The Durian Orchard Squatters Bangkok Noi, Western Bangkok
“Oh yes, we have clean water,” an old wiry man smiles as he caresses his shiny head. He points to strings of skinny PVC pipes hanging across the canal like raw spaghetti. “We simply hooked them up to the nearest Read More
Rak’s Barber Shop Chang Wattana Soi 5, Bangkok
Rak is a slightly-built man in his late 40s. He has a large protruding mouth which always carries a broad smile. His thin hands are constantly moving behind a large buzzing hair clipper – a classic 76′ Oster model. In Read More
AIDS, Drugs, and Slums Ta Taco & Kom Klao Settlements, Korat
6:30 pm Vipa is a 19-year-old girl who works with a local Youth League. She is the leader of the group of teenagers that organize around community service activities, sports, and group study. The Youth League operates like an endangered Read More
Informal Settlements in Chiang Mai
Note: Notice the prevalence of Buddhist Temples in Chiang Mai. The temple ground is one of the largest homes to squatter communities; seconded only to the State’s land (Treasury Department, Fine Art Department, State Railway Authority, and Port Authority). This, indeed, Read More
The Hilltop Shrine Kao Takla, Sra Buri
In Sara Buri there’s a hillside squatter settlement much like the famous Caracas informal commune in Venezuela. An old lady with a very round face is the chair lady of the community saving group here. “The higher up you go, Read More
Uncle Chakra, the Forever Renter
“As the chairman of the community credit union, my words carry little weight,” says a middle-age man with a square wrinkled face. He’s sitting in a tiny community clinic next to an examination bed. The examination bed is well-kept; it Read More
The Modern Nomads Yanawa, Bangkok
“There are people living in there!” says a plump lady with trembling hands. She points to an entire fleet of idle freight trains; it has been disengaged from its track long ago and it’s now covered with rust. “They probably Read More