Bangkok:

Chanlong’s vegetarian restaurant near chatuchak market: Mostly vegan, run by a non-profit Buddhist group.
see http://www.happycow.net/gmaps/get-map-direct.php?vid=331

There’s another smaller vegetarian/vegan place nearby called healthy spice.

Khun Churn Vegetarian restaurants Sukhumvit Road near Rama IV junction. Wide range of vegetarian and vegan food. Great buffet option. There’s another branch in Bangsue district but it’s harder to find.
http://vegetariankhunchurn.blogspot.com/

Baan Aree off Pahonyothin; http://www.restaurantsofbangkok.com/articles2/vegetarian-food/soi-aree-vegetarian Seems to be organsied by another buddhist group. Good range of options.

Koh Chang, Trat

The Spa Koh Chang : http://www.thespakohchang.com/

“May say namtaan” (sounds like: my sye namtan) – don’t put sugar

“May say phongchuurot” (sounds like: my sye pongchoorote) – don’t put MSG

Apparently, Thais consume more refined sugar per person per year than any other nationality in the world. This is easy to believe, because either white sugar or sugar ‘syrup’ (you can say “may say syrup” when ordering a drink or coffee) is put in almost everything – even savory dishes. It often gets put in there before you can do anything about it – same with MSG, but it doesn’t hurt to ask to have it left out. Of course, this does not necessarily mean that it really WILL get left out, especially if it is already in there. Thais believe in saving face, and if worse comes to worse, they will often lie to you just so that you will be happy with them. (I realise not *everyone* will do this, but understand that it is a huge cultural thing and happens very often).

Even fresh fruit is not always safe – I have been told that watermelons are sometimes injected with sugar syrup to make them sweeter (as in when they are whole and intact and for sale!). Watch fruit juices as well – sugar syrup trap there for sure.

There is a great raw vegan restaurant off of Sukhumvit Soi 39 called Rasayana Retreat. You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu, and there is a detox and massage center attached (colonics, infra red sauna, all kinds of body treatments, etc.)

Pom Kin Jai = I eat vegetarian (pronounced like “Paum Keen Jay”)
Pom Mai Kin = I don’t eat ……

Pom Mai Kin Nam Pla = I don’t eat fish sauce
Pom Mai Kin Nam Man Hoy = I don’t eat oyster sauce
Pom Mai Kin Ga Be = I don’t eat shrimp paste

If you say all of these to somebody, they will definitely get it. Usually just saying Pom Kin Jai is enough, the rest is just to be sure they understand you don’t eat ANY animal products.

Cheers, and delicious vegan travels!

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-joe

I’m looking forward to watching your travel film.