It's very validating when you are new in the industry to get awards. It boosts your self-esteem.
Let's say a Soviet exchange student back in the '70s would go back and tell the KGB about people and places and things that he'd seen and done and been involved with. This is not really espionage; there's no betrayal of trust.
I have been extremely touched by these signs of affection on the part of all the Thai people.