Being Thai-Indian is a flex.

By: Amornrat Sidhu

Thai-Indians have shown the community and beyond that they are able to not just live, but thrive, abroad – whatever the challenge, whichever the country, whichever the language. The common factor between all their stories is the shared experience of living in the abundant and diverse ‘Land of Smiles’ at one point in time.

Living in Thailand in itself is a defining period in one’s life, and as Thai-Indians move abroad to forge new paths, we take with us many boons – be it a language, skill or mindset – that aids us in our journey. These gifts that we carry with us remind us how lucky we are to be Thai-Indian in our heart of hearts, as shared by these community members.

PARVEENA & JESSY PASRICHA

PARVEENA PASRICHA | Vice Principal

“Pizza,” said one student. “A burger,” said another. “Krapao tom yum khai dao,” said the third. Immediately, I turned around to listen in on what students were craving to eat that morning.

Growing up as a Thai-Indian, my life has been a rich tapestry of cultures, flavours, and languages. My unique influences have provided me with an invaluable edge in the global landscape, blending the best of two vibrant worlds. This cultural synergy is a gift I carry with pride and joy, one that has shaped my identity and professional journey.

As a vice principal at a school in Southern California, my Thai- Indian background has been particularly impactful. Recently, we hosted a group of Thai exchange students, and the experience was profoundly heartwarming for all involved. When they arrived, wide- eyed and full of excitement, I greeted them in Thai. Their faces lit up with surprise and relief, a connection immediately forged by the familiar sound of their mother tongue in an unexpected place, from an unexpected face.

This moment reminded me of the power of language and cultural connection. To look Indian, but speak Thai fluently, often leaves people pleasantly puzzled. It’s an icebreaker, a conversation starter, and most importantly, a bridge. My ability to converse in Thai, Punjabi, and English has opened doors and hearts alike, creating bonds that transcend geographical boundaries.

In my role at the school, I often draw upon these cultural elements to create an inclusive environment. The students benefit from a global perspective, and my background allows me to relate to and understand their diverse experiences. Whether it’s organising multicultural events or simply being a comforting presence, my Thai-Indian heritage plays a pivotal role in fostering a sense of community.

From being able to order Thai food more authentically at a local Thai restaurant to pairing yellow daal with krapao gai in my own cooking, my upbringing allows me to bridge cultures, creating connections and understanding in a world that thrives on diversity. The strength of this diversity is one that I cherish deeply and strive to pass on to my daughter, showing her the beauty of a world united in its differences.

JESSY PASRICHA | Business Owner

Living in Thailand from the age of seven to 13 was more than just an adventure – it was a transformative journey that shaped my identity as a young Sikh boy. For me, these six years were marked by growth, discovery, and the forging of a deep sense of identity and confidence, particularly in relation to wearing my turban.

Upon moving to Thailand, I was enrolled in Thai Sikh International School. This school became more than just an academic institution; it marked the start of my journey of embracing my religion. The school’s environment provided me with the discipline and knowledge that would become the anchor of my self-assurance. In a world where looking different often makes one a target of curiosity or ridicule, the support from my peers and teachers at school and community was invaluable. They helped me see my turban as a symbol of pride; a badge of honour. This constant reinforcement from school and home helped me gain the confidence I needed to wear my turban proudly and stand firm in my identity, regardless of where I was in the world.

When my family moved back to the US, going between Los Angeles and New Jersey, the transition felt challenging. In my new school, I faced bullying and discrimination for wearing my turban, even from fellow Sikh boys. It was a stark contrast to the acceptance and encouragement I had experienced in Thailand. However, the strength and resilience I had cultivated during my years in Thailand saw me through. I stood my ground, refusing to let ignorance and prejudice force me to abandon my turban.

Looking back, I am immensely grateful for my time in Thailand. Today, I wear my turban with pride, not only as a symbol of Sikhism, but also as a testament to the journey I have undertaken. The confidence I gained during those formative years has been instrumental in helping me navigate challenges in all aspects of life, including helping me with raising my two-year-old daughter.

DEEPAK KUNDNANI | Content Lead, Pixis AI

I spent the first 27 years of my life in the vibrant and culturally- diverse city of Bangkok before moving to India permanently. It’s only after moving away that I appreciate having grown up there. Bangkok has shaped me in ways that continue to influence my life and interactions, no matter where I am.

One of the most valuable lessons I learned growing up in Bangkok is the importance of kindness and the power of gentle persuasion. The city’s personality is filled with smiling people, and the local friends I have made there taught me to approach problems with, “honey rather than vinegar.” I’ve witnessed Thai people mostly being soft and courteous, saying, “thank you” at the end of every interaction. That has now been ingrained in me. For instance, when negotiating for vegetables in a market, a typical Mumbaikar might say, “I’ll not pay more than 50 rupees, give it to me for 50 rupees.” However, having seen how people negotiate in Bangkok, I learned to pose it as a question: “Can you make it less, please?” This subtle difference in approach often yields better results. It’s not that people in Mumbai aren’t kind; they just have a different way of communicating. Not just market vendors, but service and labour workers too, get taken aback when I say “please” or “thank you.” As a result, the next time I come around they tend to be nicer to me on the prices.

I’ve also learned to be open-minded and accepting of people from all backgrounds. Bangkok is like a dish that has flavours from all around the world, and people there have been very welcoming of different cultures. It’s different in India, where caste and religion are traditionally deeply rooted in people’s identity, and it affects how they treat or view people from different backgrounds. The open mindset has just allowed me to make a diverse set of friends, and learn some fascinating things about the various cultures in India.

On the weirder side, something that I never thought would have value has given me an unexpected advantage here, and that is my ‘foreign’ accent. My friends here do mock me about it, but it has helped me land decent jobs in Mumbai. And it’s been fairly useful in my dating life too!

In essence, my years in Bangkok have instilled in me a sense of politeness and a global perspective that continues to enrich my life in India. Growing up there has given me values that I carry, making me truly grateful for being raised there.

KIRTI SACHDEV | Teacher

Ever since moving to Birmingham, I’ve found that coming from a Thai background has really helped me build connections with the people around me. I work in a school that is predominantly Punjabi, and the fact that I am Indian, but from Thailand, sparks curiosity in both my colleagues and my students. My colleagues are very appreciative of my unique background and are keen to learn more about cultures that exist in Thailand. Even the fact that I can speak three languages is a huge discussion topic amongst my colleagues and allows me an avenue to converse and begin to strengthen relationships in a place that I am making my home.

This translates to the children as well, who always enjoy finding links between their learning and my background. For example, my students were learning about fruits and vegetables with a teacher and found out that a fruit was from Thailand. The moment they saw me, they approached me very excitedly, to share what they had learnt that day. It was wonderful to see that not only adults, but also children, appreciate and respect different cultures, and are excited to learn and find similarities between us.

NEHAL BELLANI | Business Executive

By being brought up in Thailand, we automatically are raised to be internationally-minded. We are part of a minority, forcing us to observe the culture around us and adapt. We have taken the best parts of it and internalised it as well. For example, we are patient, compassionate and gentle. We speak to all people well. We tip hard workers and don’t look down upon them, whereas in other countries, we might just view the doorman as a doorman and, perhaps, even beneath us.

Furthermore, with our education, which our parents prioritised, we have been further exposed to different cultures, religions and ways of living. We are more open to experiment, particularly with food. Despite our exposure to the world, we prioritise family life, and that is a way of thinking that is especially forged in Thailand. We give time to our family members, no matter what.

HEARD WITHIN THE THAI-INDIAN COMMUNITY:

• “Thai-Indians definitely are very well-dressed and more experimental with fashion. We live in the fashion hub of Asia and, do I dare say, the world? We take this confidence, and this sense of style with us wherever we go!”

• “Thai-Indians have held onto their culture particularly well because they are not living in their home country. We are more in touch with our roots than others. This is a superpower whether you believe it or not.

Whether this fades away with time is another story, but right now, this connection is one that keeps us grounded no matter where we are.”

• “I am lucky to be Thai-Indian because I have been able to surprise both Thai people, and people of other cultures as well, when I speak Thai. Their astonishment is never a surprise for me, but still amusing!”

• “Thai-Indian girls are the prettiest!”