My past couple semesters I used blogging as a way to learn more about myself and the growing technology- and media-frenzied population. I began to discover social media’s growing role in educating those technologically literate and less privileged/literate, and how I could use this media to inform and catch peoples’ attention on issues that I believe are important. This is why after a couple months of hiatus I am bringing back a good thing. Inspired by other blogs and the music I listen to, ‘By Rivers and Rail: An Interpretive Guide to Bangkok’ will provide a sense of heritage by bringing it back to the simplest and most fabled forms of transit: rivers and rail. Cities have grown exponentially throughout the years, but regardless of the amount of development, the river and rail infrastructure – that is either apparent or a distant memory, holds a significant amount of information, history, and importance. Luckily, Bangkok’s infrastructure is still very much alive, which is why my tour focuses on invaluable resources nearby the river and rail stations of the Chaopraya River, Khlong Saen Saeb, BTS, and MRT. I will also discuss and interpret the vital role that the Khlong and BTS & MRT plays in Bangkok. This is no ordinary metropolis, and I imagine portraying this city as a home to people, rather than a tourist destination. In the music I often listen to, paying homage to home – whatever or wherever it is, is a recurring theme. ‘Home’ is different for everyone, but it is such a special place loaded with intrinsic value; which is why the points of interest I have chosen reflect that rationale.
As I continue to travel abroad through the many municipalities of Thailand, I am becoming more aware of the fact that people love their phones, their computers, their social media accounts, and everything they consume through those outlets. Before, I only saw this phenomenon through the eyes of a Canadian looking at fellow Canadians, and occasional Americans; but now I can understand the greater context of this world’s exponential growth by seeing how Asia, an even more media-frenzied society, interacts on Instagram, Facebook, and other sites. Just look at 2013’s most popular destination on Instagram, Siam Paragon made #1 spot in the world that year due to its monstrous size and extreme stores. For example, you can buy a Rolls Royce or Aston Martin on its third-floor for goodness’ sakes. This only illustrates how Thailand, specifically Bangkok, is a resourceful destination to learn from in terms of outperforming the Americas in media and consumerism.
My hope is to ultimately relay what I learn, see, taste, hear, and experience back to you, my friends and family. Usually there is a language or cultural barrier when translating information from a foreign place to home – just try translating an English sentence to Thai, then back to English, you will see how it makes zero sense, which is why my mission is to interpret things for you, to make understandable comparisons and contrasts, and to show you this foreign land via photos, videos, music, and my beautiful voice.
Point of Interest One: BTS & MRT
The long expanse of the BTS runs along a corridor of buildings, above the inferior alternative modes of transport. Yee, N. (CC), 2015.
As one of the most classic forms of transit, trains deserve have their time in the spotlight. Bangkok’s BTS (Bangkok Mass Transit System, which travels on an elevated railway, also known as the SkyTrain) and MRT (Metropolitan Rapid Transit, which travelling underground) are the most effective ways of commuting across the wildly busy city. The sheer infrastructure for these transportation networks are astounding and can easily be compared to Chicago’s L train, which I visualize solely from The Dark Knight film. The long stretch of rail is mesmerizing, and links most of Bangkok together.
Now, you are probably wondering why I would choose a mode of transportation as a point of interest. But after taking the BTS and MRT several times you I began to see how this mode of transportation is very reliable and is the best way to reach destinations with relative ease and inexpensiveness. I found that along the way there are many beautiful sights, and it is actually a great way to be introduced to the city. Along the way you will see a phenomenon if you are travelling at 6pm – more on that in my following post. I believe there is a lot to share with others about the culture and environmental significance when looking through the windows of this transit. I will discuss the attitude of the hustle and bustle in the Thai culture and how it is always go-go-go, and why that is. As Thailand continues to grow, these railways will continue as well, and it is good time to talk about the repercussions of this development.
Point of Interest Two: Khlong Saen Saeb
The narrow canal becomes a strait of raging waves as the passenger boats pass by. Yee, N. (CC), 2015.
As my interpretive guide says, we will take a deep look into the rivers, and canals, that run through the heart of Bangkok. Think of these canals as arteries that pump the lifeblood – workers, tourists, students, hungry people, and whoever else contributing to Bangkok’s thriving economy – to the various neighbourhoods. If the BTS or MRT cannot get you there, odds are that the canals and rivers can.
My focus on this point of interest will be to identify the diverse range of neighbourhoods that the Khlong Saen Saep journeys through. Discussing the industries, markets, residences, and so on will bring understanding of Bangkok’s diversity. Many landmarks will be mentioned as well, since destinations like the Jim Thompson House and Siam Paragon are within walking distance from the stops.
The rivers that run through the city are great for visitors of all sorts because along the way there is something that can appeal to everyone’s interests.
Point of Interest Three: Lumpini Park
Rows of fitness equipment await the thousands of Bangkok natives that use these as part of their daily fitness regiment. Yee, N. (CC), 2015.
I think one of the most interesting things about living in Ontario is the fact that people are so accustomed to living indoors. As another cultural phenomenon, I will look at the role that Bangkok’s Lumpini Park plays in encouraging an outdoor lifestyle for recreation and health. The picture above displays the unending row of aerobic exercise equipment that can be found in the South-end of the park. But the activity does not end there, part of Thailand’s health promotion strategy you can find many free groups and classes for yoga, Zumba-esque activities, running, cycling, sepak takraw, basketball, and much more. This park embodies the spirit of Thailand, and illuminates with life. With comparisons to New York City’s Central Park and London’s St. James Park, it is evident that Bangkok’s park is a symbol of greatness. I hope that my interpretation of this park can show the many activities that makes Bangkok a place of community and life. I will document as many activities as I can see, and supplement it with background information in terms of history, cultural significance, environmental importance, and current issues.
Point of Interest Four: Chinatown on Yaowarat Road
The Odeon Circle gate marks the head, or beginning, of the dragon that is Chinatown’s Yaowarat Road. Yee, N. (CC), 2015.
As a Chinese-Canadian that was raised by parents born in China; who has a Grandma that lives in Toronto’s Chinatown; and is a visitor of various Chinatowns in Toronto, Montreal, Boston, New York, San Francisco, and basically any neighbourhood in Hong Kong; it only made sense that I follow up with my thoughts and interpretations of Bangkok’s very own Chinatown.
The goal of this point of interest is to provide insight into the differences and similarities to the many Chinatowns I have visited in the past, and how this Chinatown is of major importance to Bangkok, and Thailand. As a fact, 40% of Thais come from Chinese descent (Luangthomkun, 2007) which is why I would like to provide a historical overview on my ethic background and its influence on the Thai culture. Along the way, I really wanted to talk about the food available in this neighbourhood, and the famous night market that is a major attraction for tourists visiting Bangkok.
Point of Interest Five: Thammasat University
Post-secondary institutions are an important part of higher education and specialized learning. Spending the past two months at Burapha University in Chon Buri, I have realized that these Thai schools are a certain phenomena, and they possess things you would not see at any University in Canada. Their sheer spirit from screaming cheerleaders, for example is something that cannot be compared to Canadian cheerleaders. The reason for this choice as a point of interest is due to its importance in the daily lives of many Thais. It is ultimately the destination that is vital to the development of minds, character, and society. But it has not always communicated that statement accurately, and in October of 1976 is where we will find the true, underlying reason for my decision to include this as a cultural point of interest.
Prior to the 21st century, much of Southeast Asia faced many troubled and revolutionary periods, where conflict existed within villages, against villages, within countries, and against countries. The scale of these social catastrophes resulted in shifting political relationships and many casualties, and on that autumn (the seasonal term specifically refers to the third quarter of the year, not temperature; there’s only very hot and even hotter in Thailand…) day in 1976 the Thammasat University massacre occurred.
Though dark tourism is not my focus as a half tourism, half environment major, I think it is a vital piece of information for foreigners to understand about Bangkok. Looking back at this historical event provides insight into the shifting attitudes amongst Thais which is not easily apparent by observation. Known as the “land of smiles” and literally, “land of the freedom”, my goal for this point of interest is to shed light to how this massacre represents quite the opposite view that many foreigners may not be aware of. I hope to be able to compare and contrast the current day atmosphere to recounts of the massacre available online, then discuss the impact this has on today’s political dissonance that is evident between red and yellow shirts.
Unless you are interested in understanding how this blogging project will be done in great detail you need not read further. Feel free to skip to the bottom of this post to see more of my photos, and to receive links to the articles that influenced my decisions for this project.
Targets and Timelines
In the coming couple months I would like to release blogs on a weekly basis as it help drive consistent traction to my blog. Starting March 5th and every Sunday afterward, I will release a blog in the order exemplified above. By the end, I will provide an additional blog post as a complete interpretive guide connecting each point of interest together. I will use mapping tools to identify the routes and other points of interests I liked but did not have time to talk in detail.
For the final interpretive tour I also will include a audio guide explaining my thoughts, and I will attempt to capture sounds that are unique to the points of interest. All of this work for the final blog post will be done by the 19th of April, and I will be working on these media documents every week. The script for my tour will be submitted on May 15th, and will identify the sounds and videos I will want to include for my final blog.
Considerations for Best Practices
I truly believe that to achieve a strong and accurate interpretation, the people and the culture must be the priority when interpreting the environment and sharing information. I want to show my appreciation for the Thai culture and lifestyle by voicing what I see in a manner where my blog audience feels involved with the interactions I have. This requires an attention to detail, and a knack for accurately describing the value and significance. First, my focus will be to identify and label each of the stakeholders. From there I would like to describe the cultural resources and the value it has to each stakeholder; this may require background information and a historical overview. My focused audience will be those who have not been introduced to the Thai, or Asian culture. I want to be able to communicate to Americans and Canadians and relate it to understandable terms. Ultimately, the goal is to entice travel in the future, but to make them feel as if they were experiencing the points of interest through my senses. This will be understood through storytelling and pictures. Through these techniques I want to make the audience engaged through technology that allows them to see as much of these destinations as possible. Video, sound recording, time-lapse, etc. are all the tip of the iceberg in terms of integration and engagement. Commenting at the bottom of the blog post allows for collaboration as well and a continued dialogue. Asking questions can help feel like they are really part of the tour. All of these practices will help to produce a stronger tour where the focus can be on breaking the barrier on authentically and accurately interpreting points of interest.
Technical Details and Link to Media
As I complete my initial and follow-up visits to Bangkok and the points of interest, I hope to capture photos that will illustrate the cultural, environmental, and societal uniqueness. The use of various recording techniques will help suitably display the landscape. Panoramas give a sense of the greatness of areas, while time-lapse video will show the grandness of the area’s density and population, pictures will highlight the specialties, videos will capture the life and movement, and audio recording will capture the sheer robustness of Bangkok’s sounds.
I am most excited to provide comparative pictures from other sources to highlight the changes in the landscape over many years. Providing pictures will be the lifeblood of this blog as it will give my audience a feel for what the environment offers; my text will be a mere support of the pictures providing details and supplementary knowledge.
Click here to be directed to my Dropbox folder containing more of the photos planned for my points of interest, and their proposed captions. Take a gander, and get a sense of what is to follow.
Also the following resources were used to garner information to inspire me and help me understand my points of interest; visit them to get a sneak peek of my points of interest that you can explorable by rivers and rail!
http://www.bangkok.com/attraction-waterway/#
http://migrationology.com/2011/09/khlong-saen-saeb-a-tour-of-bangkoks-central-canal/
http://www.travelfish.org/sight_profile/thailand/bangkok_and_surrounds/bangkok/bangkok/8
From N.Y. 