Page 54 - MASALA Magazine Vol.15 Issue 6 | August - September 2024

PUSHPA KHIMESARA | 68
Homemaker

I have been in Thailand for the last 45 years, and I’ve noticed that today,
the Thai-Indian community is playing a vital role in the Kingdom. I
have observed remarkably-positive changes in the past 15 years. Thai-
Indians have increasingly-embraced Thai culture, and some also speak
Thai as their first language and eat Thai food as their cuisine of choice.

These days, many Thai people consider Thai-Indians as intelligent
community members, with great business acumen. This enhances
respect towards Indian and Hindu culture. Being socially active, I
notice more respect and positivity towards Indians in private parties
hosted by high-ranking officials and the elite.
Most Thai restaurants are serving vegetarian food, which attracts
vegetarian Thai-Indians to go out more with their families, unlike
before when options were scarce. This also solves food issues for Indian
tourists who prefer vegetarian food. Moreover, new restaurants and
hotels have come up during the last 15 years, owned by Thai-Indians,
and the community has continued to support them.

We can also now visit more Indian food festivals and exhibitions
organised by Thai Indians. For example, I am extremely impressed
with the events organised by Masala, who is also celebrating their
successful 15th Anniversary.

The participation of Thai Indians is quite visible in the Thai elections
and politics now. Thai politicians join religious festivals and activities
such as the Holi festival, Diwali Fair, International Yoga Day, and
Ganesh Mahotsav. Thai-Indians are also achieving success due to
increased business opportunities with India. More trading and joint
ventures between the two countries will enhance the reputation of
Thai Indians.

AMORNRAT SIDHU | 34
Standard 6 Teacher

Since I currently live in Botswana, when I visit Bangkok, I don’t
recognise it at times. Thank God for permanent landmarks such
as the Benchasiri Park and Siam Paragon, for I can no longer rely
on small boutique shops and restaurants to greet me on my way
like they did when I used to walk to work or my Nanima’s house.

It’s the instability of it that gets me. While Isao still seems to be
an anchor of Sukhumvit Soi 31, I now wonder, for how long?
Cherubin, the shop that sold my beloved Nuts about chocolate
cake has been replaced by a massage parlour. Meanwhile, the
branch of Asia Herbs Association that I frequented often, the
one opposite my home, shut down – seemingly with no warning.

It feels like so much has changed, and so quickly. EmSphere has
changed the feel of my street and neighbourhood, and its bright
lights illuminate my room, despite the closed blackout curtains.
What I used to love about my soi has faded, only to be replaced
with new pros and cons. These changes seem to be a staple of
Bangkok now, one that I must accept. The nostalgia of Bangkok
is disappearing, but the novelty of it is something I find intriguing
yet overwhelming.

As I find these changes overwhelming and too fast-paced for my
liking, I feel that Thai-Indians are embracing these changes with
excitement and optimism. They are ever-ready to experiment with
new venues, new ventures and new adventures, not only with their
taste buds, but also with the indomitable entrepreneurial spirit that
resides within the community. I admire this a lot.

54 | MASALA MAGAZINE AUG-SEP 2024