Bangkok, Thailand’s bustling capital, offers a blend of the old and the new. The city has vibrant markets, historic temples, modern skyscrapers, and busy streets. All of this makes Bangkok a goldmine for street photography.
A city in transition
My first trip to Bangkok was in 2009. My initial impression was the madness of the busy dirty streets, especially in contrast to the clean and brightly coloured taxis which were everywhere. 2009 was a year of significant political activity in Bangkok; with the Red Shirt protests bringing thousands of demonstrators to the streets. At that point time I was just a traveller with no real interest in street photography. My images from that first trip were mostly un-composed snapshots which captured my initial impressions without much thought for composition or style.
Here’s an example:
A city in mourning
I returned to Bangkok in 2016 to witness the city in mourning following the death of King Bhumibol Adulyadej. The king’s passing marked a profound moment in Thailand’s history, with public spaces turning somber as people gathered to pay their respects. Mourners dressed in black filled the streets, and cultural events were put on hold. The Grand Palace saw an influx of visitors honoring the late king, reflecting a period of deep national grief.
Some more of my street images from Bangkok:
