Thailand, an evolved tuning market.

As I am typing this composition, sitting at a bench in between Thanachart Bank and Phatra Securities somewhere in the middle of Bangkok, I enjoy discovering cities by foot, may it be at our country, the provinces or overseas. Spending some time in Thailand, I can clearly say that Thailand is one emerging market, most notably, their industry is very advanced since it represents a significant part of the manufacturing that being done in Asia. In fairness, they have been manufacturing elevators, walkalators, heavy equipment and the like for a long time already, something which we obviously don't have for a long time coming.

Thailand is a very vivid example of an evolved tuning market. I'm very fond of their industry because not only do they offer a wide variety of JDM parts for the traditional builder from Silvias, to RX7s, to Skylines, but they have opened the market into the common factory released cars offering broad options from wheels, to aero packages for common Yaris', Altis', Civics and the like. They also have a very advanced SUV and Pickup market like sports versions of the Dmax and Hilux. Simply put, cars come out of the dealership pretty much loaded with the standard payment. In the Philippines, you'd have to pay extra for these upgrades as our agents call it. Still remember the Toyota 86 Aero Package Deal with your local Toyota Agent? I hope you didn't have to go through with such a belittling ordeal. 

Obviously they are part of the D1 and they also have numerous Diesel Drag and circuit events where your modified Hilux, Strada and Dmax are raced unconventionally. Thailand has more of an evolved and advanced tuning market in a way that a lot of locally produced tuning parts are sprouting. Shops sell both traditional parts from Spoon, HKS, Tomei, Mugen and such, but they too keep a patriotic inventory of locally manufactured mufflers, coilovers, wheels and aero parts. 

As I sit at the sidewalk, eating my bbq spicy squid with the local bottled juice on hand, I could not help but admire the richness of their local car industry, different models which we don't see at our shores, taxis that look good and are well maintained, VIP Vans, extremely lowered Teana's and Accords and as I was crossing the street making my way to the local coffee shop, a duo of RE Amemiya RX-7s politely gave way  to the pedestrian.

Hey, I forgot to mention that I did some chores on their local bank called Siam. They only had one security guy only armed with a baton. Our local BDO and Metrobank comes with 3 armed guards with heavy rifles. Would that be enough to depict the difference in our societies?

As the CNBC analyst would usually call it, Thailand is something that the Philippines should have been.

Obligatory "LIKE".

As I write this essay inside the plane thousands of feet above ground, I recall walking through Ortigas during a parts delivery after office hours is always a joy for me to do. During these moments do I remember the early days of JDMselect wherein I would deliver parts day in and day out at the same time working a day job. It's even better this time since all the lights and decors are out, its Christmas time by the way, a season which we should savour during its early days. I've always believed that Christmas is best appreciated a month or so before it hits. During this time, we get to enjoy it, the busyness and buzz of everything from traffic to Christmas Shopping and the like. When Christmas day hits, or at least the 26th, we all know its over. Gifts have been opened, the clear realization that work is now looming behind us as the new year starts. 

Going back to Ortigas, I've always enjoyed watching these tall buildings as I oblige myself to park all the way from GCF and take the long walk way to Megamall or Shang. This is to burn more calories by the way. Looking at the buildings and how tall they are, dwarfs every little aspiration or dream I could think of. These big corporations from San Miguel to RCBC to Unionbank are kings of their respective fields. It always feel great to be humbled at the sight of these structures. The feeling of there is something or someone above you, something that you don't necessarily aspire to overcome, but more of to inspire you and keep you levelled. 

This bring us to our industry, cars and tuning. I've observed some individuals who think they know so much, who are extra passionate on things that they end up making enemies and attracting negative attention. They tend to expect other individuals to be as "pure" as they are or deep rooted. In my honest opinion this is depriving other people of their own discovery of things, its also a bit rude of trying to force a certain culture unto people who in the end spend their own money on these expensive parts, may it be classy, pure, JDM or baduy.

People should just take it easy, let people enjoy themselves and their cars. Add the right amount of learning and let them discover for themselves. In the end, these individuals who think so highly of themselves might even be critized by our next door big budgeted neighbours from Japan, Malaysia or Australia. Its a cycle, I've witnessed it time and again, and we can never be so sure. I've always believed in being humble and respecting other's take on tuning or fixing up. Cars and non-car related. I'm fortunate enough to be sensitive to such things or to people's emotions, from my experience to teaching kids, working for the corporate world and operating a business.

I've always had the idea that Facebook has given way for bragging and disrespecting to be somewhat acceptable. Obligatory likes, friendships for "business" and "political" purposes are somewhat common if you ask me. 

The more you know, the more expensive it gets. The more you know, the more critical you are. It's a basic curve which we discover but in the end the most important thing which we should be able to master or handle is respecting others...

That alone and above else :)