Post-trip Reflections

I wished the trip was longer. Although there was work involved, I thought that we enjoyed ourselves in the process of work and certainly learned quite a bit.

Objectives wise, the trip definitely fulfilled the role of giving me an intense exposure to fieldwork and research. I haven’t went out onto the streets and interviewed random people before and this experience definitely boosted my confidence in being able to carry out such interviews in future if I need to. Culturally, I have learned more about the Thai culture, more about Buddhism and definitely the great hospitality of the Thai people. In terms of social and communication skills, I have spoken a bit of Thai, dependant on Yok (our CMU student attached) most of the time. Staying longer and trying to speak Thai more would have been better. In terms of civic and ethical awareness, this trip has certainly made me more aware of the nuances and cues that are largely existent but we fail to notice day to day, like the hesitation before answering and the micro-expressions which reveal their true feelings. I have also forged friendships within my group and USP as a whole, sharing the joys of exploring Chiang Mai and also the stress of getting work done.

Other than the objectives, some thoughts that struck me post-trip and got me thinking.

Meditation. The conversation with May at Doi Suthep about meditation being compulsory for all Thai students was thought provoking. I think that Singapore should implement this. Singapore is such a fast-paced and high stress environment that there is effectively no respite from all this mad rush. Wouldn’t meditation calm one down and help one to think clearer, reducing stress at the same time? You get the feeling of zen when hanging around Thais, they are relaxed and not anxious or agitated or impatient for results. Could it be the meditation they do? Or could it be the Buddhism teachings? Regardless, I think meditation is becoming popular recently (due to overwhelming research on its benefits I suppose) and everyone should try it.

Business and culture. The congregation of the hill tribe people in one location for the convenience of tourists got me thinking whether such a business model would erode culture. Sure, this business model brings about economic advantages to the hill tribes, but over time, will the people adopt certain practices to maximise revenue from tourists and in the process lose certain cultural practices? Will the tribes ultimately decide to forego their old ways and move to the city eventually, thereby losing the rich cultural heritage? I believe that the congregation of the tribes benefits the tourists and the hill tribes greatly, bringing about awareness and learning of the tribal people, while generating revenue. I believe certain forms of cultural preservation has to be done when we adopt such business practices to prevent cultural erosion. As with everything, we should strive for balance.

Pace of life and Privilege. Visiting the night markets got me thinking about how the stall owners survive with the tough competition where almost every other stall sells the same thing at the same price. The stall owners don’t seem to be under any stress, sitting down at the stall and waiting for customers. They don’t seem to be in a hurry to tout and get transactions done. Could it be they are genuinely happy doing what they are doing? Subsistence living? As in they are not intending to make huge money selling, they are just selling to literally make a living. In Singapore, everyone is entitled to a good life from the onset. We don’t have to hawk food or souvenirs to make a living. The way of life in Thailand really made me appreciate the good life we have in Singapore. We must cherish what we have and not complain all the time. Yes, complaining is what Singaporeans like to do. Travelling allows one to see the world, and doing that makes one more aware of the greater picture and how one should live.

We should have more USP trips overseas. ^_^