Common Frogs in Thailand You May See Around the Garden

July 31, 2026/0 Comments/in Home & Garden/by Perry

You step outside after the first heavy rain of the season and there they are, frogs everywhere. Sitting on the path, croaking from the drains, jumping from the grass as you walk past. If you are new to living in rural Thailand, it can feel like the garden has been taken over.

The truth is, they were always there. You just could not hear them during the dry season, and you probably did not notice them sitting quietly in the daytime. Frogs in Thailand are part of the background rhythm of life, especially around gardens, ponds, and rice paddies.

For the most part, the common frogs in Thailand are harmless and even helpful. They eat insects, reduce mosquito numbers, and are part of a balanced garden ecosystem. This article covers the species of frogs you are most likely to encounter around your garden, house, or pond in Trat and across the country.

Thai Herbs We Grow and Cook With on Our Farm in Trat

July 21, 2026/0 Comments/in Home & Garden/by Perry

Thai Herbs We Grow and Cook With on Our Farm in Trat

A small bowl of fresh Thai herbs turns a plain pot of rice into a real Thai meal. On our farm in Trat, the herbs we cook with are mostly the same ones we grow a few steps from the kitchen door. They survive heat, monsoon rain, our geese, and our occasional neglect, which makes them a good starting list for anyone in tropical Thailand who wants to cook the food Katae grew up with.

Grounding and Earthing Nature’s Hidden Therapy - Thinglish Lifestyle

Grounding and Earthing: Nature’s #1 Hidden Therapy

September 29, 2025/0 Comments/in Home & Garden/by Perry Stevens

After a long week bashing away at the computer, I feel a strong urge to get outside for some good old grounding and earthing. When the weekend arrives, I swap the screen’s glare for sunshine and soil. Whether I’m caring for the fruit trees on Anarchy Farm or walking barefoot on the grass, being in nature lifts my mood instantly.

It feels like the stress of modern life, the grind, fades away when my feet hit the ground. This isn’t just in my head; humans thrive in nature. Over 99.99% of our history was spent in natural settings. In contrast, today’s urban lifestyle is a tiny blip in evolutionary time. This mismatch between our natural roots and the high-tech world may cause the “stress state” many of us experience.

It’s no surprise that a weekend outdoors recharges me more than days inside. We instinctively feel that we belong in nature. Simple acts, like touching a tree or walking barefoot (good for my dogs too), help us reconnect and tap into a strong source of healing.

Malabar Tamarind Garcinia Cambogia: The Ultimate Guide to Som Khaek (ส้มแขก)

July 11, 2025/0 Comments/in Food & Drink/by Perry Stevens

A malabar tamarind (Garcinia cambogia) a tree I grew from seed produced fruit for the first time this year.

Garcinia cambogia – also known as som khaek (ส้มแขก) in Thai – is a small, pumpkin‑shaped fruit native to Southeast Asia. A southern Thai kitchen staple, its zesty tang makes it a popular substitute for tamarind.

Outside the kitchen, its rind holds hydroxycitric acid (HCA). This substance may help with weight loss and digestion.

By the end of this guide, you’ll learn how to dry som khaek, cook with it, use it as a tamarind substitute, and explore its health benefits and traditional uses.

The Garcinia cambogia tree is an attractive medium-sized evergreen. They typically grow 5–20 m tall, with a rounded crown and gracefully drooping branches. The trunk is covered in smooth, dark brown to reddish-brown bark marked by small lenticels, and when cut reveals a reddish blaze and yellow latex ooze. The tree’s glossy, oval leaves host clusters of lantern-like, deep-ribbed fruits reminiscent of miniature pumpkins.

Why Organipeel Is Far from Appealing - Thinglish Lifestyle Mangos in Thailand

Why Organipeel Is Far from Appealing: How Apeel’s Invisible Coating Threatens Organic Integrity

June 30, 2025/0 Comments/in Food & Drink/by Perry Stevens

From Sticky Stickers to Coatings You Can’t Wash Off

Nowadays, I’m fortunate enough to grow my own fruit and veg, but I distinctively remember when I used to buy apples from a supermarket in the UK. If you are anything like me, you’ll know that annoyance of scrubbing off those tiny apple stickers from a Granny Smith?

Now imagine an invisible coating you can’t get rid of. Apeel’s Organipeel is exactly that, and it’s being used on produce labelled “organic.”

Why Is Real Food the Enemy? Organic vs Chemical Farms

June 14, 2025/0 Comments/in Food & Drink/by Perry Stevens

It’s fruit season here in Trat. We should be out under the trees picking fresh durian and mangosteen, but today the skies are wide open. Rain buckets down on the farm and we’re stuck inside, watching the fruit swell and the frogs hop about like they own the place.

It gives us time to reflect.

I recently read a thought-provoking article called “Why Are We Punishing Farmers for Doing the Right Thing?” and it hit home. Hard. Because here on our farm, we do things the natural way. No chemical sprays. No hormone injections. No industrial-scale mono-cropping. Just healthy soil, healthy trees, and real food.

You’d think that would be something worth celebrating.

But somehow, in today’s upside-down food system, that choice makes us the odd ones out.

thai bird's eye chilli - thinglish lifestyle

Thai Bird Eye Chilli: A Small Chilli With Big Heat

May 26, 2025/0 Comments/in Food & Drink/by Perry Stevens

Hey, you like spicy? Have you ever tasted Thai food and wondered what gives it that fiery kick? The answer is often the Thai bird eye chilli. These small but powerful chillies are a key part of Thai cooking. They add heat, colour, and flavour to many dishes. But there’s more to them than just spice.

In this post, you’ll learn what Thai bird eye chillies are, how they’re used in cooking, where they come from, how hot they are, and why they matter in Thai culture and food.

Best Islands in Thailand - Thinglish Lifestyle

Top 5 Must-Visit Islands in Thailand for 2025 Adventures

March 31, 2025/0 Comments/in Travel/by Perry Stevens

Thailand welcomed over 11 million international tourists in 2023 alone (including my brother) — and it’s no surprise why!

This Land of Smiles as it is affectionally know, offers more than ancient temples and bustling street markets. For many travellers, the real magic lies offshore — on Thailand’s incredible islands!

If crystal-clear waters, lush rainforests, and lazy hammock days sound like your 2025 vibe, then keep reading… because we’ve carefully curated the top 5 islands in Thailand you absolutely can’t miss next year.

Whether you’re after a buzzing beach party, a soul-filling snorkel, or just a fresh coconut under the sun, these gems cater to every type of wanderer. As a frequent Thailand backpacker myself and now a resident for over 15 years, I can vouch for each location on this list!

I’m not including Koh Chang island is this article (oops! I just did!), as if you are a regular reader of Thinglish Lifestyle, you’ll already know I’ve lived there twice and I have a tendency to show bias. We also have many blog posts about the elephant island on this blog. Well, it is the best island in Thailand, in my opinion.

I found mine. Are you ready to find your island paradise? Let’s dive in.

Bangkok in 24 Hours - Thinglish Lifestyle

Bangkok in 24 Hours: Must-See Attractions & Hidden Gems

March 7, 2025/0 Comments/in Travel/by Perry Stevens

I recently completed a round trip to the big mango to pick up my new UK passport. This lightening tour gave me the idea to put together a Bangkok in 24 hours post. So here we are…

Did you know Bangkok welcomes over 22 million visitors each year? If you’re in Thailand’s vibrant capital for just 24 hours, don’t worry, you can still experience its magic! From stunning Buddhist temples to local street markets and secret rooftop bars, Bangkok is a city full of surprises.

In this guide, I’ll help you explore the best places to visit in one day, combining iconic landmarks with hidden treasures only locals know about. Whether you’re a foodie, a culture lover, or an adventure seeker, you’ll find something to love in Bangkok.

So, what can you do in Bangkok in 24 hours? Time is at a premium, hold to your hat and let’s dive in!

Asian family reading conundrum books and having fun

6 Conundrum Books: Fun & Thought-Provoking Rhyme Stories for Kids

February 27, 2025/0 Comments/in Reviews/by Perry Stevens

Conundrum books are engaging, rhyming stories that present intriguing puzzles to challenge young minds. These books encourage critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity, making them perfect for children of all ages. Explore six captivating conundrum books that blend fun with learning!

Thai Herbs We Grow and Cook With on Our Farm in Trat

From Sticky Stickers to Coatings You Can’t Wash Off

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