Thai Culture & The White Lotus | SabaiTalk S02 E07 (video)

Join Chef Hong and Chef Pailin for the sixth episode of SabaiTalk Season 2 as they dig into The White Lotus Season 3 through a Thai cultural lens. In this insightful conversation, our hosts explore:

• Cultural hits and misses — Where the show’s representation of Thai traditions, etiquette, language, food, spirituality, and social dynamics is authentic or falls short.

• Spotlight on hospitality & power — How The White Lotus portrays Thai hospitality, hotel culture, and the subtle interplay of class and privilege.

• Food as culture — Real Thai dishes vs. their fictionalized versions, and what the show gets right about dining rituals, flavors, and the soul of Thai cuisine.

• Behind the scenes vs. reality — Insights into Thai customs around respect, gender roles, communal life, and spiritual beliefs—and how those compare to the show’s narrative arcs and character interactions.

• What we can learn — A reflection on opportunities to correct common stereotypes, promote cross-cultural understanding, and celebrate Thailand’s rich cultural heritage.

Hong Thaimee

Hong’s Instagram / @hongthaimee

Hong’s Shop https://www.hongthaimee.com/shop

Hong’s YouTube Channel / @hongthaimee

Hong's Tiktok @hong.thaimee

 

Pailin Chongchitnant Pailin’s YouTube Channel / pailinskitchen

All of Pailin’s Recipes https://hot-thai-kitchen.com/

Pailin’s Cookbooks https://hot-thai-kitchen.com/htk-cookbook/