In 2015, I participated in an international conflict resolution and peace studies training in Nongchok, Thailand. It was 2 hours drive from the center of Bangkok. Nongchok is a pretty natural place as I concerned. Lots of paddy fields and and green. I stayed at the International Institute of Peace Studies.
While I had finished the training by 4 PM. All participants were having socialization session with the staff to visit the neighbor village and people. In an evening, we decided to visit a palm oil plantation nearby the center. We should pass through the big paddy field and some bushing areas also. But the nuance was pretty amazing. The feeling of a natural village is remained there. Fresh air is still available. There is no pollution from vehicles or factories. It is I concluded Nongchok is still real Thailand.
The breezing of fresh air is really enjoyable. The paddy field and palm old trees are circulating the village and the training center. The environmental harmony seems important. Most of the villages are reflected the natural and freshness of Thailand.
When we reached a plantation, we met with a family lives in the area. They are palm oil farmers. They have been living there for such a long time. Palm oil is the family main economy resource. The family members shared the story of their living. In addition, we were able to harvest some fresh vegetables from the garden. Overall, we had a great time visit and meeting Thai people. By the end of conversation, we were offered the transportation back to the center and we had this "fancy" truck as follows:
We had joy and fun during the trip back passing bumpy and muddy road along to the center.
The lesson learn of the visit, we had an opportunity to meet and talk with local people nearby. It was a great lesson for us as international visitors to Thailand. We learned how life in the suburb of Bangkok. We found that they are rare enough visiting Bangkok as the Center of Thailand. For us, it is very important to learn how travel is very important in our life. For some some families we visited, being outside of Nongchok is very expensive.
I believe that every of travel has thoughtful experiences and lessons.
