Zoom Travel - ซูม แทรเวิล
The travel agency is located in the heart of Phahurat, also known as Little India, which is part of Wang Burapha, a once-posh nightlife area. The interior is minimal, including a few objects that reflect the shop's theme, such as model airplanes and the classic Air India Maharajah, welcoming new customers. Mr. Surin opened the shop 40 years ago and previously ran it with a business partner. However, he took over the shop when his partner passed away a decade ago.
His main focus is on flight tickets, and his approach is analog, using his phone as his only tool. No computers are needed in this trade. His customers are mainly older people from the neighborhood looking for a holiday or visiting relatives in India, mainly during the winter period. In addition to selling flight tickets, he offers a small selection of Sikh turbans called pagri for both men and women. These are crafted by a Chinese lady in Nakhon Pathom, with a focus on the traditional ones that require manual tying.
Surin grew up in Wang Burapha, an area that has changed dramatically over the years. “Back then, everyone would raise their eyebrows when they heard where I was from.” In 2019, the government completed a full renovation of the Ong Ang Canal in an attempt to restore the area to its glory days - a development that Surin appreciates. He later studied art in India before immediately returning to Thailand. "I see myself as Thai, and if I go to India, people won't see me as Indian." Surin wears both a Ganesh and a Buddhist amulet as symbols of the diversity of modern Thai society.
The area is completely packed during the yearly Diwali festival. Surin starts his day early by lighting candles to commemorate the return of the Hindu god Rama to his kingdom after 14 years in exile. He then buys sweets for the family from the neighboring shop, Punjab Sweet, before heading to the Siri Guru Singh Sabha temple across the street, where most of the celebrations take place. It's an important event for the area that keeps the community together, with Thai/Indians visiting from the whole city.
