04-21-2018 12:10 AM
Hi everyone !
My name is Panupong Yokyongsakul or you can call me Sun. I’m from Bangkok, Thailand.
First time I get to know Local Guides Program is back to October 2015 when I was reading the news on internet and found out that this program is kind of interesting to me as I am a traveler frequently using Google Maps.
I have joined the Local Guides Program since November 2015, started contributing to Google Maps and reached Level 5 by the end of 2015. Two weeks later I received an exclusive Local Guides T-Shirt, delivered directly from overseas from Level 5 achievement. That’s an amazing gift.
Mid-April 2016, it was honored for Thai people to welcome Local Guides team from Singapore for “Discover Bangkok” the first OFFICIAL Local Guides event in Southeast Asia – really excited for me. I got an email from Yanni along with other Level 5 Local Guides to be a team leader for fellow Thai Local Guides. Such a fun event with a lot of activities. It was a great chance to get together with other Thai Local Guides. From there, Thailand & Bangkok Local Guides communities have been created and I have become a moderator for both communities.
A month later, it was excited from the announcement that I was chosen to be one of 75 Local Guides Summit attendees. Visiting San Francisco for the first Local Guides Summit in 2016 was indeed a milestone in my life. During the Summit, I have learned a lot from activities, keynotes and workshop sessions along with friendship and priceless experience from the attendees. It was an excellent opportunity for me to connect with great people across the globe.
When I came back, I hosted a meet-up for my fellow Local Guides, sharing my experiences and what I have learned from the summit. In addition, I wrote some articles about the #LGSummit16 on my blog and “PANTIP” Thai’s famous online sharing community as well.
Its purpose is to introduce the Local Guides Program to Thai people who are interested as well as attracted a lot more people to join the communities. I always bring my Local Guides Slide Pack whenever I have a time to talk about this Program.
Throughout 2017, it was the year of traveling for me - a lot of trips both domestic and overseas.
Qualifying to be one of 150 attendees around the world in #LGSummit17 is another milestone in my life. It was my pleasure to be selected again alongside the other two representatives from Thailand (Khun Sutheera and Joseph). 2.5 days in SF had gone so fast with full load of activities and a lot of people to engage during the summit. It was great to expose new attendees, Googlers and some #LGSummit16 friends again.
By the way, before the #LGSummit17, Local Guides Team had a visit to Bangkok once again for “Eat Like A Local” campaign. They came here to arrange a mini Food Photography workshop cooperated with BKKMenu Thailand’s famous food blog. From this, we have learned a lot about how to prepare dishes for photo-shooting, how to set my own camera, etc.
Recently in January 2018, I just arranged a meet-up with Local Guides in Thailand to share what I have learned from #LGSummit17 as well as allow the fellow Local Guides to share feedback and what they would like to see in Google Maps in the future. More details, click here.
I would say Google Maps along with Local Guides around the world are key success factors to develop global geographic information much better and promote local businesses. Along with Local Guides Connect, this is a great platform that allows passionate explorers/local guides in communities to connect with each other. 😊
Thank you and hope to see you all in October !
Sun
04-21-2018 12:16 AM
Great to know that you are the active member of local guide program from the beginning and participate in first summit. Thanks for sharing the info.
Wish you all the best for connect live! 😃
04-21-2018 01:10 AM
Hey @SunPanupong,
That was a refreshing article about your journey as a local guide. Thanks for sharing
Best,
Avinash
04-21-2018 02:11 AM
@BishowvijayaP
You're welcome !! This is such a long story for me about Local Guides.
All the best to you too 🙂
04-21-2018 02:13 AM
04-21-2018 02:29 AM
What a great local guide journey. Great to know about you @SunPanupong.
Thanks for sharing with us.
04-21-2018 02:38 AM
@SunPanupong Sawaadeekraap Khun Sun! Such a wonderful write up! Hope we will meet again in SF, otherwise definitely in Bangkok. All the best for you application. 😊
04-21-2018 05:09 AM
04-21-2018 05:10 AM
@StephenAbrahamHi Stephen, Sawasdee Krub !
Hope to see you again here in Thailand or SF (who know? :D)
All the best to you too
04-28-2018 08:52 AM
Wow!! @SunPanupong such a beautiful post and amazing video with lots of pictures and incredible moments. Best of luck!! for Connect Live 2018