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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.

CICI 2017 Join us for a unique deep dive into all things China and discover the key factors that make a city truly international. We go beyond the standard financial metrics to explore the liveability of each city, providing a comprehensive understanding of what makes these urban centers thrive. Of course, our City Guides are regularly updated and can found here For the 2017 China International City Index, you can find it in the PDF below.  Zoom in, Zoom out, do your own deep dive into the report.  Be sure to reach out if you have any questions. Adam McWhirter - CEO & Managing Partner a.mcwhirter@maxxelli-consulting.com Jenny Li - Senior Consultant & Market Research j.li@maxxelli-consulting.com 2017 CICI Please Click Below ⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️

CICI 2016 Join us for a unique deep dive into all things China and discover the key factors that make a city truly international. We go beyond the standard financial metrics to explore the liveability of each city, providing a comprehensive understanding of what makes these urban centers thrive. Of course, our City Guides are regularly updated and can found here For the 2016 China International City Index, you can find it in the PDF below.  Zoom in, Zoom out, do your own deep dive into the report.  Be sure to reach out if you have any questions. Adam McWhirter - CEO & Managing Partner a.mcwhirter@maxxelli-consulting.com Jenny Li - Senior Consultant & Market Research j.li@maxxelli-consulting.com 2016 CICI Please Click Below ⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️

CICI 2015 Join us for a unique deep dive into all things China and discover the key factors that make a city truly international. We go beyond the standard financial metrics to explore the liveability of each city, providing a comprehensive understanding of what makes these urban centers thrive. Of course, our City Guides are regularly updated and can found here For the 2015 China International City Index, you can find it in the PDF below.  Zoom in, Zoom out, do your own deep dive into the report.  Be sure to reach out if you have any questions. Adam McWhirter - CEO & Managing Partner a.mcwhirter@maxxelli-consulting.com Jenny Li - Senior Consultant & Market Research j.li@maxxelli-consulting.com 2015 CICI Please Click Below ⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️

Bangkok’s transport sector contributes 18.4% of Thailand’s greenhouse gas emissions—but the city is racing toward sustainability with electric vehicles (EVs), expanded rail networks, and even electric boats 12. Here’s how to navigate Bangkok’s green transport revolution: 1. Ride-Hailing: Ordering Electric Cars (Grab & Bolt) ✅ GrabEV: • Open the Grab app → Select “GrabCar Green” (EV option). • Fleet includes BYD Atto 3 and MG ZS EV (common models). • Pro Tip: Prices match regular GrabCar but reduce your carbon footprint by ~65% per ride ✅ Bolt EV: • Select “Bolt Green” in the app. • Partners with MuvMi’s electric tuk-tuks (3-wheelers) for short trips. Stats: EV ride-hailing grew 487% in 2023, with 43,045 BEVs registered in Thailand. 2. Owning an Electric Car in Bangkok Charging Infrastructure • Public Chargers: 9,694 plugs (4,533 DC fast chargers) as of 2023; gov’t targets 12,000 by 2030. • Key Providers: • Delta Electronics: Ultra-fast 200kW chargers at malls/dealerships. • EV Station Plugs App: Locate chargers in real-time. Home Charging • Install a 7.4kW wallbox (cost: ~฿25,000). • Solar Pairing: Rooftop PV systems (e.g., Delta’s inverters) cut grid reliance by 30%. Incentives: • Subsidies: Up to ฿150,000 off EV purchases. • Tax Exemptions: 8-year corporate tax breaks for EV manufacturers. 3. Evolution of Rail: BTS & MRT BTS Skytrain 2025 • New Extensions: • Light Green Line: Now reaches Samut Prakan (54km, 47 stations). • Gold Line: Connects Iconsiam to Krung Thon Buri. • Eco-Perks: 100% electric, reduces CO₂ by 50,000 tons/year vs. cars. MRT Subway • Blue Line: 48km ring around Bangkok; interchanges with BTS at Asok/Siam. • Pink/Yellow Lines: New monorails serving suburbs like Min Buri. Impact: Rail expansions cut traffic congestion by 15% since 2020. 4. Electric Scooters: Rechargeable at Home? 🛵 Yes! Options include: • Winnonie: Rentable e-scooters with swappable batteries (฿150/day). • Gogoro: Buy for ~฿45,000; home-chargeable or use battery swap stations. • Regulation Note: Helmets required; avoid sidewalks (fines up to ฿1,000). 5. Electric Boats: Bangkok’s Hidden Gem 🚤 Chao Phraya River Ferries: • 35 electric vessels (150–250 passengers), fare: ฿30/trip. • Routes connect to BTS Saphan Taksin (no emissions vs. diesel boats). Eco-Tours: Companies like Simba Sea Trips (Phuket) use plastic-free, fuel-efficient boats . Green Transport Trends & Impact 📊 Key Stats: • EV Sales: 40% increase expected in 2025 (led by BYD, MG). • CO₂ Reduction: E-buses alone will cut 500,000 tons by 2030. • Tourism Shift: 62% of travelers prefer eco-friendly transport. Final Tip for Expats Use MuvMi’s app for electric tuk-tuks, or bike-share via Lime/ Beam.  Bangkok’s green transport is evolving fast—stay charged! 🔌

How to Get a Driver’s License in Thailand (Car & Motorbike – New or Conversion Guide) Navigating Thailand’s driver’s license process can feel like a bureaucratic maze—but it’s simpler than you think. Whether you’re applying for a new license or converting a foreign one, here’s the no-BS guide to getting legal on Thai roads. Who Needs a Thai License? • Tourists: Can use an International Driving Permit (IDP) if it includes motorcycle coverage. • Expats/Residents: Required if staying >90 days. Even with an IDP, long-term residents risk fines without a Thai license. Two Paths to a Thai License 1. Converting a Foreign License (Fastest Option) Eligibility: Your home license must be valid and from a country Thailand recognizes (e.g., U.S., UK, Australia). Steps: 1. Get Certified Translations (if license isn’t in English): • Translation must be done by a certified translator or your embassy. 2. Medical Certificate (~100–200 THB): • Basic health check at any clinic (they mostly just check your pulse). 3. Residency Proof: • Non-immigrant visa holders: Certificate from Immigration or your embassy. • Work permit holders: WP suffices. 4. Visit the DLT (Department of Land Transport): • Documents: Passport, visa, foreign license + translation, medical cert, residency proof. • Process: • Watch a 1-hour safety video (yes, really). • Pass a depth perception/color blindness test (hint: it’s just identifying flashing lights). • Pay ~500 THB per license (car + bike = separate licenses). • Done: You’ll get a 2-year temporary license (upgrade to 5-year later). Pro Tip: Some DLT offices (like Bangkok’s Chatuchak) are more expat-friendly. Arrive early to avoid crowds. 2. Applying as a New Driver (No Prior License) Steps: 1. Get a Learner’s Permit: • Pass a written test (50 multiple-choice Qs; 45/50 to pass). • Study the official DLT app (or grab the booklet at the DLT). 2. Practical Test: • Car: Parallel parking, reversing, basic driving. • Motorbike: Ride a slalom course without putting your foot down (laughably easy on a scooter). 3. Get Your License: • First license is 2-year temporary; renew for 5 years later. Note: Some driving schools (e.g., A1 Driving School in Bangkok) offer test prep for ~3,000 THB—worth it if you’re nervous. Key Details • Cost: ~500 THB per license (car + bike = separate fees). • Validity: • Temporary: 2 years (first-time applicants/conversions). • Permanent: 5 years (renew after 2 years). • Renewals: Just need a medical cert + residency proof. No tests! Motorbike-Specific Rules • License Class: • "A" = Motorbikes (required for anything >50cc). • No license? Police fines start at 500 THB (or worse if you crash). • Big Bikes (250cc+): Same license, but rental shops may ask for proof of experience. Avoid These Mistakes 1. Assuming an IDP is Enough: It’s not if you live here. 2. Skipping the Medical Cert: Clinics near DLTs charge ~100 THB—just get it. 3. Forgetting Residency Proof: Immigration certificates can take a day to process. Plan ahead! Final Advice Thai licenses are easy to get but strict on paperwork. Double-check your documents, and don’t stress the tests—they’re designed to be passed.

An Expat’s Guide to Exploring Right (and Riding Smart) Let’s cut to the chase: if you’re new to Chiang Mai and not exploring by motorbike, you’re missing half the fun. The city’s charm isn’t just in its temples—it’s in the winding mountain roads, hidden waterfalls, and roadside khao soi stalls you’ll only find on two wheels. But before you rev up, here’s the real talk (no AI fluff) from someone who’s learned the hard way. Why a Motorbike? • Freedom: Tuk-tuks get stuck in traffic. You won’t. • Cost: Rentals start at 150 THB/day for a scooter (pro tip: automatic bikes are easiest for beginners). There are larger motorbikes for rent for the more experienced riders. • Access: The best spots—think hill tribe villages, hot springs, and empty mountain lookouts—aren’t reachable on the standard tours. Safety: Don’t Be That Expat 1. Licenses Matter: Yes, police check. An International Driving Permit (IDP) with a motorcycle endorsement is legally required. No IDP? That’s a 500–1,000 THB fine (or worse). 2. Gear Up: • Helmet = non-negotiable. Buy a decent one (not the plastic toy some rental shops offer). • Rain jacket (trust me, afternoon storms sneak up fast). 3. Road Survival 101: • Left-side driving. Sounds obvious until you instinctively swerve right. • Assume no one sees you—because they usually don’t. Watch for trucks, dogs, and potholes (especially post-rainy season). Best Rides for Newbies 1. Doi Suthep Loop (Half-Day) • Route: Old City → Huay Kaew Road → Doi Suthep Temple → Pha Lat Temple (quieter, just as stunning). • Why?: Easy 30-minute climb with epic city views. Stop at Mon Tha Than Waterfall on the way down. • Local Tip: Arrive at Doi Suthep by 7 AM to beat the crowds (and heat). 2. Mae Sa Valley (Full Day) • Route: Northwest to Mae Rim → Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden → Mae Sa Waterfall. • Detour Worth Taking: Mon Cham for coffee with mountain views. • Watch For: Tour buses—they hog the narrow roads. 3. Samoeng Loop (Full Day) • Route: 100km through mountains, strawberry farms, and tiny villages. • Grab Lunch: Riverside cafes near Samoeng town. • Warning: The last stretch back to Chiang Mai has gnarly curves. Go slow. For the Bold (Read: Experienced Riders) 1. Pai Highway (1095): The infamous 762 curves. Thrilling? Yes. For beginners? Don't think so. Pack motion sickness pills. 2. Doi Inthanon:  Thailand’s highest peak. The ride up is misty and magical—just avoid weekends (Thai tourists + fog = chaos). Where to Rent (Without Getting Scammed) Skip the sketchy alley shops. These spots are expat-vetted: • Mr. Mechanic: Well-maintained bikes, honest staff. They’ll show you how to check oil/brakes. • Tony’s Big Bikes: Need a 250cc+ for mountain trips? They’ve got you. • Zippy Bike: Automatic scooters with fair pricing (and they document pre-existing scratches with you). Rental Red Flags: • No proper contract. • Demand for your passport (leave a deposit instead). Pro Tips They Won’t Tell You • Parking: Free at temples/markets, but never block a sidewalk (towing is real). • Fuel: Tiny roadside bottles (40 THB) work, but stations are everywhere. • Rainy Season (July–Oct): Roads turn into slip ‘n slides. If you must ride, go slow and avoid dirt paths. Final Thought Chiang Mai’s magic isn’t just in the Old City—it’s in the unplanned detours. That hidden hot spring? The hill tribe market selling grilled bananas? You’ll only find them if you’re willing to get lost a little - Just keep the rubber side down.

The Link to IGNITE 2025 The Link to EuRA Message from the CEO - Adam McWhirter   In 2017, I attended an event in Chicago where I experienced my first IGNITE. That same year, I delivered my first TEDx talk in Shanghai. I was captivated by the IGNITE format—fast-paced and exhilarating, allowing for ten unique speakers to share their stories in just one hour. Inspired by this experience, I decided to bring IGNITE to China.   The IGNITE Format: - 5 minutes - 20 slides - 15 seconds per slide on a timer   If you have something to say, you've got 5 minutes.   In Shanghai, I began hosting global mobility events using the IGNITE format. You can check out the link here to one of the events we held at WeWork. I loved the format and was building momentum in Shanghai. I then introduced IGNITE to the Rotary Club of Shanghai. Instead of our usual 20-minute guest speaker at our dinner meetings, we replaced it once a month with 3 to 4 IGNITE presentations. When I moved back to Chongqing in 2020, I again turned to IGNITE to foster community by hosting regular bar evenings. Over the years, I have hosted at least 30 IGNITE sessions, coached nearly 100 people through the process, and frequently took the IGNITE stage myself.   Then came the opportunity at EuRA—the big stage, the most anticipated session of the conference. Everything culminated in the IGNITE session. The preparation began months in advance, involving coaching, writing, editing, and refining our presentations.   This IGNITE experience felt different; it was on a much larger scale than anything I had done before, and it involved industry peers from around the globe. I also felt an added pressure, knowing it was not my first time on stage.    That said, the final product from all the IGNITERS was extraordinary. I am incredibly proud of each and every one of us and our achievements—the memories from this experience will stay with me forever.    I invite you to watch all the IGNITERS, as we each had a unique story to tell. EuRA 2025 - The IGNITE Sessions - Irene Bunt – 3:00 - Elizabeth Hotze, CRP, GMS – 8:30 - Adam McWhirter – 14:00 - Lucy Foster – 19:30 - Christina Miller, GMS – 25:00 - Rossana Veglia - 30:30 - Jo Webb – 36:00 The next up for me, IGNITE Bangkok - August 21st  Message me if you happen to be in town.