An appetite for the falling baht
Darika Choi is a waitress at the Thai Cafe in Quarry Bay where she serves food and fixes drinks behind the bar.
The 23-year-old came to Hong Kong five years ago to work as a domestic helper before working in several Thai restaurants. From the northeast town of Nong Khai, on the Thai-Laotian border, she is fluent in Thai, Lao, English and Cantonese. She and her local Chinese husband live in Wan Chai.
What's on your mind? The Thai economy, it's really bad. I call my family in Nong Khai every week and they say they are having real financial problems and are asking me to send more money. Many Thais in Hong Kong are saying the same thing, they are in the same situation - we have to send back more money than ever.
Many Thais are calling for the resignation of Prime Minister Chavalit Yongchaiyudh, do you agree? I have read about the Prime Minister and demonstrations in the Thai newspapers here, but I really don't know much about the cause of the poor economy. I can't say if it will improve if he leaves. We just have to continue to work hard and send money home.
My mother and father are very old and cannot work, my younger brother is still studying and my younger sister is married and has moved away. I have to support them.
But isn't the weak baht a benefit to you working in the strong Hong Kong economy? Of course, it is good for Thais working overseas and sending money back as we are now getting almost five baht for one Hong Kong dollar. Before it was only three to one. But it is very sad for those families in Thailand who do not have a son or daughter working overseas. They are still earning the same salaries but are having to spend much more.
How have you found living in Hong Kong? I like it here, it is quite nice for Thais with many restaurants and shops catering for us. And, of course, it is a much better place to work and save money.
When I first came I thought it was just like New York - many buildings, rush hours and people never sleeping.
I have not seen too much discrimination against Thais, maybe because the restaurant owners need us - and, of course, we know best about Thai food.
What is your favourite dish? Som thum, which is papaya, chilli, lemon and fish sauce. I make it at home because it is very spicy and most restaurants don't serve it.
