"Kansai Daisuki!" (I Love Kansai!) is a web page where foreigners living in Kansai talks about the charm of Kansai.
The 1st
Consul General of the Royal Thai Consulate-General, Osaka
Mr. Chakarin Chayabongse
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It was in March this year that Mr. Chakarin took up his post as Consul General at the Royal Thai Consulate-General, Osaka. This was 10 years after he had first visited Japan for a cultural exchange event held by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. At that time he enjoyed a 10-day visit but was not able to return until this year. It has now been 8 months since he began living in Kansai.
When we asked him about his impressions of Kansai, he answered "First of all I feel the kindness of the people here towards me and my family has been remarkable. When we have encountered any difficulty, they have kindly helped us out." He also mentioned the thoughtfulness that Asian people share, and said that he felt this "very strongly among the people in Kansai region." |
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He went on to say how deeply impressed he was by the Kansai International Airport when he first arrived and by the modernity of the large cities in Osaka. He has a strong interest in the kind of high technology to be seen at Kansai Science City and believes this will be essential for the development in his own country. He has been working vigorously on the promotion of trade and on technological cooperation between the two countries. As we talked we felt that he truly believes that to first create good relationships between individuals is the foundation of relationships between organizations and between countries. As such he is also working hard on the various cultural exchange programs encouraged by the Consulate. "I attend all the events and festivals that I am invited to because I want as many opportunities as possible to meet people" he said. |
It has now become customary for Thailand to participate in the annual Midosuji Parade, and last year The Thai float won the Grand Prix of the event. Thailand also joined the 'One Country OneShopping Arcade' Campaign in which cultural exchange activities were conducted with local people on some of Osaka's shopping streets. And in order to make Thai food restaurants more familiar to people in Osaka, the Consulate is currently at work on a project to gather all the information about Thai restaurants in Osaka City and certify those that meet certain stringent standards.
"Just one good Thai dish would make a perfect start. If Japanese people can like that one dish, then they could soon learn to cook it for themselves. In this way we could increase Thai food imports. And through those who then want to taste the real Thai food, we would see an expansion in tourism to Thailand." Through these and his other comments we were able to appreciate his idea that when even the smallest elements of mutual understanding and cultural exchange begin to accumulate they can eventually lead to a deep lasting relationship between different countries.
"I want the consulate to be an open and comfortable place where people - and I mean not just Japanese people but anybody from any country - can drop by for a cup of tea." It was thoughts like this which convinced us that he is a true cosmopolitan. |
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Mr. Chakarin says that there are an infinite number of attractive elements within the Kansai region. For example he cited the fact of there being a major urban city with large-scale leisure facilities like the 'Kaiyukan' Osaka Aquarium and Universal Studios Japan, which will open next Spring. Then he referred to the numerous cultural assets and the cities of Kyoto and Nara that share a Buddhist culture with Thailand, as well as Himeji Castle of World Cultural Heritage fame. He also listed Kansai Science City where you can see the best examples of new technology, the beautiful natural views around Yoshino Mountain and Lake Biwa, as well as their various facilities. He added that one of the biggest attractions about Kansai is its food and told us that he and his family particularly enjoy the everyday dishes such as 'okonomiyaki'. "And my 16-year-old son always orders two bowls of 'ramen' noodles at the ramen restaurant in our neighborhood." He seemed especially happy that his family enjoys living in Japan as much as he does. |
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We asked Mr. Chakarin about the sightseeing spots he would recommend to Japanese tourists going to Thailand. He replied, "First of all the Grand palace, the ruins of Ayuthaya, Huahin, Pattaya Beach, Phuket Island, Chiangmai - where you can ride an elephant - and Pimai in Northeast, the area is famous for its silk•••" It seemed that Mr. Chakarin's recommendations could go on and on. But judging from the charming personality of the Consul General during a very pleasant interview, we would say that the biggest attraction of Thailand must be the chance to meet the people. |
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Mr. Chakarin intends to continue working actively to expand the personal relationships between Thailand and Kansai. We wish him and his family a wonderful stay while they live in Kansai. |
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