We have a few pages left to close the book on the year of "perseverance", Cambridge Dictionary's Word of the Year 2021. It aptly sums up our shared experiences. Whether it is the pandemic, the "moving abroad" phenomenon or the cryptocurrency and NFT crazes, 2021 has been an eventful ride, for better or worse. Guru speaks to people from different fields who weigh in on the global and domestic trends of 2021. Let's hear about their roller-coaster rides, as well as their unforgettable experiences.
Nanticha "Lynn" Ocharoenchai
A female climate activist, who has spearheaded the environmental revolution locally for years. The Facebook page Lynn runs is called "Climate Strike Thailand" and it has inspired the younger and older generations to take heed of environmental impacts caused by natural change and greed.
How would you sum up this year's environmental situation? Are there problems that Thais should take heed of?
Climate change has always been my priority since it is worsening every year, with or without the pandemic. Maybe it could slow down the exploitation of our future when the world was halted by lockdowns -- that was my first thought. However, it has doubled plastic waste from food delivery services, even though Thailand is not in lockdown anymore. What's worse, Thai authorities and authorities of other countries have been flying under the radar, taking advantage of natural resources while launching one-sided policies or projects that give them the whip hand. They've taken advantage of the circumstances to limit our voices and actions to call out the truth.
Every movement that calls for change always starts with self-awareness. Is it really worth ignoring the selfish actions of high-handed people, as other older generations always say, 'This is how we run things.', and let them commit whatever crimes they want? We must be watchdogs to watch each other's back. We hear the word 'self-starter' so many times when it comes to protecting the environment, though many argue that one voice cannot turn tables. But look at where we are today. It has already begun. You can start by getting a better understanding of sustainable lifestyles and environmental impacts, both of which will help you figure out the root of the problems.
What inspired you to take action?
The environment has always been interesting to me since high school. But the situation that drew me to this path was a trekking trip, where I spent time in nature for days. The reason why I stepped up to tackle climate change issues is that I care about our future. Although I am not one of the vulnerable people who have been directly impacted by environmental changes, I can do something about it. You may think climate change is distant, but mark my words, it will knock on your door someday.
This year, we've seen more people from different backgrounds call out for change. What triggered them?
The eagerness of younger generations who are concerned about their futures has inspired many to rise up. I believe that the transformations we call out these days will not happen soon, but people's eyes are opening wider. The internet is a huge help, as it provides a free space to voice opinions. It allows access to news and information, comprehensively and diversely. I want everyone to deal with our problems in an ideal way together without spreading hatred towards each other. We are all suffering enough from these problems.
What does 2021 remind you of?
The pandemic. It is not a phenomenon that comes and goes, it changes the world and our lives completely. Also, it showed us that globalisation, supply chains and systems of the world are interlinked, all of which, unfortunately, contribute to climate change.
Kanin "Ong" Areevanich
An entrepreneur, Ong took risks by opening a hotel and rooftop bar in Ekamai when the tourism and nightlife industries took huge hits during the pandemic. Though it proved to be a costly move, he says he gained valuable life lessons.
When your businesses hit rock bottom, how did you hold up?
You used the right words, 'hit rock bottom'. Most people in the tourism and nightlife industries could not even keep their heads above water. As an investor whose two businesses out of three were on the edge of extinction, I felt like a failure. I compared my hotel and bar to wounds and did everything to stop the bleeding. We cut unnecessary costs and rolled out many promotions to draw customers' attention. In the end, we bled out. Closing my businesses was the right thing to do to prevent further loss.
Business owners know that the government played a part in causing our collapse. We never got any support or compensation after they mandated us to shut doors. What's worse, the nightlife business was made a scapegoat by the authorities. Look around yourself. Are we getting any better? I will stand by my words, 'We, nightlife businesses and people, are not the cause of the problems!'
Speaking of my experience as a hotelier, mine was a standalone budget hotel that could not do much when the country was in lockdown. We cannot offer any staycation seals or dump our prices like the hotel chains. The big fish could swim against the current, while a tiny one like us could only go with the flow. These experiences have given me many valuable life lessons, as well as heedful reminders for my next move when doing business.
What would you remember 2021 by?
I would like to dedicate the last chapter of 2021 to my girlfriend, who always stands by me. Honestly, this year has been hard. I never thought my life could reach these depths. I bet we all knocked on the wood before the end of 2020, hoping 2021 would be a fresh start. Well, here we are, another episode of a nightmare. All jokes aside, I do not want to remember anything from this year. Period.
Nattawat "Kem" Wattanachot
Kem is no stranger to cryptophiles. His YouTube channel and Discord community, both of which are called "Crypto Dog", are where netizens keep up with daily cryptocurrency news.
Cryptocurrency is one of the most talked-about trends. Why do you think people are interested in investing in digital currency?
I was not surprised to see that cryptocurrency was one of the most influential investment trends this year. Why? I believe that investing in digital currencies meets the needs of younger generations, who lack the financial resources to invest in the stock market and real estate. Besides, the cryptocurrency universe is broad and accessible to anyone who has access to the internet.
Tell us about your YouTube and Discord communities.
I feature the global trends and news about cryptocurrency daily through them. I also review specific coins, investigate and analyse insights shared among cryptophiles from international and local sources. My reviews are just to give my audience a better understanding of the digital currencies they hold and for those who are planning to invest in them.
Will cryptocurrency replace actual money in the future?
Yep, it could happen. On second thought, Thailand might not convert its baht into cryptocurrencies because we have a pretty firm financial structure. We do have diverse financial institutions and services like 'PromptPay' to facilitate transactions. Those digital currencies may be perfect for countries that are facing financial problems and looking for something to replace their fragile currencies.
Is there any joy or regret so far this year?
There are lots of things that I can talk about with cryptocurrency this year. However, one thing that gave me regret is the coin called 'Sandbox (Sand)'. I have been sitting on the fence watching Sand debut at less than one baht and now it is hitting its highest peak at B5 per token. I could not imagine myself right now if I got my hands on it. My hesitation has inspired me to be more enthusiastic about cryptocurrency and its trends. I do not want others to make the same mistake or 'miss the bus', a phrase that we use for cryptocurrency investors who missed out on their shots.
Veerachai "The Duang" Duangpla
You may know Veerachai Duangpla by his pen name, "The Duang". A known name in the Thai art scene through a wide range of his comic art series, The Duang recently launched his NFT collection "Gangster All-Star", which caught collectors' fancies with its mind-blowing stories of ruthless gangsters, complete with his distinctive comic illustration approach.
What is your opinion on NFTs being regarded as a game-changer for the global art industry?
I agree. Thai art has always been devalued by its own standards, especially if your work is not created in traditional styles. I believe that the NFT trend came at the perfect time when our country was in lockdown. I have seen many artists introduce their artworks in new forms and some striking masterpieces by new faces, too. It was like everyone had been repressed for quite a while and NFT was a place where they could vent their creativity.
Have there been any unforgettable moments this year?
Believe it or not, I did not feel passionate about drawing for quite some time until I got a chance to create my NFT art. It was like I could be my true self again. I am so grateful that I can create art from authentic creativity without being limited by clients' design briefs.
How about things you realise you've taken for granted?
I do not think I took anything for granted. But if I still sit on a fence, hesitating to get my hands on creating NFT, that would be my deepest regret this year.
Chayathorn "Bass" Sakdatorn
After a series of (mis)managed pandemic regulations by the authorities, Bass had his last-straw moment and decided to relocate to Australia. His Facebook page, "Memories Of The Two Immigrants", has contributed tremendously to people who plan to find a new life abroad. Both Bass and his girlfriend, Preaw, now reside in Sydney, Australia.
Your family migrated to Australia when you were 12 and then moved back to Thailand. Why did you decide to return?
I lived here with my mom until I turned 12. Then, I came to live with my dad in Thailand since my parents were separated. Honestly, I never thought someday I would return and settle in Australia again as my life in Thailand was taking root. Well, Miss Rona has done a great job, I guess. After the pandemic swept through Thailand, it revealed every blunder that the Thai government was trying to sweep under the rug. As I grew up in an 'authentic democracy' like Australia, the selfishness of the authorities became the last straw for me. I talked to my girlfriend, Preaw, and we decided to migrate to Sydney. We spent lots of money moving to Sydney when the city was in lockdown. Do not get me wrong, we do not run away from our problems, but we would rather lose all of our savings instead of struggling in a nightmare.
Was moving to Australia worth it?
I felt that every determination I had dedicated to doing things in Australia always paid off. Whether it was a reasonable salary or accessible welfare, everything was worth my life-changing decision to move here. Another thing that amazed me was practical air pollution management. We all know that Chiang Mai, where I was born and raised, has been struggling with air pollution and PM2.5 for years. I just felt like the Australian government was concerned about their people's well-being. Plus, everyone here is equal, so even if you are an expat, you can still access every basic human need and public utility.
The Facebook group 'Let's Move Abroad' has become one of the biggest online phenomena this year. Why do you think Thais are trying to migrate?
Thai emigration is not new. Thais who blazed a trail living abroad only left Thailand for better life opportunities. This year was different. Another reason Thais want to flee their homeland is that they can no longer tolerate the toxic environment. There are two types of motivation to persuade us to move abroad. One is a rewarding motivation that inspires us to do something for a great return, while the other one is impelled by anxiety and is called 'fear motivation'. Plus, the 'Moving Abroad Community' serves as guidance for those who are hesitant, as many pioneers log in to share their anecdotes. There is no guarantee that your new life abroad will always be rosy, though.
If someone asks you about 2021, what pops into your mind first?
It is definitely a life-changing decision to move out of Thailand and settle in Australia, a country I can finally call home. I'm still amazed by Australian state welfare that everyone can equally access. Another thing that reminds me of 2021 will be the rising investment trend of cryptocurrency.
