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Forever a Friend

By the time you read this column Junko Yokota, the Japanese ex-Consul General of Chiang Mai, will have left Thailand to continue her career as a Consul General in Vientiane. During her stay in Chiang Mai she has given much love to this city and received it in return.

Though given a Japanese name at birth, Junko has the Thai name ‘Chongko’, which is in reference to the Thai flower – all her family members have acquired Thai names while they have been here. The name was given to her 37 years ago by Professor Lamiad Anukulpetkaset, whom she respected as a second mother. Her husband has the Thai name Kittikul, which was given to him by Dr. Kor Sawaspanit, the ex-minister of the Education Ministry. Dr Kor was the first Thai man Junko knew in Japan and he was also the groom’s host at her wedding ceremony. Her son’s Thai name is ‘Tak’, which was given by HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn during the royal visit to Japan 27 years ago. All the Thai names are bonds that tightly link her and her family to Thailand. The three people who bestowed these Thai names are really important and meaningful to Junko - so much so that she regards them as role models in her life.

After graduating in Linguistics at a university in Nagoya, Junko had a ministerial decree to move to Bangkok for two years to learn about Thai culture. She took courses at Chulalongkorn University at the Faculty of Political Science, majoring in social science. She moved to Bangkok twice and every time she came to Thailand the country was in a serious political situation. The first time was in October 1973 and the second was October 1976. Even though the situation was very bad Junko fell in love with Thailand and found no problems in living here. After that she moved to Singapore for six years before returning to Japan; soon after she was assigned to come back to Chiang Mai. On her first visit to Chiang Mai, she experienced Chiang Mai only as a tourist, so she went to some tourist attractions but knew very little about the local people.

“The first three years were very happy. I had no worries or disappointments. Every organization was willing to help me. Besides, Chiang Mai people are very nice, friendly and gentle. People here do not mind foreigners, so foreigners are warmly welcomed and well treated. Even Thais who came from other provinces agree that Chiang Mai and other Northern provinces’ people are very kind.

“I tried to work on many aspects including the economy by promoting the investment of Japanese companies in Thailand, as well as forging a link between Thai and Japanese trading partners when they faced political or economic problems.

“In Lamphun province, there are many Japanese businesses and factories, and when there was an economic crisis, many years ago, I had to consult with the provincial Governor to find the best solution to help them.”

However, there are still many things she wanted to do but did not get the chance. One thing she regretted is that HIH Prince Akishino, the son of the Japanese Emperor, canceled his visit to Chiang Mai. Prince Akimo is interested in jungle fowl and giant catfish and studied these areas. He had planned to visit Chiang Mai to receive an honorary doctoral degree at Chiang Mai University. Unfortunately there was a very serious political clash involving the red shirts in Bangkok just five days before he planned to travel. Because his plans also included a visit to Bangkok, Prince Akimo had to postpone his trip. Junko also had to cancel all the things she had prepared to welcome the Prince.

As Consul General, Junko has worked very hard and always listens to the voices and opinions of all local people in order to improve her understanding. Most Chiang Mai natives want to maintain their culture and traditions but also they want development in a harmonic way, not like in Bangkok.

“I agree. This is the best solution to moving this city forward. Chiang Mai is a livable city, perhaps the most livable city in the world. I really love Thai food. I often cook at home. My favorite dishes are khao man gai (chicken with rice cooked in chicken broth), pad thai (fried noodles) and raad na (noodles topped with sauce).

“I came to Thailand twice before. This is the third time. It is the longest time I have stayed and maybe the last chance I have to come here. So I wanted to do the best I could to support every activity and project that would make a better Chiang Mai. I always focus on promoting the good relationship between the Thai and Japanese peoples. Over the 37 years I have worked in Thailand it has been a great experience. I’m so proud of my life. I would say to all Chiang Mai people that you are part of my pride, that I will never forget you and this city will be deeply engraved into my memory forever. I hope Chiang Mai and northern Thailand will be more and more improved in the way that everybody dreams of, as well as all people having a better quality of life.”

At her farewell party, Junko expressed her deep love for Thailand by playing the Thai cymbalo as a goodbye song, to show everybody that she will love this country forever.

Text : S.P.
Images : Apirak