Thailand

Chiang Mai holds a unique place in the history of Thailand, the former city of the Lanna Kingdom. Overlooking the city is the temple of Doi Su Thep, a site chosen when a fabled white elephant carried a relic of the Buddha into the forests. Where the elephant came to rest is where they built the temple.

Street art in the district of Ratchatewi was my inspiration for this photo essay. Graffiti on the walls of partially demolished buildings, and in the laneways of the neighbourhood just a few feet from a busy khlong. This is what I love about Bangkok, it's a living city with a dynamic and evolving culture.

In the very far north of Thailand, where the Mekong meets Laos and Burma, the Golden Triangle Elephant Camp provides a better life for over 30 elephants. It's not enough to care for the elephants though, here they also care for the mahouts who own them and the families who rely on the income. Five-star resorts at Anantara and Four Seasons help keep the camp going and keep the elephants working.

Caring for elephants is no trivial issue in Thailand. Some camps treat their elephants better than others, and one of my favourites is in the north of Thailand at Chiang Dao. About an hour past Chiang Mai, this little camp gets far fewer visitors every day but enough to keep the elephants well fed and happy. There are good and bad aspects to elephant camps of any kind, but they're better than letting these majestic creatures starve on the streets.

Today I was asked to dig up an image of the Buddha from Thailand for a magazine. As I rummaged through some RAW files from recent trips I got a little nostalgic. The people of Thailand enjoy their Buddha in golden tones and magnificent temples.

Buddhism is woven into the fabric of Thai culture, a strong and beautiful element that give strength and character to the people and their nation. The lotus flower is a special symbol to Buddhist, a pristine flower that emerges from the muddy depths of still water. It symbolises the journey towards enlightenment as we emerge from Samsara.