Pisak Chinchai – Keynote Speaker
1. What is your go-to dish to eat in Bangkok?
I would like to suggest Tom Yum Goong (Thai Tom Yum Soup with Shrimps), one of the most popular Thai foods for not only Thai people but also foreigners. It is a type of Thai hot and sour soup where the iconic flavours come from 3 herbs: lemongrass, galangal, and makrut (kaffir) lime leaves. The protein in this kind of dish is fresh shrimp. It’s served at street-side eateries, fancy restaurants, and the food court in the department stores (shopping malls).
Another dish that I would like to suggest is Pad Thai. It is also one of the most beloved noodle dishes for visitors. Pad Thai is a Thai noodle stir-fry with a sweet-savoury-sour sauce scattered with crushed peanuts. It’s made with thin, flat rice noodles and almost always has bean sprouts, garlic chives, scrambled egg, firm tofu, and a protein—the most popular being chicken or prawns/shrimp.
2. What is your secret spot or hidden gem that visitors should see?
JODD Fairs Ratchada Market is a popular night market that brings together food, products, and entertainment in one place. There are many food zones, whether it is delicious Thai food, international food, or cool desserts. There is also a zone selling clothes, accessories (jewellery), home decorations, and many other handmade products. There is also a cool photo corner for you to check in and have fun. The atmosphere of the market is lively and enjoyable.
3. What is a favourite bar or signature drink that represents Bangkok?
Thai Milk Tea and Thai beers. There are several brands of Thai beers, e.g., Chang beer, Singha beer, etc. All of these can be found at street vendors, restaurants, and in the food court in the shopping malls.
4. Top shopping destination or unusual shop to visit?
Chatuchak Weekend Market is the world’s largest weekend market. Here you can acquire local delicacies, clothing, second-hand merchandise, home décor, handicrafts and antiques. Visitors can also enjoy a soothing Thai massage after shopping. The SkyTrain and taxi provide easy access to the market.
5. What is something that you can only find in Bangkok?
The Grand Palace was established in 1782; this ceremonial residence of the kings of Thailand features several magnificent buildings like the Temple of the Emerald Buddha.
6. If you only had one day in Bangkok, what would you do?
There is so much to see I would suggest doing a guided tour so that they can organise a curated experience.
7. What is your top tip for our delegates when coming to Bangkok?
It would be helpful if the visitors could say some common Thai words, like Sawasdee (Hello or Hi), Khob Khun (Thank you), etc.