Walk Down Memory Lane: Thailand 1993

Thailand 1993

First Business Trip:

On June 23, we were scheduled to leave for 32 days of training in Thailand to learn a new automotive wiring harness product. Thailand was my second overseas training experience for the company. 

Assembly time at the Philippine company is 10:00 am, so we can arrive at NAI Airport around 12:00 noon. Our group must be on time to catch the direct flight to Thailand via Thai Airways.

Touchdown Thailand:

Thailand was originally known as Siam, meaning "The Land of a Thousand Smiles". The main reason is that the locals are happy and cheerful, welcoming you to their country. We experienced this warm gesture after Miss Jai gave us flower necklaces upon arriving at Bangkok International Airport.

The country's climate is hot and humid, similar to our native country. Thailand is one hour behind Philippine time; therefore, we have to adjust our watches. 

Our group checked in at the Royal Plaza Hotel in Chachoengsao Province. Ruby is my roommate, and we were placed on the 6th floor. We were given time to freshen up before our welcome dinner with Miss Jai on the 1st floor.

On June 24, the next day, we had a meeting with the Japanese and Thai management for a discussion of our assignments. I was terrified and excited at the same time because this was a fantastic opportunity to expand my professional expertise. During the meeting, our managers handed us our schedules and assigned us to our workstations to observe the production area.

Work-Life Schedule:

For one month, we stayed in hotels as our place of residence. We checked in at this hotel in Chachoengsao Province from Monday to Friday. On Saturday and Sunday, we checked in at Bangkok City Hotels. Our group was required to collect and submit the receipts for our everyday expenses. Our travel expenses were part of our training allowance from the Philippine company.

Most of the employees in Chachoengsao's factory are women, with only a few men working there. I've made good friends with a few Thais, and they are also kind and friendly. 

Knowing that the company offered a microbus to transport us to and from work was a relief. The heavy traffic in Thailand is the same as in the Philippines.
We were the only two groups to be chosen to see and learn about this new automotive wiring harness product that will start production when we get back home. We appreciate our superior's trust and faith in including us in this project.

Unforgettable Experience:

It was not only the work that made my training in Thailand memorable. This country is well-known for its breathtaking beaches. Our group was set to travel by yacht and enjoy the day. 

I was nervous because of my seasickness. It's a good thing I had medicine to take before we set sail. The side effect was that I was groggy and did not enjoy the scenery because I dozed off. The funny thing was that even if I was light-headed when my group mates took a picture, I still struck a pose. 

See the picture below. 😀

Solo photo

Do you have a funny or unforgettable experience that you can share? 

Please post your comments below.👇 

Thank you for reading.💗

The next Walk Down Memory Lane blog about overseas training is titled "India 1999."