More than 25 network operators gathered for the second Thailand Network Operators Group (ThaiNOG) meeting last month to build their professional networks, and listen to presentations from Internet pioneers Geoff Huston and Randy Bush on the history of IPv6 and peering.
Interest in ThaiNOG has increased following their inaugural meeting less than six months ago, much to the delight of local Internet Hall of Famer, Kanchana Kanchanasut, who helped champion the concept.
“When the Internet first started in Thailand, the community was very small and close-knit. As it has grown, the community has dispersed and there are less opportunities for people working at different organizations, particularly in industry, to collaborate and share information,” says Kanchana.
“This was the reason why ThaiNOG has been established — to provide an open forum for network operators working in industry to come together to network, learn, share and collaborate on projects aimed at developing the Internet in Thailand.”
Having played a key role in developing the Internet in Thailand over the past 30 years, primarily in the academic arena, Kanchana says she is deliberately taking a hands-off approach towards ThaiNOG.
“The success of ThaiNOG will be measured by how well it sustains itself,” says Kanchana. “NOGs are primarily for the benefit of the industry community so they, network operators and engineers working in the industry, need to be the ones that develop, manage, and grow it.”
The current ThaiNOG committee comprises five members from different ISPs in Thailand; they currently receive logistical support from the THNIC Foundation.
Recognizing that the concept of a NOG is still new for many in Thailand, the committee plans to take a slow and measured approach to growing the community. These measures include:
- Holding three to four events each year, all in Bangkok — as most network operators are working in the city — with plans to hold retreats in the future.
- Each event will be hosted by a different community member’s organization to enable different supporters to have ownership.
- Taking advantage of international speakers being in town for other events, as was the case with Geoff Huston and Randy Bush, who were attending AINTEC 2017.
Holding more than one event each year will help with keeping the community and discussion fresh, and help with building familiarity among attendees. A dedicated mobile messaging group also allows members to discuss topics during and after events too; many people used the group to discuss Geoff Huston’s presentation — particularly the future of satellite technology — during the event and the next day.
“The messaging group is a great tool as it allows what is normally a very reserved group of people to share their opinions, seek further clarification, and ask questions of the community,” says Kanchana.
Learn more about ThaiNOG.
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