by Hannah Johnston | Summer 2023 |
Bangkok, Thailand, has ten times the population of Dallas. Bangkok was my gateway to witnessing Thai culture, language, and people. Unlike Dallas, which has a highly centralized downtown location, Bangkok has skyscrapers for miles, even disappearing into the heavy smog that hovers over the city. Skyscraper after skyscraper can be seen, but the thousands of huts built by the homeless are just as apparent. Thailand is well represented by Bangkok, as it juxtaposes the reality of their nation. Visibly and culturally beautiful, a darker world is obscured by superficial splendor. Still, it is a sight to see.
At a city park, a peculiar sight unfolds. Despite trash lining the outskirts, the park remained a thriving oasis. People and lizards alike find solace from the blazing sun and suffocating humidity aside the pond and walking paths. While enjoying my first stroll in the megacity, a poignant interruption occurs as the Thai national anthem plays: a twice-daily ritual conveying unwavering patriotism. This robotic display contrasts with American daily pledges, shedding light on the Thai people’s loyalty to their king, albeit tinged with unease. A battle has been waged as tradition, law, and loyalty conflict. Bangkok’s constant bustle ensured that we had time to ease into routine, privileged to have a vague understanding of their political and cultural complexities.
Transitioning to Chiang Mai revealed the essence of Thai culture. Honor is everything to the Thai people, and to be dishonored can result in the permanent severance of relationships. Though this wariness for dishonor can be overwhelming to manage, there is beauty. Among the Thai, there is a societal dependence present I could never have imagined. When looking to buy food, Thais go to the market, supporting the local farmers. At restaurants, it is unheard of to split the bill. One person assumes responsibility for the check, covering the others in a display of friendship and unity. Upon meeting local church members, they welcomed our group and invited us to enjoy ice cream with them. The love of Christ they demonstrated hit home, as they accommodated us in every way.
Thailand is beautiful, but there are intricacies in the darker aspects of the nation. I visited NightLight, a non-profit organization that served to provide safety for women in the sex trafficking industry. There, they explained how cops could be paid off. Getting women out of the trade is not simple, and our intentions can be misguided. When Annie began her business, she bought a bed for a woman who had been sleeping on the floor for years. Weeks later, Annie discovered that the woman was still sleeping on the floor despite having a brand-new bed. This reflects that my picture of what life should look like is not true for all people. Instead of assuming this woman was despairing because she did not even have a bed to sleep on, Annie could have asked her what her greatest need was. This story has been huge for shifting my mindset when considering helping the needy, which we are called to do as Christians.
As part of the curriculum, we visited several small businesses in Thailand. We visited Bay at his café, and he took time out of his hectic schedule to present his Business as Mission vision for his shop. That day, he invited us to go on a hike up a Doi Suthep trail. A few of us joined him, and his hospitality knew no bounds; he picked us up from our hotel, personally escorting us up the mountain. Endless greenery, a flowing creek up the winding trail, and a historic Buddhist temple marked the trail as unforgettable. That experience embodied Thai hospitality, making you feel welcomed, seen, and heard. Though darkness can easily overshadow the physical splendor in Thailand, there is light. God is working on a new thing in Thailand, and I cannot wait to bear witness.
