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IN THE PICTURE #59: ANIL OBEROI
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 came across Anil’s photos on his Instagram account Lonely Thailand and were struck by his many beautiful spiritual photos of temples and other Buddhist sites. Below he has sent in a mix of his own favorite images taken at different destinations in Thailand. Thanks Anil!
Hello Anil, could you please introduce yourself to our readers?
Hello everyone. My name is Anil Oberoi and I am originally from India, currently residing in Bangkok, Thailand. I was raised in the city of joy, Kolkata and moved to Bangkok almost 28 year ago.
By profession I am a qualified CPA who has been working mostly in the IT industry. Have been working for over 35 years now and decided that it was time for me to develop a hobby. My dad’s elder brother was a renowned photographer in his home town and I had seen him in the dark room whenever I visited him during vacations. His son is also a photographer and I thought probably this is a hereditary thing. So I took up photography as a hobby and now it has become a passion.
#1
Although a relatively unknown tourist spot, the airplane graveyard in Bangkok has a few old scattered airplanes which have seen better days. It is situated right in the middle of the city but it is a private property and needs permission before you can enter this place to take breathtaking photographs.
#2
This is one of my famous picture of the City of Angels – Bangkok.
I get to see wonderful sunsets every day in Bangkok except during the rainy season . Sunset watching over the skyline of Bangkok is one of my favorite pastimes.
What is your favorite destination in Thailand?
Nan Province. Beside the beautiful temples, mountains, rice fields there is so much peace when you are in Nan.
Which place / destination in Thailand is still on your wish list to visit?
The island Koh Lipe in the far south of Thailand. I have read and heard a lot about this magical destination but have not been able to make it to Koh Lipe as yet. Hopefully I will get to it soon.
#3
Wat Phumin in the city of Nan.
This temple houses murals which depict the life of the city n the 1800’s. The most famous mural in the temple is the Whispering Painting of a man whispering a poem lovingly into the ears of his beloved.
Which place / destination do you recommend our readers to visit and why?
Although Nan is my personal favorite, for travelers I would recommend Pai in the north of Thailand. There is so much to do in Pai while still be able to relax and calm yourself down. Although the town itself is quite small, there are a lot of spots around Pai to see and enjoy. My favorite was the zipline over the rice farms.
Where do you like to eat?
Very difficult to name one, but I like the Laem Charoen Seafood restaurant chain. They have delicious seafood and it is suitable both for the Thai and tourist palette.
#5
Promthep Cape Phuket.
This is southernmost point of Phuket Island and a place to view out of the world sunsets.
#6
This Thai temple is on a hill top in Nan, a northern city of Thailand. I must have spend a good two hours taking 100’s of picture trying to capture the change in the light. Below you can see the city of Nan in the distance. The Buddha looks toward the city as if to say “Carry on and I will take care of all of you”.
Tip us a nice coffee shop or bar where our readers can drop by.
My personal favorite is the Octave Rooftop Lounge & Bar on the rooftop of the Marriot Sukhumvit Hotel in Bangkok. It has great views at sunset and after and a wonderful atmosphere to sit and relax and enjoy cocktails and bites.
What is your favorite Thai dish?
I could eat Phad Khrapao kai day in and out. Just a very simple Rice and chicken dish with basil, but its my comfort food.
#7
This city of Bangkok is building along the banks of the Chao Phraya River. It is one of the longest river in Thailand and flows from the central city of Nakhon Sawan and ends its journey in the Gulf of Thailand near the city of Bangkok.
There are many dinner cruises every night like the Baan Khanitha Cruise and the Chao Phraya River Cruise on the Chao Phraya River from Bangkok where you can wine and dine and forget your worries for a few hours. Here a ship crew of the cruise brings in his boat after probably one of those dinner cruises where the travelers enjoyed but he is now weary and yearns to be in bed.
#8
Although quite a new built temple, the White temple of Chiang Rai has gained a lot of fame and prominence majorly due to the unique design of the temple which is white in color.
The image here depicts life in hell and sufferings of those caught there.
What is your favorite accommodation in Thailand?
My favorite accommodation has to be the InterContinental Resort at Kamala Beach on Phuket. The resort itself is very beautiful and aesthetically build and is right on the beach to enjoy all Phuket has to offer.
Do you have a (travel) tip that might come in handy in Thailand?
I think the best advice I can give to travelers is that when you come here please take it easy. The Thai people are usually very calm and cool towards travelers but do not mistake their shyness for less intelligence and do not try to boss over them or speak loudly to them. Remember you get the respect which you give.
Is there a Thai phrase or word our readers need to learn?
Phom chorp ma thieo prathet thai maak – I love visiting Thailand very much!
#10
Ayutthaya is the ancient capital of Thailand and is located an hour drive from Bangkok. Once in Ayutthaya you feel that you are 500 years back in time. Although was city was destroyed during an attack by the Burmese army, the ruins of the city have since been preserved and remind you of a time gone by.
What type / brand of camera do you use?
They say the best camera is the one you have in hand when a photo opportunity is present. So while I do make use of my Iphone 12 and Samsung Galaxy in many cases, for my better photos I use a Canon 80D and Leica Q2.
Where can our readers find your work / photos?
On my Instagram page.
Last question, who should we also ask our ‘In the Picture’ feature?
Check this Instagram page (Platoo_2020).
#11
The Lisu Lodge advertises itself as – Discover Hill Tribe Hospitality.
It is a very nice cultural and adventurous experience staying in this small village nestled between mountains, almost 1 hour from Chiang Mai. You need to book very much in advance because they only have a total of 14 rooms where guests can spend the night. Spend 2 days in this beautiful village and experience Lisu tribes hospitality.
#12
Pai is a small hill town located in the north of Thailand. The road from Chiang Mai to Pai is step and winding and has 762 turns. Once you survive these twists and turns and reach Pai, you are transported into a city of dreams.
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