Thailand's top 'Tweeple' meet for an old-fashioned face-to-face

Politicians and analysts such as Korbsak Sabhavasu, Apirak Kosayodhin and Suranand Vejjajiva got together with others such as Phra Maha Wudhijaya Vajiramedhi at Wawee coffee shop in Soi Aree off Phaholyothin Road.

They shared opinions and Twitter experiences with about 200 people who joined them, as well as 30,000 to 40,000 Twitter users in Thailand through a live broadcast via www.beenets.com/live.

Suthichai said Twitter was the "wisdom of the crowd" and a vital communication tool for people to instantly get news, information, and current issues, easily and effectively.

"This event … is to activate and encourage those not yet aware on the importance of this vital communication tool," he said, noting that it was "very fast" and an important tool for reporters to get comments.

Deputy Prime Minister Korbsak Sabhavasu (@korbsak) said Twitter was now a part of his daily routine.

It allowed him to send messages to the masses directly without the media. He could also correct wrong news promptly.

"Currently, one of my daily activities is to say 'Good Morning' and 'Good Night' to my friends and followers o Twitter. I think now the number of Twitter users in Thailand is still small amount when compare to the Internet population. I would like to see more people on Twitter," said Korbsak.

Suranand Vejjajiva (@suranand), a political analyst and commentator, said Twitter helped him to get quick feedback about ideas he might want to write about.

"We can catch up with trends and current issues that people are interested in - both topics in the online and offline worlds - easier and faster.

"It means people can keep in touch with the current local and global issues and topics," Suranand said.

Phra Maha Wudhijaya Vajiramedhi (@vajiramedhi) said Twitter could be an effective channel to deliver Dhamma to the masses.

People should utilise this tool in a good way rather than silly matters, the Buddhist monk said. He sends messages under the title @vajiramedhi.

"I want to adopt the new technology to send Dhamma messages to the masss. Normally, my tweets are done by my team," he said.

Apirak Kosayodhin (Apirak_Bangkok) said he used Twitter when he ran to be Bangkok governor for a second time. It allowed him to get quick feedback from supporters.

"I am don't tweet on political issues now, just general information and my daily activities, as well as inform useful activities and events to my followers," Apirak said.