A Week in Bangkok: Balancing Learning, Culture, and Adventure

After nearly a decade, I finally found myself back in the vibrant city of Bangkok on the 2ⁿᵈ of March, 2025, for a week-long training programme. This wasn’t just any ordinary training but an intensive and enriching experience on Quality Assurance in Higher Education, Advanced Research, and the exploration of generative AI tools. Alongside rigorous sessions, the program included both on-campus and off-campus field visits, adding a practical dimension to our learning. Little did I know that this professional journey would turn into a memorable adventure filled with warmth, beauty, and joy.

The trip also came as a much-needed break from the monotonous routine of teaching. Stepping away from daily responsibilities offered a fresh perspective and a chance to rejuvenate. It reminded me how important it is to take a break from life sometimes; to recharge, reflect, and return with renewed energy and enthusiasm.

The training sessions were intense, but every moment felt rewarding. The meticulously organized field visits were nothing short of impressive. Every arrival and departure was seamless, thanks to the dedication of our coordinators who ensured every participant was accounted for. Their meticulous headcounts and genuine concern for our well-being made me feel cared for and valued; a feeling that warmed my heart and reminded me of the beauty of thoughtful coordination.

One of the highlights of the trip was our night at Pattaya Beach, where a lively music festival was in full swing. The beach, illuminated by soft golden lights, created an enchanting atmosphere. The sound of waves blended harmoniously with the music, and the cool sea breeze carried the laughter and excitement of the crowd. It was one of those perfect nights where time stood still, and every sense was alive with joy.

Another unforgettable night was the cruise dinner, an experience that felt straight out of a dream. The gentle breeze, the shimmering lights reflecting off the water, and the breathtaking view of Bangkok from the sea created an atmosphere of pure magic. The seafood spread was exquisite, each bite bursting with fresh flavors. In my excitement to capture moments with the vibrant performers on board, I somehow managed to tear my beloved jean skirt — a wardrobe mishap that only added to the night’s hilarity and charm. Despite the wardrobe malfunction, the evening remained nothing short of heavenly.

Interestingly, I had skipped an Ed Sheeran concert earlier this year in Thimphu; despite knowing and loving a good number of his songs; only to find myself captivated by a Thai singer whose lyrics and melodies were completely unfamiliar to me. Yet, there I was, staying through three of his songs, singing and humming along as if I had known them forever. Perhaps it was the energy, or maybe the charm of the incredibly handsome and adorable singer, but those moments felt magical. And yes, I took the trouble to know his name; Nont Tanont; because how could I not?

A week in Bangkok felt like a lifetime of experiences. From intensive learning and well-organized excursions to magical nights and retail indulgence, every moment was packed with emotion and excitement. Above all, it was the wonderful company of colleagues from other colleges and the Office of the Vice-Chancellor (OVC) that made this journey truly special. Bonds were formed, laughter was shared, and memories were created; the kind that would last long after our return.

Bangkok also turned into a shopping marathon for me. The number of steps I walked in pursuit of retail therapy was uncountable, and my quest led me to every Uniqlo store I could find. Each store visit brought with it a sense of excitement, and by the end of the week, my bank balance had dwindled to zero. Now, I didn’t expect my shopping trip to turn into a mini love story, but as fate would have it, the cashier was an absolute cutie pie. I’m not sure if it was the atmosphere of Bangkok or the undeniable charm of the guy behind the register, but we found ourselves chatting; and not just about my clothing choices.

Before I knew it, I was shamelessly flirting with him for hours; okay, maybe not literally hours, but you get the idea. We exchanged a ton of playful banter, with me complimenting his impeccable cashier skills and him laughing at my ridiculously bad jokes. I think we both had a good time, and it made the whole shopping experience way more entertaining than it had any right to be.

So, while I did leave with a fresh set of clothes, I also walked away with a smile on my face and a fun memory of a Bangkok trip that turned out to be a little more exciting than I had planned. But the joy of giving outweighed any regret; the happiness and pleasure of handing over carefully chosen gifts to my loved ones made every penny spent worthwhile. 

As I stepped back onto Bhutanese soil, my heart was full; full of gratitude, love, and the beautiful stories I would carry forward. Bangkok had given me more than just training; it had given me an experience of a lifetime.