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IN THE PICTURE #13
In ‘In the Picture’ photographers from all over the world share their 10 most beautiful pictures of Thailand. See Thailand through the photographer’s lens, read background stories about the pictures and learn more about the beautiful Thailand! This time we are honored to add Geoff Morrison to our list! Welcome Geoff, what a nice conjugated Christmas gift to be published on the morning of 24-12-2020!
Hello, please introduce yourself.
Hello dear Thailand Magazine readers,
My name is Geoff Morrison. I am originally from Montreal Canada, and have lived in Thailand for over 25 years. I started photography as a hobby in high school and university and then carved a global career in architecture and design ever since. I have designed everything from shopping malls, mixed use commercial developments, museums, palaces, theme parks, eco-parks, sensory gardens, dark rides, sculptures, cooking schools and crematoriums. From east to west, across cultures and countries, I am surrounded by talented design professionals, and amazing visual imagery all the time.
I am passionate about unique and creative “ideas”, and the way those ideas are portrayed visually, through photography, digital graphics, models and other media. The image tells a powerful story that words cannot, and can make or destroy a great idea. Photographic imagery is often the main “influencer” underlying the ideation and creation of architecture, interior design and public arts.
It is only during the Covid travel restrictions, I have taken time to relax, breathe easier, embark on sunrise walks through old Bangkok, and click away with more appreciation of my home city. Here are some of my favorite recent snaps – every journey is a discovery, a smile, a Thai pleasure and special privilege.
I wish you a beautiful Christmas and an even better 2021!
#1
Wat Traphang Thong in Sukothai
See image #2.
#2
Wat Rachabophit in Bangkok
These 2 places (image one and two) capture the heart, soul and spirit of Thailand. From the 1st Kingdom of Sukothai at Wat Traphang Thong (14th Century Temple of the Golden Lake) where the auspicious pond water was used in both the 1950 and 2019 King’s Coronations, to Wat Rachabophit , Bangkok, Burial Ground of the Royal Family, including 34 Queens, consorts, princesses, princes, and Srinagarinda, the nations endeared Princess Mother of 2 Kings. These are places where, if you spend a quiet moment, the unique spirit of Thailand will embrace you.
#3
The Dutch Lifting Bridge – Saphan Hok, Bangkok
In the 19th Century, Dutch “lifting bridge” technology was adopted to connect the old and new city across the old city moat of growing Krungthep. At 5 am, in the pre-sunrise glow, this mysterious little bridge could be a time traveling gateway to another world! I love to wait there at dawn, and open my lens in search of a misty passage to anther dimension!
What is your favorite destination in Thailand?
I travel to Kao Yai area all the time. It’s rural, cool, agricultural, and magically peaceful. An old mango farm caught the eye of my wife and I, and we designed a forest house, clinging to the edge of a rocky hill, overlooking lush agricultural valleys below. The ever changing trees, flowers and landscapes are our television set! (See photo 12).
Which place / destination in Thailand is still on your wish list to visit?
I would love to take time and scavenge around the border villages of Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar.
#5
The Majestic Chao Phraya River.
I have lived on the Chao Phraya since the turn of the millennium, and spent recent months wandering and exploring its khlongs, neighborhoods, nooks and crannies. Every riverside moment is special, and Bangkok is finally awakening to recognize the Chao Phraya River’s significance, beauty and charm.
A thin hair of lightning spontaneously strikes over Asiatique The Riverfront Market.
#6
Early Morning Life and Smiles in Bangkok
Old Bangkok awakes before the sun with coal fired woks, wandering monks and morning kitchen chatter spilling into the sois. With smiles as welcoming as the dawn sky, a morning walk through old Bangkok is visual food for the soul. Also see images #7, #8 and #9.
Exhausted young monks catch a streetside moment of rest.
#7
Early Morning Life and Smiles in Bangkok
A blood spattered butcher prepares his table at Trok Mor Morning Market.
Which place / destination do you recommend our readers to visit and why?
I would recommend a perfect blend of beach and mountain! Five days in Krabi or Koh Kood and Five days in Mae Rim, Chiang Mai. If you are like me, you can add a decade onto each!
Where do you like to eat?
I really enjoy the recent additions to the Tha Tien Market area, Bangkok, such as Tonkin Annam, A Fox Princess Kitchen and Supanniga Eating Room, all near the Grand Palace.
#8
Early Morning Life and Smiles in Bangkok
An ice lady chops her frozen chunks along Charoenakorn Rd. before delivering by motorcycle.
Name a nice coffee shop or bar where our readers can drop by.
My Grandparents House Café – An authentic heritage house set within one of Bangkok’s oldest Chinese temples Kuan U Shrine, on the Thonburi side near Memorial Bridge. Or try the rooftop, riverside bar at Sala Rattanakosin Hotel, with stunning views of the Temple of Dawn (Wat Arun).
What is your favorite Thai dish?
Thai Banana Blossom Salad, also known as a “banana heart”, with the fleshy, purple-skinned flower which grows at the end of a banana fruit cluster. Traditionally this is used in south-east Asian and Indian cooking and is an ideal substitute for fish.
#9
Early Morning Life and Smiles in Bangkok
An old Thonburi man plucks his beard outside his wooden house on Somdet Chao Phraya 1.
What is your favorite accommodation in Thailand?
I will unashamedly recommend my friends lovely boutique hotels, because I know you will be pampered with care, by people who love and live their work. Both of the hotels, Ariyasomvilla (Bangkok), and Kasayapi (Thonburi) are developed from old family homes, into boutique scale, Thai hospitality at its best.
Do you have a (travel) tip that might come in handy in Thailand?
Take your time, stay in small, places. Indulge in the unique food, friendliness, khlongs, beaches and mountains. Step out of your comfort zone, explore and if things get a little unusual – Jai Yen Yen!
Is there a Thai phrase or word our readers need to learn?
Jai Yen Yen – (Heart Cool Cool) This phrase means to keep a cool heart or “take it easy”, “relax”, “don’t worry” “calm down” “chill”. It signals don’t be serious or stressed, everything’s gonna be alright. Perhaps the world could use some Jai Yen Yen at the moment!
#10
Early Morning Life and Smiles in Bangkok
A young puddle walker rambles towards his temple school in the Wat Sawetachat Community.
What type / brand of camera do you use?
Sony A7 (with a fixed 35 mm lens) and iphone 11 – small, agile, easy to travel, street capable and smart
Where can people find your work / photos?
On my personal Instagram page, business Instagram page and on the website of my company concept-i-design.
Last question, who should we also ask our ‘In the Picture’ feature?
Thor Santisiri – The best photographer I know, with an alternative eye and fascinating portraits. Go and see his work on Facebook.
#11 (bonus)
Chao Phraya River area in Bangkok
A motorcycle passes down a quiet evening soi in the Somdet Chao Phraya neighborhood. This area is older than Bangkok itself dating back to the riverside trading communities while the Capital City was still in Ayutthaya. Nearby ICONSIAM, sky-trains and condominium developments are pushing closer and will soon gentrify this community.
#12 (bonus)
Khao Yai
My favorite view overlooking the rural mango, sugarcane and tapioca valleys of Khao Yai area.
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