (before 11 AM) to beat the intense heat and the crowds of 200,000 fellow shoppers. • Wednesdays & Thursdays: 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM 🕖 Only the plant section is open. This is a perfect, quieter day to pick up tropical plants, orchids, and gardening accessories for your balcony without the weekend chaos. • Fridays: 6:00 PM - Midnight 🕡 This is wholesale night. While access is restricted, vendors often sell in bulk, making it a potential goldmine for serious bargain hunters looking to buy multiple items. 📜 A Market with a History: More Than Just Stalls Understanding Chatuchak's history makes visiting it even more remarkable. The market's origins date back to 1942 under a policy by Prime Minister Plaek Phibunsongkhram, who advocated for flea markets in every town to boost local trade. It moved around Bangkok several times before finding a permanent home in its current location in 1982. The iconic clock tower was built five years later to celebrate King Bhumibol Adulyadej's 60th birthday, and the market was officially renamed Chatuchak 711. From its humble beginnings, it has grown into a cultural institution and the world's largest weekend market. 📏 The Scale of It All: By The Numbers Wrapping your head around Chatuchak's size is key to preparing for your visit. The numbers are staggering: • 35 acres of shopping space • Over 15,000 stalls • 27 numbered sections categorized by product type • 200,000+ visitors every weekend It’s not just a market; it’s a small city dedicated to commerce. 🛋️ Furnishing Your Home: A Section-by-Section Guide This is the heart of the guide for any expat. Forget IKEA flatpacks; here you can find unique, often handcrafted items that will give your home authentic Thai character. Focus your efforts on these key sections: 1. Furniture & Home Decor (Sections 1, 3, 4, 7, 8): This is where you'll find the big-ticket items. Explore stalls selling beautiful handcrafted teakwood dining tables, sofas, artisan lampshades, woven rattan chairs, and antique furniture. Don't be afraid to ask vendors about custom orders or shipping options. • Expat Tip: For larger pieces, shipping is a common and affordable service. Stores like FastShipon the first floor of the nearby MIXT Chatuchak mall offer cargo services that are often cheaper than international carriers like DHL. 2. Ceramics (Sections 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, 25): Kitchens and dining tables come alive here. You can find everything from delicate hand-painted coffee mugs and colourful glazed tableware to large decorative vases and traditional Thai stoneware. It's an affordable way to build a beautiful, cohesive dinner set. 3. Handicrafts (Sections 8-11): Add personality and texture to your walls and shelves. Look for hand-woven textiles, traditional Thai souvenirs, intricate wood carvings, and baskets. These items add a layer of cultural authenticity that you can't find in a department store. 4. Plants & Gardening (Sections 3, 4): Transform your balcony into a green oasis. The plant section is a jungle of exotic plants, succulents, orchids, and all the pots and accessories you need. Visiting on a weekday (Wed/Thurs) for this is a much more peaceful experience. 5. Art & Galleries (Section 7): Blank walls are a blank canvas. Section 7 is dedicated to original paintings, prints, photographs, and contemporary artwork from local Thai artists. Find a piece that speaks to you—it will be a constant reminder of your adventure in Bangkok. 🧭 Expat Survival Guide: Navigating Like a Pro • Map It Out: Your first step upon arrival should be to find the large map in front of Gate 2. Take a photo of it! This will be your lifeline. Free paper maps are also available at information booths. • Cash is King: While some larger stalls accept cards, bring plenty of cash (Thai Baht) for smaller vendors and to facilitate bargaining. • Bargain Respectfully: Haggling is expected. Start by offering 20-30% less than the asking price and negotiate with a smile. Remember, the goal is a fair price, not an insultingly low one. • Dress for Success: Wear light, breathable clothing and the most comfortable shoes you own. You will be walking for hours. • Stay Hydrated: The heat is no joke. Buy large bottles of water or fresh coconut water from drink stalls frequently. • Take a Break: When it all gets too much, escape to MIXT Chatuchak, an air-conditioned mall right next to the market. It has clean restrooms, a food court, and even a Muslim prayer room. • Can't Carry It? Ship It! As mentioned, don't let the size of your purchases deter you. Shipping services are a normal part of the Chatuchak experience for expats and tourists alike. For any new expat, Chatuchak is more than a market; it's a rite of passage. It’s where you’ll learn to navigate the city, practice your bargaining skills, and ultimately, find those unique pieces that will make your Bangkok house feel truly like a home. Happy hunting

Thinking of investing in an EV, here are some thing to know. China’s EV Dominance: By the Numbers  • 49% of new car sales are EVs (up from 36% in 2023), with 11 million EVs sold in 2024. • 14.4 million charging points nationwide (1 per 2.2 EVs), including 100,000 ultra-fast stations(800V+). • Subsidy surge: Over 4 million applicants for the 2025 trade-in scheme (RMB 20,000/~$2,730 per EV) . Must-Have Apps (No Mandarin Needed) • 充电 (EV Connect) Covers 90% of chargers, real-time pricing | Enable "English mode" in settings • NIO App 1,500+ battery-swap stations (3-min swaps) | Link to Alipay for auto-pay • Tesla Supercharger  Open to non-Teslas in 10+ cities | Use "Charge My Non-Tesla" filter  Subsidies Decoded  • National: • RMB 20,000 for trading in ICE cars (expanded to pre-2012 China 4 emission vehicles). • Free license plates in Shanghai/Shenzhen (bypass lotteries). • Local Perks: • Cities like Shenzhen offer extra RMB 4,000–5,000 for Huawei-powered EVs (e.g., HarmonyOS cars). • Corporate Fleets: Tax exemptions for company EVs (up to 8 years). Charging Etiquette & Survival Tips • Avoid "Charging Deserts": Rural areas lag in infrastructure—use Amap’s EV layer (高德地图). • Ultra-Fast Chargers: Don’t hog 1MW+ stations if <80% charged (prioritize long-distance drivers). • Home Charging: • Install a 7.4kW wallbox (requires property approval; hire bilingual contractors). • Solar pairing cuts grid reliance by 30% (e.g., Delta inverters). The Future: What Expats Should Watch • 2027 Targets: 58% of auto sales to be EVs, with solar-powered highway stations. • Tech Trends: Huawei’s autonomous driving tech (subsidized in 10+ cities) Don't hesitate to join the green license plate boom in China.  You don't need to be a automotive expert to see how many EVs are on the road, just count the green license plates.