EGM's Thailand tour

Yumnam Rupachandra *

The 13 member team of Editors' Guild Manipur successfully concluded the weeklong 1st International Media Exposure Tour to Thailand which began on 22nd (March 2016). Arriving at Imphal Airport from Suvarnabhumi International Airport, Bangkok, on 29 March, President of EGM A Mobi described the tour as eye opening for the editors who interacted with the Manipuri diasporas Thai business people. He said it was the first tour of its kind and editors from different media houses of Manipur learnt first hand how Bangkok, a major tourist hub of Thailand functioned.

The team on day one viited Pattaya, a sea side town with huge tourist footfalls. The journalists noted with interest both the good and the bad side of Pattaya. What impressed the editors from Manipur was the drive to Pattaya from Bangkok airport-a 170 km stretch that took just over an hour.

On day two the team visited Koh Larn or Coral Island, one of the many island dotting the periphery of Pattaya beach. The sea beach once the haunt of European and American tourist was seen to be dominated by Asian tourists' majority of which were the Chinese and Indians.

Chinese tour groups in scores could be seen everywhere one went in and around Bangkok and Pattaya, indicating the rise of Chinese power in the Asia. Day three, the team wandered around Bangkok city, visiting business centers and also interacting shopkeepers.

At MBK one of the major shopping centers, traders speaking to the editors confided that their business were being affected by the onslaught of online as in anywhere. This despite the editors observed the brisk business which were open through out the week without holidays on Sunday. The team also soaked in the difference in the work culture.

Variety chain store 7 Eleven were open 24x7 and one could walk in anytime of the day or night for a mobile recharge or shaving cream. Editors watch with interest how the drains in the narrow lanes in Bangkok – call Soi, were so well covered and made motor able. One wished our engineers would visit the Sois and learnt a lesson on how to make our Leiraks more usable.

On day four the editors spent time with the Manipuri diasporas. At a formal function at The Hotel Konnect, the editors and few of the 30 odd families working and residing, a face book group was launched to facilitate interaction between Manipuris in Thailand and also to assist any Manipuri wishing to visit Thailand either for leisure or business.

The introduction to the group by Manipuri diaspora Chingkham Dina, a teacher by profession runs as: This group was born after the interaction session between Manipuris living in Thailand with group of editors from Manipur on 26.03.2016 in Bangkok. Under the look east policy of India, we see golden opportunity that Manipur can tap by expanding its human resource, education, business and job. As Manipuri diaspora in Thailand, we would like to share our knowledge and information about business opportunity, education and job opportunity in Thailand.

You are welcome in this group and your shared knowledge will expand our golden opportunities. Please join us and also please put your questions about business, job, and education about Thailand. We will try to give the information you like as much as possible.

The facebook group Global Manipuri Platform (Thailand) has so far 55 members since its inception on 26 march.

On day four and five, editors also visited home of two of the diaspora and also interacted with a Thai business man, Tanon Khunanoprat, one of the team leaders who brought the Thai business team to Sangai Festivals in Manipur. Tanon was appreciative of the hospitality of the Manipuri people and said the Northern Thais considered the Manipuris as their ancestors. He said many were keen to visit Manipur but were afraid of the law and order situation.

Manipuri diasporas speaking to the editors said despite the Military rule that the country is experiencing currently, there were very little presence of army in the streets. Editors also observed the situation and could not believe that Thailand was under military rule. The streets of Manipur had more army than Thailand.

The team also visited one of the largest open markets in Asia, the Chatucha weekend Market, pronounced as Jatuja, by the Thais. One could see traders come from all corners of Thailand to sale their wares which include almost everything from pet animals to t shirts. On the last day, the team visited the Grand Palace, the official residence of Kings of Thailand. The ailing Thailand King Bhumibol Adulyadej however currently resides at Chitrlada Royal Villa in Dusit Palace. The Grand Palace also is the where the world famous temple of Emerald Budha, located.

Some of the Editors also visited the China Town one of the main source of whole-sale articles. The team later left for Imphal by Indigo flight no 6E -78 at 2.02 am local time to arrive in Imphal at 10.30 am on 29 March 2016.

"Editors Guild Manipur, on the other hand thanked all those who supported the EGM in its first International media exposure trip both monetarily as well as mor- ally. "This trip would not have been possible without their help," said A Mobi President EGM."