Execs learn the hard way what it means to be a journo

After more persistent cajolery, they'll concede: "You need to guide me on what to write and criticise my writing before publication, okay?"

Eventually, many agreed to write for The Nation, to the delight of the journalists who approached them. Some were on stage last week to talk about what they felt when writing. They shared their inner feelings.

Aliwassa Pathnadabutr, managing director of CB Richard Ellis Thailand, said this was the first time she had written her own column.

"It's fun but also quite difficult," she said. "I have many ideas to write about, like the movement of the property industry, comparing it to the movement in other cities."

Though she has only one piece to write each month, she needs a week to prepare and an extra day for the writing.

"I often have to stop working abruptly and write the article just as soon as I think of something to write," she said.

"I need a certain type of inspiration," said Nok Air CEO Patee Sarawin. "Sometimes I get frustrated with some issues, and when I get really frustrated, it's very emotional to write the column. When you clearly know what you will write or when you are frustrated with something, you focus on your points."

For Panadda Jennavasin, vice president of Tri Petch Isuzu Sales, the inspiration to write is something that centres around herself and Japanese corporations. Journalists who have talked with her often know that she has a lot to say. What matters is whether she wants to share the stories with the outside world.

On the stage that day were Wilf Blackburn, president of Ayudhya Allianz CP Life, and Jeffrey D Nygaard, vice president and country manager of Seagate Technology (Thailand).

In their statements, all the executives shared the difficulties they encountered when thinking about issues to write about.

Now they know what kind of world journalists live in. Still, The Nation hopes it did not put too much of a burden on the executives.