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History and natural wine make an unexpectedly good pairing. Wine Talks returns for its second edition and this time it tackles one of Southeast Asia's most compelling mysteries.
Funky Lam Kitchen hosts the storytelling on Wednesday 25 February at 7pm. The evening focuses on Jim Thompson's connection to Laos during one of the region's most turbulent periods. Most people know Thompson as the American expat who built a silk empire in Bangkok before vanishing without a trace in Malaysia. But his relationship with Laos tells a different story entirely, one that rarely gets the attention it deserves.
Guest speakers Joe Cummings and Bruno Lemercier dig into this lesser known chapter through letters, historical records and personal accounts. What emerges is surprising. Joshua Kurlantzick's book The Ideal Man reveals that Thompson actually loved Laos more than Thailand. A letter from 1960 to his sister shows how the war there affects him deeply, describing it as crushing.
The conversation moves beyond the legend to explore Laos as a place Thompson genuinely cares about, not just a historical footnote. It's the kind of intimate narrative that works best when you're settled in with a glass in hand.
Wine Garage curates natural wines that flow throughout the evening, which feels spot on for this sort of gathering. The format is seated and relaxed, so you can properly absorb everything without rushing.
Funky Lam Kitchen hosts on Wednesday 25 February at 7pm. Tickets cost B300 in advance via Instagram DM or B500 at the door.