Superwoman

Suzy Nam is writing the world

Usually she is the one who writes about other people; this time – being the subject of  an article – is somehow uncomfortable for her. Corporate lawyer turned journalist, guidebook writer, welfare volunteer and busy mother of twins, Suzy Nam wants to make a difference. “Nothing is impossible”, she says, “don’t listen to any noise that tells you, you must be a certain way”.

Five years ago, I was looking for someone to replace me as the BAMBI News magazine Editor. It was not an easy task to find a replacement as this was a volunteer based job, unpaid, a very demanding commitment.

It took a few months until I received a message from a young Bangkokian mum named Suzy Nam – she presented years of experience in the journalism area, she was a writer for Forbes, and after 9 months of changing nappies for her new twin babies, she felt ready to fill her life with more action. I couldn’t ask for more. Getting to know her, I felt very comfortable to leave the magazine in her hands. Since then she experienced many other projects and never sat still.

Suzy Nam, 43, American, came to Thailand 13 years ago for a year, and as happens to many others – hasn’t left since.

What brought you to Bangkok? And how is it different now from the days you arrived here?
I came to Thailand for a job as a newspaper reporter, expecting to stay for a year then move back to either New York or London (where I’d come from). But, I enjoyed the adventure of living here, and in that first year I met my to-be-husband, another American planning to be in Bangkok for a year.

I’ve really enjoyed living in this city through many stages of adult life. First, I was a single, young professional focused on my career and taking advantage of the city’s vibrant nightlife and meeting some of the very cool and interesting people who call this city home. Later, I was a married professional working and exploring the country and the region. And now, I’m focused on being a mom and trying to do some good in this world. So, I guess you could say that I really grew up in Bangkok.

You studied and practised law, and then continued developing your career in journalism. What brought you from law to journalism?
Travelling the world and learning about new things is very fulfilling for me; journalism allows me to do both of those things.

In Forbes you write on the richest people in SE Asia. What attracted you to this topic?
I write and cover tycoons in SE Asia for Forbes. Wealth on its own isn’t that interesting, but the stories about how people went from nothing to being a billionaire are fascinating.

You wrote travel guidebooks and a guidebook for living abroad in Thailand. Now, as a veteran since the days you wrote those books, do you feel you would write them differently?

Good question! My travel needs have changed. I’m no longer able to pack up a backpack, hop on an airplane, then rent a motorcycle to explore my destination. Though that type of travel is so much fun, I’m more sympathetic to people who are travelling with children and I am very sensitive to those who need large hotel rooms, child-friendly restaurants, playgrounds and safe outdoor space. For now I’m “retired” from guidebook writing but that might change soon. I’m a local guide on Google Maps and contribute all the time on that platform.

In the past few years you were involved also in welfare community work. Tell us a bit about this experience.
The older I get the more I know that the only thing that really matters is what we do for other people. In Thailand it’s basically impossible to ignore the extreme income disparity, so I’m always looking for ways I can make a difference in people’s lives. We support some after-school programmes in Khlong Toey, and I’m also helping an NGO that works with girls in Northern Thailand. Right now I’m looking for something in Bangkok that I can engage my children in.

You are a mother to twins. Some will say “double trouble”. How did you, an-always-active woman, deal with having two at once, in this bustling city?
My twins are always keeping me busy! They are 6 now, so it’s a lot easier than it was when they were babies and toddlers. Right now, thank goodness, we’re able to enjoy being out and about in Bangkok. They are not quite ready for hardcore exploring though, but they will be soon.

What type of child/teenager were you?
Hmmm … I was pretty wild. I had absolutely no idea what my life would look like!

Who is Suzy that not everyone knows?
I’m dorky and nerdy, I hope that’s not too obvious.

How do you pamper yourself? What are your hobbies?
I love playing tennis, and that’s what I do in my free time. I’m not a big pamper person. I mean, where I come from – having a nanny is the ultimate in pampering, so I’m really appreciating that.

What drives you?
Family, and just trying to do something good, something thatmatters.

What or who inspires you?
I have met so many people in the world who have made a big difference in the lives of others. That really inspires me.

What are you proud of?
Ask me in 10 years. I’ve got a lot of work to do.

So where do you see yourself in 10 years from now?
Who knows. I hope I’m doing things that make me happy, nurture my family and make a difference.

Your top tip to inspire other expats women in a foreign city?
Nothing is impossible. The trailing spouses I’ve met over the years who have been determined to get jobs and continue their careers have been able to do it, even if it took 6 months to find a job. Don’t listen to any noise that tells you you must be a certain way.

                 I’m focused on being a mom and trying to do some good in this world