Page 52 - MASALA Magazine Vol.15 Issue 6 | August - September 2024

BUSINESS GENERAL ACCEPTANCE

15 years ago, while the Thai-Indian community were already lauded The storied and complicated history of the Indian diaspora in
as keen businessmen, only a few industries were considered the Thailand has many origins, some of them fraught. For those
purview of the community, spanning textiles, jewellery, and the who have been here 15 years ago and even before, acceptance
import/export of select goods. Sons were often expected to – and has been hard won, and misunderstandings would often abound
did – work in the family business, often in the abovementioned between the Indian diaspora and the local Thai population. It’s
industries. been a true pleasure to see how this has changed drastically in
2024. In the last few years, there’s been a growing appetite not
In 2024, the Thai-Indian presence of all genders across a range of just for Indian cuisine, but Indian culture – more and more Thai
industries has grown, and Thai-Indians are showing their expertise travellers are discovering the joys of visiting India, while shows such
in hospitality, F&B, medicine and the wellness field, engineering, as Gangubai (2022), Indian Matchmaking (2020- ), and even the
manufacturing, technology, energy, and more. A growing number recent Heeramandi (2024) have cultivated a dedicated following
of the younger generation are making waves in the corporate field among Thai audiences who wish to know more about the beauty
beyond just their family businesses, while some of the top managers of Indian culture and style. More Thais are sending their kids to
and C-Suite names in some of Thailand’s most recognised brands India to study, while conversely, more Thai-Indians are attending
are desi names. school in Thailand rather than going to boarding school in India.

Among the community itself, acceptance of change has also
grown. Many families are adopting different parenting styles, and
have become more accepting of smaller or different family units,
and different professions, orientations, and genders. While the
community continues to keep our traditions alive, we are doing
THE COMMUNITY CHIMES IN so in different and modern ways, helped by the youth who have
discovered new ways to be proud of their heritage, spanning
Masala asked some community members to talk modern Bollywood dances to desi artists who have transcended
about the changes that they’ve experienced in the musical genres.
last 15 years:
It’s true that change is often frightening, but if there’s one thing
the Thai-Indian community has proved, it’s that their resilience,
sense of identity, and love for each other will carry them through
– perhaps different, but all the better for it. Here’s to another 15
years of changes!
DOLLY KOGHAR | 72
Homemaker and Freelance Writer

Although a true-blue Thai-Indian, I was away from the Kingdom
for most of my life, only to return to my Motherland, Thailand,
just about when Masala was emerging on the scene of publications.
That alone was a very bold and huge step towards giving a voice
to our Indian diaspora, both within the community itself, and
as a candid introduction of ourselves to the rest of the world.
But more and above, the publication has brought to light not
only how far the youth of our community, of both genders, have
embedded themselves into every field of work and profession, but
how successfully they have claimed their chosen fields as their
own. As an old-school granny, I am both surprised and proud. It
also makes my chest swell to see our girls and women think and
do things with a confidence and poise that is equal to none.

It’s also gratifying to see that our community has become more
aware of health and weight issues, especially with science promising
us longer lives. Folks at my age, who’d earlier retire to the couch
in front of the ‘idiot box,’ are now staying active and have become
more open to taking on physically-challenging activities so as to stay
alert and self-reliant for longer. Also, times have changed and the
earlier era when sons lived with the parents post-marriage is now
more or less a thing of the past, making it even more important
to maintain an energetic and robust body and mind. Despite the
changes around the world, in Thailand, and even within our own
homes, we as a community have thrived. We’ve held onto our
spiritualities and stayed committed to doing right by our conscience,
and may we always do so!

52 | MASALA MAGAZINE AUG-SEP 2024