Thailand: spices and skywalks
Work took me to Singapore in June 2023, so Thailand seemed a natural nearby detox before setting off back home. My ten days in Thailand took me to Bangkok, Phuket and Chiang Mai. Bangkok for the bustling city vibe, street food and vibrant malls. Phuket for the beach, though it rained the three days I was there. Chiang Mai offered peeks into traditional mountainous living.
In direct contrast with Nigeria, Thailand’s political security is often described as “stable”. Having never been colonised, Thailand has the benefit of having developed its culture naturally without intense external interference. Stable security and immersion in an authentic culture already make the country highly attractive. This makes Thailand an extremely popular tourist destination, fourth in Asia – just behind giants China and the in-vogue Japan, and ahead of the emerging South Korea and the bougie UAE. This status is evident in its economy, as the tourism industry contributes over 5% to its GDP.
A brief look into Thai tourism history brings us to the Tourism Organisation of Thailand (TOT). Before the development of TOT in the 1960s, Thailand was mainly a resting location for soldiers of the Vietnam War. By the 1980s, the TOT had become the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and its strategies focused on marketing: presenting a mix of experiences, from the friendliness of the people, homey meals, and diverse natural attractions to the more underground nightlife. Geopolitics was also on its side: many tourists fled to Thailand, escaping insecurity or newly introduced policies in neighbouring countries.
Much of this still rings true, and even in my own TikTokified itinerary before my trip, it didn’t take long to see this duality that Thailand offered to its visitors - both PG-13 and 18-rated audiences, as well as the clear distancing that TAT and its “Amazing Thailand” campaign were working towards with the latter audience.
Security and warmth (both in weather and people) are its greatest asset. I visited three cities without concern, consistently surrounded by welcoming people and I was able to confidently witness the diverse attractions the country had to offer alone. I hope to return to Phuket, to experience the beaches without the worries of floods outside of raining season, walking the colours of Talat Yai. I hope to return to Chiang Mai to experience more of the traditional living outside of a one-day tour, taking in the rice fields at Chom Thong. I also hope to return to the Bangkok malls – taking in more of their extravagance.
The food is another reason for a visit. If you’re a fan of spice, Thailand is the place to be.
My highlights: Pad Kaprow and Roti in Phuket, Khao Soi in Chiang Mai, the best pancakes in Bangkok from Fran’s and of course, Thai Milk Tea.
Pop Culture observed:
I got the sense malls were a bigger deal in Thailand than elsewhere, at least in Bangkok. They were massive malls with a theme for each floor; decked with performers and held celebrity meet-and-greets. The malls also connected to major walkways, the SkyWalk, an amazing structure to avoid traffic and the heat.
I heard one of my now favourite songs in the CentralWorld mall – “Pasilyo” by SunKissed Lola – a Filipino song.
Ready, Set, Love on Netflix – think ‘Love Island meets Hunger Games’.