NIRMAL GHOSH, 46
Thailand correspondent, based in Bangkok since January 2003

Born in Calcutta, he started out in sales and marketing before joining The Business Times as a writer in 1991. In March 1994, he became ST's Manila correspondent, before relocating to India in 1999.

The best thing about working in Bangkok... is that it is very vibrant and cosmopolitan. It combines that which is ancient with the convenience of a developed country.

The worst... Bangkok is the sum total of Thailand, but it is not very typical of Thailand. The downside is that it's a little incestuous, the political games that the Thai elite play. It's very important to get out of Bangkok to see the real heartbeat of the country.

The most misunderstood thing about Bangkok... is how Bangkok is seen as a sort of fleshpot capital of Asia; a sexual paradise for men. But most Thais have nothing to do with this sleazy side. It's also seen as a city of smiles, but the warmth is very much on the surface.

The most difficult thing about reporting from Bangkok... is penetrating Thai society, which is deeply complex. There's a sort of glass ceiling between the locals and the 'farangs' (foreigners). So you have to develop an instinct for how people react.

Three places Singaporeans must visit:

• Chatuchak market. It's one of the great markets of Asia. You can find almost all you need to furnish a house.

   

• Take a commuter boat for 10 baht (S$0.40) down the Chao Phraya river for a taste of old Bangkok.

   

• Visit the Grand Palace and its temples. I was impressed.