How is it possible to travel abroad while never leaving home? This is a concept that I observed during my four months living and travelling in Thailand. What I noticed was a system that could be accurately described as touristic colonialism. Areas such as Koh Samui, Phuket, Koh San Road and Koh Pha-ngan are vaguely recognizable as being located in Thailand. Instead they take on the appearance of a homogenized product that can be easily packaged and ruthlessly marketed to tourists at the expense of a truly cultural experience. From the 'massage parlors' to the go-go bars, to the Italian restaurants, to the endless array of prostitution, everything aims to create a space that bares no resemblance to the more traditional and historically significant side of Thailand that I have witnessed. Rather, we find an urban-playground that simultaneously exposes and caters to the wide variety hedonistic desires and fantasies. That is not to say that all Thai people have their hands clean of such indulgences, but what effect does this have on the communities where these x-rated Disneylands are constructed and what effect does this have on the perception of Thailand and its people. What is also often overlooked is the impression that foreigners make on Thai people. While caught up in the ecstasy of the party culture and vibrant night life, we forget that we are actually ambassadors of our home countries and that we are acting as representatives of those nations. It may feel as though our actions have no consequences, but what happens in Thailand stays in Thailand in the memories and experiences of your hosts. The following photos are aimed at capturing the side of Thai people that I have come to know and respect. I think it is a shame that so many people travel to Thailand and yet never actually arrive. Enjoy.
Constructing a fishing net in a village near Phuket
Selling T-shirts on Suhkumvit Road, Bangkok
A man and his daughter selling clothes on Suhkumvit Road, Bangkok
Pausing from her crossword for a photo, Bangkok
A child begging for money on a fly-over, Bangkok
An early start to the day, 6:30 by the river, Bangkok
Selling sticky rice wrapped in banana leaf, Bangkok
Playing harp for cash near the BACC, Bangkok
A shrine in the back on a produce stand, Phuket
Monks from Krabi enjoying a holiday in Phuket by taking in another beautiful sunset
Kids goofing around near the coast, Phuket
Toto returns home with fresh bananas, Khao Na Nai, Surat Thani
Pee Kai rakes the coffee drying outside of his home, Khao Na Nai
Matayom 2 celebrates the last day of school, Khao Na Nai
Playing a quiz game, Khao Na Nai
Local children playing around at sunset, Khao Na Nai
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