absolutelyBangkok archive · Gadgets & Technology
Originally published Nov. 25, 2009
An Indian once told me with the cutest of accents: “Women. Who can live with them. Who can live without them.”
Same applies to the iPhone. Who doesn’t have one yet. And if you don’t have one yet, how can you get along without.
The phone’s complex simplicity is astonishing, not to mention the huge resource of applications. Most are trash. There are some jewels out there, some may even facilitate your life in Bangkok. Here are my picks:
WhatzUP Thai
($0.99): Never ever again bored in Bangkok. Festivals, shows, concerts, fairs, seminars, shopping, art and more, constantly updated.
BKK Transit
(free): Bangkok’s public transport bible. Skytrain, subway, Chao Phraya boats and more.
– iTraffic
(free): Helps you beat traffic, only available in Thai though. Still, even if Thai-illiterate, those live CCTV shots are worth a download and basic English descriptions are provided.
Major Movie
(free): Getting the correct movie program and showtimes can be a daunting task in Thailand. No more.
Bangkok Post News
(free): Yes, now even the Post has a dedicated iPhone app. Worth a download.
Nation News
(free): Handy news app by The Nation with Top Stories, Breaking News, Business and Politics sections. There’s also the newer The Nation Exclusive app. Free to download, but then subscription only.
Lonely Planet Bangkok Guide
($15.99): Bangkok inside out in your pocket. Best part of it being iPhone apps get updated now and then…
– iPoodThai
($2.99): English-Thai language survival app for beginners and slightly advanced speakers. Or try the free World Nomads Thai offering the bare basics such as the glorious phrases “Don’t shoot!” or “Those drugs aren’t mine!” in Thai…
Thai Stock Watch
(free): The Thai stock market in your hand. Password “fxpass” — app seems to have some issues though lately. Or not elaborate enough for you? There’s always Settrade Streaming, but you need a local broker account.
Thai Cuties Lite
(free): Debatable. Well there’s always the more promising, not free Pro version ($0.99)… Or you’re into Ladyboys ($0.99)?
App Popular
(free): Last but not least an über-app! App Popular lets you browse free and paid apps by country. Be alerted when Thai apps you want go on sale, create wishlists and more.
Forgot something? Other must-have apps? There are quite some English-Thai language apps available. Not sure which one to recommend for what level. Your take?
Other essential apps, not Thai related:
Skype, Google Mobile App and Echofon for Twitter
(the ad-free
Pro version is $4.99). And Adobe’s Photoshop.com Mobile has just come out. A must.
Thanks to Gnarly Kitty/CNNGo, travelfish, MartinPerry
John for some app winks.
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