Bangkok's Chinatown is one of the largest Chinatowns in the world. It was founded in 1782 CE when the city was established as the capital of the Rattanakosin Kingdom, and served as the home of the mainly Teochew immigrant Chinese population, who soon became the city's dominant ethnic group. The core of Chinatown lies along Yaowarat Road, which serves as its main artery and sometimes lends its name to the entire area, which is often referred to as Yaowarat.
Originally a wilderness area outside the city walls, Chinatown grew to become Bangkok's commercial hub throughout the late 19th to early 20th centuries, but has since declined in prominence as commercial activity moved
elsewhere following the city's expansion. It now serves as a hub of Chinese culture and religion, with atmospheric temples, busy markets, historic shop houses, exotic stores selling traditional Chinese goods, and hundreds of unique Chinese eateries.
The Chinese New Year brings one of the most exhilarating celebrations to the Chinatown of Bangkok. The entire length of Yaowarat Road comes to life with crowds of worshipers, exploding
firecrackers, dragon dancers, lion dancers and Thai families of Chinese descent who gather to partake in the street fanfare as well as enjoy sumptuous Chinese banquets: xīn nián kuài lè...
In Thailand, as elsewhere, one can find several different gender roles, identities and diverse visual markers of masculinity and femininity. Although the terms kathoey or ladyboy are rather ambiguous, simply put, both terms refer to someone assigned male at birth, who dresses as and adopts the mannerisms and identity of a woman. Kathoeys are numerous in Thailand and are seemingly accepted by society, not only in big cities like Bangkok but in the countryside as well.
High-res portrait photographs with complete exif data, geotags and technical details in Matt Hahnewald's
Happy New Year, I wish you good health and lasting prosperity.
恭贺新禧，祝身体健康、事业发达。
Gōnghè xīnxǐ, zhù shēntǐ jiànkāng, shìyè fādá.
恭贺新禧，祝身体健康、事业发达。
Gōnghè xīnxǐ, zhù shēntǐ jiànkāng, shìyè fādá.
In Thailand, as elsewhere, one can find several different gender roles, identities and diverse visual markers of masculinity and femininity. Although the terms kathoey or ladyboy are rather ambiguous, simply put, both terms refer to someone assigned male at birth, who dresses as and adopts the mannerisms and identity of a woman. Kathoeys are numerous in Thailand and are seemingly accepted by society, not only in big cities like Bangkok but in the countryside as well.
High-res portrait photographs with complete exif data, geotags and technical details in Matt Hahnewald's
