Hello, July readers!

Yes, other than the much-awaited wedding of Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce — beyond the rainy season, cancelled trips, flooded roads and the endless stream of politics and headlines surrounding us — perhaps it is also a good time to pause, breathe and choose to see the brighter side of things.

Recently, I came across a post from a foreign tourist who visited the Philippines for the first time.

He pointed out several things that many Filipinos experience every day. He talked about the need for a better public transport system that prioritizes connectivity over private cars, friendlier and more honest transport services for tourists (let’s admit it, even Filipinos sometimes get overcharged by some drivers), the high cost of food despite its poor nutritional value, and even the aging condition of some of our ships. He also compared the Philippines to Thailand.

Coincidentally, just last month I had the privilege of traveling to Thailand to attend an international conference with more than 200 delegates from different parts of the world. I was warmly welcomed by my sister and former classmate in France, Phatharluk “P’Mai,” and her brother, P’Art.

Through them, I saw how Thailand went from a country once commonly associated with elephants and vast landscapes into one with world-class infrastructure, impressive transport connectivity, a preserved cultural heritage, digital government systems, seamless roads, and, of course, incredible food!

One experience that genuinely surprised me happened inside a familiar green 24/7 convenience store. Instead of shelves filled with overly processed food, I found protein-rich meals, healthier snack options, calorie labels and nutritional information almost everywhere. Even restaurants openly displayed calorie and macronutrient information on their menus.

I remember quietly telling myself, “Wow, their leaders seem to genuinely invest in the well-being of their citizens.” That may sound like a simple conclusion, but sometimes leadership is reflected in the smallest details. When healthy food is affordable, accessible and encouraged, it tells the people that their well-being matters. And yes, they somehow managed to put coconut in almost everything — from coffee, soup, desserts, to matcha, and I absolutely loved it!

P’Mai told me something that stayed with me throughout the trip: “Food is Thailand’s soft power.” She was absolutely right. Their cuisine has become part of their national identity, tourism, economy, and diplomacy.

Another thing worth mentioning is safety. It was the kind of place where you instinctively felt that your belongings were secure, where public transportation was easy to understand, where roads were designed for people, where tourists could confidently explore without constantly worrying about scams and pickpockets.

I sincerely hope that one day, tourists visiting the Philippines will experience that same sense of comfort and confidence because the truth is, the Philippines and Thailand actually have many similarities.

We share our warm hospitality, beautiful beaches, rich cultures, delicious food and resilient people. The difference is that Thailand chose to continuously invest in systems that make everyday life easier like better transportation, stronger digital connectivity, modern infrastructure, efficient public services and safer communities.

I also had a glimpse of the Thailand Port Authority, where P’Mai works. Their ports have embraced digital technologies to reduce congestion, simplify container returns, improve cargo monitoring, and integrate operations directly with their Bureau of Customs — a faster, more transparent, and more efficient logistics system. Ironically, this is exactly the direction the Philippine Ports Authority has long been pursuing.

Under the leadership of PPA general manager Jay Santiago, the agency has consistently pushed for digital transformation, like the Trusted Operator Program–Container Registry and Monitoring System, an initiative designed to modernize container management, lower logistics costs, reduce unnecessary charges and improve transparency throughout the supply chain.

Unfortunately, despite its potential benefits, opposition from some sectors has delayed its implementation. Sometimes, the biggest obstacle to progress is not the lack of technology but our resistance to change. Innovation often challenges old systems, but if we continue holding on to outdated practices simply because they are familiar, we risk being left further behind while our neighbors continue to move forward.

Sometimes, seeing another country’s success is about the “possibility.” It reminds us that better transport systems, healthier food, safer communities, more efficient government services and digitally connected institutions are all achievable when the leaders and the citizens choose progress.

To P’Mai and P’Art, thank you for your kindness, generosity, and friendship, for opening your home, sharing your culture, and allowing me to experience Thailand beyond what guidebooks could ever offer.

Hopefully, one day, more visitors will leave the Philippines carrying the very same feeling I brought home from Thailand — not just wonderful memories but genuine hope that this beautiful country too can become an even better version of itself.

For we are all in the same ASEAN boat. When one nation moves forward, it inspires the others to sail farther together.