You often hear that Thailand is an assault on the senses. The sights, smells, tastes, and sounds contribute to a sensory overload for many visitors. Beyond these tangible interactions, this project asks the student to delve deeper in their observations of Thailand today. Juxtapositions, cultural fusions, and an intermingling of concepts between seeming paradoxes are prevalent in every day scenes, you just have to open your eyes to notice, and in this case, capture it in a photo.

Objective |

▫ To encourage students, through media, to think about and capture an aspect of Thailand beyond typical depictions.

The following are thematic ideas from which you can choose.

▫ religious syncretism

▫ community empowerment

▫ evidence of commercialization in ethnic minorities

▫ tradition vs. rapid globalization

▫ initiatives for environment conservation

▫ dual effects of tourism

▫ issues of gender

▫ transgender

▫ animal rights

▫ evidence of “new Buddhist sects”

* These may also inspire an idea of your own, in which case, let the instructor know of your idea by April 2, 2009.

Criteria |

▫ Submissions due, in hardcopy, on April 23, 2009.

▫ Along with your photo, you must submit a caption or title, as well as a one-paragraph description.

Etiquette |

▫ The point of this project is not to exploit or expose any persons, places, or situations. Refrain from capturing an instance which could put someone in a compromising position. This project asks that you tread with great cross-cultural sensitivity and attention to whom you may be affecting.

▫ If you will include an individual[s] in your photo, ask their permission first.

▫ Your photo should not be ‘set-up.’ It should be a natural shot which encapsulates your chosen theme.

Etcetera |

▫ All photo submissions will be displayed in a photo exhibit at Payap University. This will also be a competition. The instructor will arrange a panel of judges to select a winning photo based on aesthetics and ability to achieve the objective of this assignment. More details to follow as the semester progresses.

▫ While this assignment implies that students should have a digital camera, this is not a requirement. Use of a disposable camera is also possible. Let the instructor know to discuss photography options further.