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IN THE PICTURE #56: YON
In this feature called ‘In the Picture‘ we ask great photographers from all over the world to share their 10 most favorite Thailand photos with our readers. See Thailand through the lens of the photographer, read the background stories and learn more about the land of smiles.
We should be ashamed because it was only in July this year (2021) that we discovered this insanely good photographer! We didn’t hesitate for a second and asked Mister Yon if he wanted to participate in this weekly column on ThailandMagazine.com. Fortunately, he didn’t hesitate either and we were immediately told that he liked it! Below the result of some personal favorite pictures of Mr. Yon! (Thanks Khun Tirachat!)
Hello Yon, could you please introduce yourself to our readers?
Hello Thailand Magazine readers,
My name is Tirachat Virojskulchai or Yon for short and I was born in Bangkok, Thailand. Here in have been living for 30 years now. In 2015 I studied for almost two years my master degree in England, during that time me and my friends traveled a lot around Europe. I had borrowed a DSLR camera from my friend and I took pictures from different angles and perspectives, it’s just WOW! I can keep the view the same as what I see through my eyes and I can pick it up when I miss those places. So I decided to buy myself a mirrorless camera instead of a smart phone. This way I can try to take as many beautiful pictures in Thailand and when I travel (as much as I can afford 555 / hahaha).
Greetings from Bangkok!
Yon
#1
This photo was taken when I was returning home from my office. This junction is called Asok and is one of the busiest junctions in Bangkok. During rush hour, it can be 30 minutes of gridlock at this intersection. I took this photo because I want to show the traffic congestion and also to compare transportation by car and sky train.
#2
This is the so-called Tuk Tuk, the auto rickshaw. This vehicle is popular with tourists to try and it is often shown in some Hollywood movies in scene of fast driving in crowd area. In my opinion, tourists will find it exciting to take a Tuk Tuk on the street, the driver will drive fast, take risks and not follow the rules, which can’t happen in other countries.
What is your favorite destination in Thailand?
It may not be fair to choose one, but I choose Koh Samui because it is not so big compared to Phuket. You can reach the beaches and other places in a few minutes, the hotels and resorts are very nice and private, moreover, I have a good personal feeling about this island.b heard many good things about it.
Which place / destination in Thailand is still on your wish list to visit?
I think I will visit Koh Kood as soon as the Covid-19 situation seems to be under control. Koh Kood is in the east of Thailand and I have heard many good things about it.
#3
The Grand Palace in Bangkok. This place should be in the itinerary of most tourists when they visit Bangkok. However, these photos were taken after King Rama 9 died. It was a broken heart for the Thai people.
#4
This picture was taken on Valentine’s Day last year (2020), from the Baiyoke Sky Tower, it was the tallest building in Thailand from 1997-2016, when it was placed by Kingpower MahaNakhon. That day was a special night because my girlfriend visited this building for the first time.
#5
This temple is called “Wat Phrathat Pha Sorn Kaew” and is a mandatory place to visit in Khao Kor, Phetchabun. It is 5-6 hours drive from Bangkok and the high season is from July to October because of the weather and people coming to see the fog.
Which place / destination do you recommend our readers to visit and why?
The province in Thailand called Nan. What I can say is that you will love the similarly named town, it may not be popular, but it is worth going. The other place is Chiang Khan in Loei, it’s a traditional district on the Mekong River.
Where do you like to eat?
These restaurants are very good in my memory in terms of taste, price and service.
- In Phuket, Kin-Dee Restaurant (Sothern Thai food and seafood)
- In Bangkok, Maan-Muang (Northern Thai food), Krua Bang-Na (Thais food) and Sanyod (Chinese food)
#6
The Wat Paknam Jolo is Thailand’s golden temple, it is located in Chachoengsao. It is a very beautiful and peaceful temple, even though it is not comparable to Kinkakuji, Kyoto in terms of fame and of course it is covered with Thai culture, which is different from Japanese.
#7
This is a district called “Chiang Khan”, which I recommend the reader to visit, it is in Loei province, which is in the top of Thailand. You will feel relaxed, fresh and slow there. I suggest the reader to stay at least two nights.
Tip us a nice coffee shop or bar where our readers can drop by.
I will start with Dog Country Cafe in Bangkok; It is a dog cafe which I think there are more than 50 types of dogs in the cafe. Other than that, there are many nice bars in Bangkok, but I would recommend in terms of area; Thong Lor and Ekamai, In addition, Ari is is always a new place to chill.
What is your favorite Thai dish?
That’s a tough question, I love Chicken Cashew, but I would answer Stir Fried Holy Basil because I can eat it every day when I don’t know what I want to eat. But I can say that you won’t regret it if you order it on the spot and I recommend ordering pork or beef with it.
#8
This photo shows yet another reason to go to Chiang Khan. A place you are now looking at is called Phu Thok. I recommend the reader to stay overnight in Chiang Khan, get up early to give alms to monks and then go to Phu Thok to see the sunrise and definitely the sea of fog. It’s perfect!!!
#9
There are many famous natural tourist attractions in Phang Nga province, such as Surin Islands National Park, Similan Island National Park and others. This picture was taken at Nang Thong Beach or Black Sand Beach, the visitor will see hidden black sand mixed with plain white sand at some parts of the beach. Moreover, this beach is also named as one of the best sunset spots in Thailand.
What is your favorite accommodation in Thailand?
I myself have worked in a travel agency, so it is really hard to choose one. I choose Conrad on Koh Samui. Koh Samui is a famous island in Thailand that is known as a luxury island where there are many higher end hotels. Conrad is one of those hotels. This hotel gives you peace of mind in a villa with a large room that all have a private pool. However, it is quite far from the center of the island.
Do you have a (travel) tip that might come in handy in Thailand?
- Download transportation applications to avoid overcharging some local cabs.
- Try local restaurants to discover local tastes. Some well-known restaurant can also often customize taste to the foreigner’s liking.
Is there a Thai phrase or word our readers need to learn?
“Lod (Rod) Hai Noi Krub/Ka” = Please give me some discount.
#10
This photo was taken at Samet Nangshe Boutique Resort, it is a fantastic natural creation. Samet Nangshe Viewpoint is located in the area of the Ao Phang Nga National Park which consists of other interesting places such as Khao Phing-Kan, Khao Ta-Pu (James Bond Island as it appears in the James Bond movie) and some beautiful caves where you can kayak.
#11
One of the most beautiful islands in Thailand, good for relaxing on the beach, snorkeling, good locations for taking photos, also this beautiful island is located in the area of Phang Nga. The name of this island is Similan Island National Park, which consists of 11 islands. This is the place where I saw sea turtles for the first time, I feel lucky because my friend and I were only in a group of 30 people to see the turtles.
#12
This is one of the best accommodations I have ever stayed in. It is the Intercontinental Resort on Koh Samui. It may be far from the center of town, but it can’t compare to other good things about this resort. If I am not mistaken, this picture was taken in the lobby of the resort.
What type / brand of camera do you use?
Olympus Em10 II / Samsung S7 edge
Where can our readers find your work / photos?
Check my Instagram account.
Last question, who should we also ask our ‘In the Picture’ feature?
Check out this Instagram page. He’s that friend of mine whose camera I borrowed to take pictures.
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