Hey, {{first_name | Fam}}!

If you've been following my content from the beginning, you know I built my platform on being honest about my experiences as a Black traveler. So you know I'd rather say nothing than lie about how I felt in a country, even if it gets me dragged by an entire population (cough Italy).

With that said, Thailand is THAT GIRL. I totally see why Black travelers love it here.

Before I continue, I have to give a disclaimer. I was invited by the Tourism Authority of Thailand to experience Bangkok and Ubon Ratchathani, and I'll be staying an extra week in Bangkok exploring on my own. I was explicitly brought out to promote an event and the offerings of these cities. But I was not required or expected to sing its praises about how it feels to be Black here. Like I said, I'd rather say nothing than lie about how I feel.

So know that what I'm about to say, I truly mean:

The people of Bangkok and Ubon Ratchathani have been so kind, tactful, and courteous. Even in the countryside, I wasn't treated like an animal on display or made to feel uncomfortable for existing. The only people who even acknowledged my features were mostly students, and I give them a pass for curiosity. No one else gets that pass from me, ever. If you're an adult in 2026, I expect you to act like you have some sense.

Now, obviously there are always outliers, and everyone's individual experience will be different and might vary by city. I'm also only speaking as a traveler, not someone born and raised there trying to make a living. But after this time in Thailand, I'm definitely not giving out any more passes. I might have been one of two Black people in Ubon Ratchathani at the time (and the city doesn't get many Thai tourists, let alone international ones), so it's safe to say they don't see a lot of Black people. Yet not a single person acted rudely or strangely or made me feel "othered."

I even shared these thoughts during a Tourism Authority of Thailand event. I felt like it was important for everyone to understand why making Black travelers (members of a $145B sector of the travel industry) feel welcome is important. For me, that means more than things to do, eat, and see, even though there was plenty of that too.

But don't worry, I'll still be sharing more of the typical travel stuff, because both cities have been excellent for that too, just let me finish my solo week first. Also, I hope you're following me on Instagram, because that's where I'll be sharing the majority of that content. I try to keep the newsletter catered to things I don't share elsewhere.

Any of y'all ever been to Thailand? Do you agree with my take? (Reply or comment and let me know.)

Thoughtfully,
Nicole