The Thai community is longer established in Nuuk, especially in the restaurant, massage and hotel sectors.
Meena Manly, 54, originally from Udon Thani in northern Thailand, has seen the small outpost of Nuuk transform and expand over the past two decades.
Now a business owner herself – she operates Smile Thai Massage and Beauty – she is able to open pathways to younger therapists seeking overseas exposure.
With som tum – a traditional papaya salad dish – readily prepared by her staff and chilled Singha beer in her fridge, Nuuk does not feel so far away from comfort, she said.
“With Thai people here, I think everyone loves and helps each other. It’s like a big hug,” she said.
“The finances and work are good, and the living standard is good. Most importantly, the income is better than in Thailand.
“And for those who want to come here, nothing is harder than our own thoughts. There are always new things we need to learn and we must keep an open mind.”
Meena would cry to sleep in the early days as long days of darkness weighed on her. She has emerged resilient, she said, and ready to support new recruits, like Chatprapa Panyacharoen, 24, who left Thailand less than half a year ago.
“There are some difficulties regarding adjusting my lifestyle, the weather, the living conditions and the food. I used to be someone who didn’t eat much som tum, but living with everyone here, I end up eating it every single day,” Chatprapa said, laughing.
“It’s completely normal to face these challenges in the beginning. But if you ask if I am lonely right now, I’m not. It has changed my life,” she added.
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