Thailand Fine Art Photography

Black and White Photography by Jacqueline LaRocca

“Feeling Something From Long Ago”

Thailand

Thailand is an alluring country in Asia filled with many offerings. It is a juxtaposition where modern living intersects with ancient history, and the two coexist harmoniously. This land engages all the senses. Vibrant colors of flowers and monk robes. Delicious fresh Thai food. The scent of the incense is throughout. All together creates a feeling of serenity.

Additionally, Thailand is a very spiritual country. Buddhism is the official religion. Throughout Thailand, Spirit Houses are placed outside of buildings. The Thais use Spirit Houses to honor the spirits and make daily offerings in the form of flowers, incense, candles, and fruits in exchange for protection of the buildings.

Some of my most favorite places are highlighted below.

Bangkok

Bangkok is a vibrant city filled with markets, monks, and tuk-tuk scooters.

Obviously, the main attraction in Bangkok is The Grand Palace. The Grand Palace has been the official residence of the Kings of Siam since 1782. Wat Phra Kaew – Temple of the Emerald Buddha is in the Grand Palace and is the most sacred Buddhist Temple in Thailand.

Jim Thompson

Also in Bangkok is the Jim Thompson House Museum. Jim Thompson is an unsolved mystery. He was an American who was an Army Intelligence Officer and a member of the Office of Strategic Services, which later became the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). In addition to being a spy, Jim Thompson was also known as the “Silk King of Thailand.” While assigned to Thailand (years), he began a Thai silk business that is still operational today.

Jim Thompson House Museum

His home is a museum and silk retail shop open to visitors. Jim Thompson mysteriously disappeared while on vacation in Malaysia in 1967. He was never found. His niece wrote a fascinating book titled “The Missing Thai Silk King: A Niece’s Search for Jim Thompson,” published on January 1, 2007. I met her at her book signing at a bookstore in Easton, MD. The CIA approved the contents of the book.

Ayutthaya

Ayutthaya is a city north of Bangkok. The Burmese, tragically, destroyed the city in 1767. Today you can visit the incredible ruins of this royal city. Wat Phra Si Sanphet was the royal temple on the site of the old Royal Palace. The royal family used Wat Phra Si Sanphet for ceremonies.

Sukhothai

In central Thailand are the ruins of Sukhothai – the ancient capital of Siam during the 13th and 14th centuries. The ruins are impressive remnants of 700-year-old temples and shrines. Wat Chang Lom is located on-site, a massive Buddhist temple.

Chiang Rai

In northern Thailand is Chiang Rai. Wat Rong Khun, also known as The White Temple, is a magnificent Buddhist Temple. The temple is a gleaming white, ornate structure and is open to visitors.

Conclusion

Altogether, Thailand is one of my favorite places I have ever visited. While it took a series of long plane flights to get there, it was worth it. I highly recommend it as a destination. I hope you enjoy my gallery of photographs until one day, hopefully, you can visit yourself.