Archive - Tai Tales

Get lost in Georgetown, Penang

The best way to know this UNESCO world heritage city is to wander its streets.

13 hrs ago •

June 2025

I'm burned out, Malaysian style

Actually, being mentally fried doesn't look any different in this part of the world, but it probably has a dash of sambal.

Jun 24 •

Nights at gentrified Chow Kit

Backpackers love to stay at the hotels in this area because they're fancy yet cheap. I'll tell you stuff about Chow Kit, Malaysia, that travel brochures…

Jun 10 •

May 2025

Weekend Tales #9: I'm not made for Substack Notes

'You need to be on Notes to grow your Substack'. But what if your brain is just not cut out for it?

May 31 •

April 2025

Bill O'Reilly: Malaysians are barely eating and can't afford to buy hats.

Yes, it sucks here. Can you guys go back to ignoring us, please?

Apr 29 •

Xi Jinping visits Malaysia and Bill O'Reilly says we have no money

Fine, I'll talk about the tarrifs.

Apr 22 •

March 2025

The Great American Exodus, a response

Lily Pond wrote about Americans escaping to third world countries for a life of luxury and why this can feel like neo-colonialism. My thoughts.

Mar 11 •

February 2025

Culture Chronicles #6: Stop fyp doom scrolling and put on some shoes. Also, should Substack subscriptions be cheaper?

A monthly selection of reads that I found fascinating on Substack and off it.

Feb 4 •

January 2025

'American friends, you can't love your country only when its strong'

Folks from the United States are declaring that they will move to China. The Chinese response on Little Red Book was blunt.

Jan 22 •

TikTok refugees flee to 'Red Note'

If you can't beat the ban, might as well join the other side? Perspectives from an average Chinese 🍌diaspora 小红书 user.

Jan 15 •

The risky, scary business of Chinese entertainment

2025 started with a series of scandals and crises that reminded us that showbiz is a cruel biz. Especially in China.

Jan 9 •

December 2024

Weekend Tales #8: My favourite things of 2024

One of them could save your life.

Dec 31, 2024 •

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