‘Lush green of the city, local markets & food… Delhi’s charm can’t be found anywhere else’: Thailand Ambassador to India

Hongtong spoke to The Indian Express as part of a series of interviews with Ambassadors about Delhi — their home.

Edited excerpts:

How long have you been in Delhi and what are some of the places that you love visiting in the city?

Today, I think, it has already been three years and eight months. I came in April 2021. So, just a few days before the lockdown imposed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

After those few months passed, I started to explore Delhi. Then, I started exploring India. India and Thailand, we are very close. We have deep-rooted relations through cultural and religious links, so we feel that India is quite similar, and has a lot of commonalities with Thailand.

But when I arrived in Delhi, I found that it was totally different from the idea I had in my mind. So, I told myself from the first day that I must try to open my heart and my eyes to see Delhi as much as possible.

Till now, I would say that the place that I like to visit most is the Chandni Chowk market… because I think this is the true India. You can feel and be part of the unique blends of cultures, religions, and history.

You will witness all kinds of temples, from all religions, like Jain temple, Hindu temples, next to each other… You will have… church opposite the grudwaras… you move further to the spice market, you will see the Jama Masjid.

I always stop at the spice market. This way, I can enjoy shopping for dry fruits, herbs and masala.

What are the three things that stood out about your stay in Delhi?

I am so impressed by the lush green of the city. Everywhere you go, you can see trees. Big trees on wide and narrow lanes… I like that so many trees are allowed to grow here…

The second thing would probably be markets. I like to go to markets… that’s why I like to go to Chandni Chowk, because it’s a place where you will see the authenticity of the way of life. We go to Khan Market for all high-end products, good food and restaurants. But sometimes, I want to localise myself, I visit markets that sell particular products, like Sarojini market, Karol Bagh market, and Lajpat Nagar market.

I think that the third thing that impresses me is the digitalisation of this city… The most impressive perhaps is the local markets, and the vendors. When they sell things on the street, you can always use UPI to pay them… People from all walks of life, from the rich to the poor, everyone has access to this.

Have you had any special encounters with people or any memories that will stay with you even when you leave?

When you walk on the street, you are impressed by the cars and the constant honking of horns. You can go to the shopping malls but at the same time, also enjoy local markets. So, everything that I have experienced will always be in my memory, and we might not experience again because Delhi will move forward..

Perhaps I will remember the feeling or the atmosphere of shopping. I like to negotiate with vendors and whenever you have to bargain, it’s fun.

What food do you like here?

We know India offers several kinds of foods. When I came here, my Indian friends said – this is the south Indian food, this is Mughlai… at the beginning, I couldn’t tell how they were different. But now I can.

When I travel to any state, first, I try to go to the local restaurant, and not to the hotel. I like trying out local cuisines.

I am not a vegetarian, but what I like the most in India is Chole Bhature at the Kwality restaurant. I was so impressed when I ordered the balloon-sized bhature for the first time. I may like Lal Maas, Rogan Josh or even Biryani but I can’t finish the whole dish. Other than Chole Bhature, maybe the other dish I like is Dal Bukhara.

I am Thai, we have many spicy dishes. But I think Indian food is spicier… I am not a fan of chicken but my favorite joint is ‘Aslam Chicken’ near Jama Masjid… The butter chicken there is very unique. They mix boiled Amul butter with the chicken, add masala and yogurt.

What is the one thing you will miss the most when you say goodbye to the city?

I think I will miss shopping in Delhi. It’s so colourful. The variety that you have, from fruits, street food, clothes, fabrics, everything. If I ever have to come back, I think we will come to shop. In particular, the fabrics…

And perhaps the trees in Delhi. I think you cannot find any Capital in the world that has greenery like this.

I have been to 22 states in India… Every day you learn new things… So every day for me in India has been a new learning. Different people, different weathers, different cultures, different foods, different conversations.

If you had to introduce Delhi to someone back home, how would you do it?

I would tell them to just come here and be ready to open your heart and eyes to learn and truly take Delhi in. There is a variety of attractions, not only historic monuments, but also different cultures, beliefs and festivals. If they have an open heart, they will see the charm of Delhi that they cannot find anywhere else in the world.

Are there any similarities between any city in Thailand and Delhi?

A city that reminds me of Delhi is Sukhothai. It is a city in the north where we have the ruins of the temples and palaces. I think there are so many places in India that are similar to Sukhothai, like Hampi and so on.

Is there anything you would want to tell the administration of Delhi to change about the Capital?

I think the Government of Delhi is trying its best to improve so many things, such as pollution. They are working on it and it’s not that easy.

As an expat, I would suggest that there should be more places where you can have leisure, such as Khan Market. There should be more places like that in Delhi… if one day, some of the old houses and bungalows in Lutyens’ could be converted into cafes or other open spaces. The area around Lutyens’ is my favourite… it’s so green. I also love the marvellous architecture there.