Welcome to "Faces of Thailand," a photographic exploration of the vibrant tapestry of people that makes this beautiful country my home since the early '90s. This blog is dedicated to capturing the essence and cultural diversity of the Thai people across all regions—ranging from the bustling urban landscape of Bangkok, where modernity intertwines with tradition, to the tranquil villages of the North, where ancient customs endure.
Throughout my journeys in Thailand, I’ve had the privilege of meeting individuals from all walks of life—artisans skillfully crafting intricate handicrafts, farmers tending to verdant rice paddies, monks offering wisdom and serenity in their monasteries, and street vendors dishing up the delights of local cuisine. Each encounter has been an opportunity to share stories and celebrate traditions, revealing the warmth and resilience that truly characterize the Thai spirit.
The rich cultural mosaic of Thailand is reflected in its festivals, languages, and customs. From the joyous water splashes of Songkran, the Thai New Year celebration, to the mesmerizing lantern-lit nights of Yi Peng in Chiang Mai, each event showcases the unity and diversity of the Thai people. Through my lens, I strive to highlight these vibrant moments, as well as the everyday rituals that animate this enchanting land.
From the rich colors of local festivals to the quiet moments of reflection within temples, each photograph captures not just the beauty of the subjects but also the deep connections that enrich their lives. I invite you to join me on this journey into the hearts of the people of Thailand, where every image serves as a window into their stories, dreams, and the vibrant culture that continues to inspire me.
This blog celebrates the spirit of Thailand—a country filled with kindness, laughter, and an undeniable charm that captivates the soul. Through these faces, we will discover the shared humanity that connects us all, reminding us that despite our differences, we are united by our love of life and the joy found in each other’s company.
In the serene Emerald Pool of Krabi, Thailand, a local teenage girl relaxes gracefully, lying contentedly on the lush green bedrock. Surrounded by nature's beauty and sunlight filtering through the trees, she enjoys the tranquil waters glistening in shades of turquoise. Her carefree spirit reflects the vibrant atmosphere, capturing a moment of youthful joy and a deep connection with nature.
Traditional Thai coffee is prepared from a mix of Robusta coffee grounds, brewed and filtered through a tungdtom (tea/coffee sock), and from there came the beverage such as oliang (with ice, derived from Teochew Chinese 烏涼 โอเลี้ยง - dark-iced), kopi (Teochew & Hokkien pronunciation of coffee) mixed with condensed milk, quite similar to Vietnamese coffee (cà phê sữa nóng).
Coffee is a beverage that was not imported into Thailand until the early 1900s, and this very coffee shop is among the earliest ones, including supplying roasted beans. It has been in operation for over 100 years, and where it is situated is nicknamed Talad (market) of 100 Years. In its heyday, it was one of the prominent wholesale coffee centers, and coffee merchants from all over Thailand came to visit through the network of canals (canal 12).
The development of coffee industries started in this particular area and tied much to the early Chinese immigrants who arrived in the Kingdom illegally therefore they settled here under the protection of the Christian Missionaries (who also introduced them to this black beverage) and most of them converted to Christian as a result.
I visited this location for over a decade and returned from time to time, seeing its graduate, and probably irreversible decline, forgotten by most Thai for its early effort in making coffee a popular beverage in Thailand.
Makkasan Community is situated right in the most developed zone of Bangkok, where new condominiums claim the highest price in Thailand and the most luxurious shopping centers at a comfortable walking distance. Yet, it is also an area ignored by public attention. Residents there live with worries of being forced to relocate without compensation to give room to profit-hunger project developers in the guise of city authority.
The households nestled along the train track for decades, as close as only to allow the train to pass, which nowadays reduced to only occasional service trains. Walking on or right next to train tracks is the only way from one household to another. Trian track is an integral part of their lives, where they sit and rest as if it is furniture and a playground for the kids, or sometimes as a bed for the babies.
Thatchai, in his late 50s, sold to the Teochew Opera owner when he was 7 as a solution to his Chinese mother's gambling debt for 5,000 baht, including the 10% cut for the middleman. The Teochew Opera changed his life since. And He is one of the prominent faces of the Teochew Opera in Thailand today.
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