I love this composition. All photos by Ayoung Kim

Local scenes, spontaneous snapshots

Photo essay that shows a local neighborhood, their activities, Buddhist and spiritual traditions, Thai aesthetics, and of course, some “only in Thailand” shots.

6am: Monks on “pindabhat” or going on alms rounds. They will receive food donations into their bowls. In the Theravada tradition, monks walk in barefeet.

6am: Monks receive food donations from a Thai man (partially hidden). After receiving the donation, the monks will chant a blessing to the man. The women are selecting pre-bagged cooked food for breakfast or lunch.

An old-style Thai Buddhist temple. It isn’t as garish as other architectural styles, instead emphasizing unpainted wood and silver fixtures.

A corridor, a Buddha awaits at the end.

Spirit Houses

Spirit houses outside corporate buildings, malls, family homes, to hole-in-the-wall mom & pop shops range from grandiose to humble. They resemble a temple, filled with spirits who offer blessings and protection to the business or home. Their blessings expire every 24 hours, thus people replenish the spirit houses in the morning with incense, food, drink, and other items that will fortify their guardians and by extension, bring fortune and happiness to their business and homes.

This is a rather humble spirit house constructed of unpainted wood; the figurines worn (indeed, one figurine is worn-out and leaning against the wall!) and faded. The people have offered a glass of water and a bowl of spicy glass noodles.

The people of this clothing shop have offered flower garlands, green-skinned limes, and “Elephant” brand cigarettes wrapped in banana leaf.

The same clothes shop: the next day, removed the limes and offered a bunch of bananas. The cigarettes remain.

Traditional Thai Massage

I traveled with a group to witness a well-known Thai masseuse demonstrate his therapy. He brushes his foot through the flames, then swipes it across an oiled rock, then “steps” on the person’s body part. In effect, it’s a hot oil massage.

Thai masseuse answering questions.

I used the restroom at the Thai massage school. I love Thai aesthetics in how they use natural items for functional use. Here, a wood-block sink. The restroom hallway decorated with greenery as natural shields.

This is the bathroom: toilet and shower, wood floor. Simple and functional.

Only in Thailand

Umm, skinniest aisle in the world? I had to walk sideways, searching for sanitary pads. I ended up doing squats to read the labels on the bottom row. Good way to get in a workout while shopping.

A child’s kiddie-pool (he’s backlit inside the screen). During the hot season, his mother set this pool outside–on the CONCRETE. 40-degrees Celcius? Scorching hot ground? Boiling hot pool water? Not cooling or refreshing? Need I ask more questions?

Smoky season. Mountains, usually visible, are totally swallowed up. Face mask and air purifiers a must.

Inside a mall, this Thai employee is dressed in a Korean “hanbok” as she promotes Korean instant noodles.

Mannequins. At least their heads are covered.

You might assume this is a potted plant shop. Nope. It’s a cute, airy cafe featuring plants and artwork in a pleasing display. The coffee’s great too.

Another cute cafe that features colorful tilework. They serve water in traditional Thai silver cups with every coffee order.

Ingredients: green tea, cow milk, “Looks brown.”

Thank God. I feel better knowing what’s in this beverage.