Each of my travels has come with a lesson learned and an adventure. From these experiences, I’ve learned to always prepare for the unexpected.
Last week, I visited Bangkok to attend the Prince Mahidol Award Conference (PMAC) 2025, which took place from January 28 to February 2, 2025. To simplify my travel arrangements, I decided to book a hotel in the conference venue area. The organizing committee provided free airport transfers to the hotel, which was also within walking distance.
That day went smoothly. The immigration process was efficient despite the long queue, and I easily found my airport transfer desk without getting lost. I was somewhat familiar with the airport since I had visited Thailand the previous October. I have a tendency to get lost easily, but thanks to Google Maps, I was able to track my journey.
However, when I checked in, I encountered a problem. I didn’t realize that there are two Centara Grand hotels in Bangkok. Fortunately, the two locations are connected by the BTS Skytrain, linking two shopping malls under the same management, “Central.” The train ride took about 18 minutes, connecting the Central World and Central Lad Prao plazas by traveling between the Siam or Chit Lom and Ha Yaet Lat Phrao stations. I was able to relax a bit, but if I had checked my booking earlier, I could have canceled my reservation and stayed at the correct hotel.
Thanks to my local guide, Aree Moungsookjareoun, I became acquainted with the BTS system in Bangkok. Luckily, it was the same BTS line I used during my last visit. Additionally, the government had made the BTS free of charge from January 25 to 31, 2025, as part of a policy to reduce air pollution. I learned about this from my colleague, Sunil. I had no complaints, as I could easily commute using the BTS sky trains.
Once I reached my hotel, I returned to Central World to familiarize myself with the layout ahead of the conferences. I wanted to avoid wasting time, as I tend to get lost easily. I felt all set with my travel arrangements.
I believe everything happens for a reason, and nothing is a coincidence. Challenges often come with opportunities. In dealing with this situation, I managed to:
Reach my daily goal of 10,000 steps, as promised to my coaches. I made sure to stay active during my stay in Bangkok.
Explore Bangkok using the free BTS train service during my visit.
Familiarize myself with another part of the city.
I returned to Jakarta safely last night. However, I encountered another issue before my departure—I was stopped at immigration. The immigration officer had forgotten to stamp my passport when I arrived in Bangkok, and I hadn’t noticed it either. Well, it’s a lesson learned. Next time, I will check my passport right after leaving the immigration counter to ensure that the stamp is there.
Remember to count your blessings instead of your problems. Maintain positive thinking. Every challenge comes with opportunities, and there are always lessons to learn.
I am grateful to have attended PMAC 2025. I believe it was the best return on investment I have made. This prestigious annual conference is by invitation only. Thank you, Dr. Walaiporn, for extending the invitation. The topic of AI was highly relevant.
الحمدلله
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