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All images courtesy of Aram Niakan and Amanda Bunga Gracia
| About money politics they rant about is nonsense, even though they were given money they would still choose Thaksin. And even if they didn’t choose Thaksin they would still keep the money. I once went for an election for the head of my village and could earn money from four of its candidate, even though I only elected one, would that be considered buying a vote? Not at all Thaksin has his own agenda, it should be dealt with another political tactic which is greater and might need more time) not by instantly bringing a tank to the road.Remember that violence is there because of pressure or force.
W: Were there any thoughts of evacuating Thailand during the final crackdown? A: The final crackdown wasn’t as frightening as it seemed, well, for the people who didn’t stay near the riot. From the beginning I was sure that when they were given the kick they would turn their backs and walk away. And come back with another tactic to fight again, I’m not sure till when. But it wasn’t intimidating, they know who they are up against, if we weren’t interfering it would be fine. W: Now that Bangkok is in the state of recovery and how is the hospitality business at the moment? A: You can say that it’s almost 80 % as normal as it used to be. Thailand still has the prestige to sell. One thing you need to take attention to is that the fast recovery, although it’s not 100% is due to the foreign community who lives in Thailand, the amount is countless, and these foreigners including me are the ones who are spreading the word that Thailand is not as dangerous as what is being read, heard or even seen on television. Even though it’s dangerous, it also depends on the area and it can be avoided ……………………………………………………………………………………………….
Writer and Food Editor for the online publication Lifestyle Asia, Bangkok, Thailand. ………………………………………………………………………………………………. W: How did the red-shirt movement affect your business and daily life? A: It’s no question that the movement had a huge impact on Thailand’s media industry. Everyone wanted to cover the story, but it was really the up-to-the-minute mediums that won out. Twitter, Facebook, Blogs, and the like gave everyone a heads up on what was happening as it happened. This became especially important as the curfew was announced, and the government issued changes to the state of emergency everyday. People began to depend less on traditional news from television and newspapers, it felt almost as if the younger generation of Thais–those that grew up in a mobile world–were finally stepping up. |
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Pam Thien – Nationality: Thai W: Did the transition of the main governmental position (PM) have an impact on the creative industry? And how has the riot affected the creative industry as a whole? P: The Thai creative industry is varied, but in general, it remains separated from the government. As the demonstration progressed, a lot of self-censorship among artists took place. The main messages that went out to the public was one of unity, love, and togetherness. That was the safe side that many people took. Of course, the entire conflict was also fuel for creative minds. Photojournalism in Bangkok excelled for obvious reasons. Though many other aspects of the industry suffered, concerts, exhibitions, and events were postponed (sometimes permanently.) It will take a while for the city to heal. ……………………………………………………………………………………………….
Artist, Graphic designer and Typeface designer ………………………………………………………………………………………………. W: How you do you think the government views the creative industry in Thailand? J: I think this time the creative industry helps develop the government and the government itself is trying to aid and develop the creative industry – with particular focus in design – where it can add value. It might be late but it is still a positive move. The creative industry itself is in a constant state of development. Creativity is used to make people think more about design and how it can help your life and the economy. Many agree that the trading business of art can make value. But government themselves should not focus on the business side of it; instead it should focus on developing the thinking process of the people and try thinking out of the regular rules. The focus should not only be in business or profit-making aspect. Education should be pushed because it is the main factor to develop anything. The people working in the creative industry should start changing by thinking outside of the box and not be commercial. W: How did the last protest had an effect on your business? J: For me my business was still progressing because I worked in an International business company where I trade art online. I can make art and sell it in an international market. It takes awhile for people in Thailand to understand my art work. Because my art style is not commercial. However, it’s still an interesting business in which I’d like to learn more about. I think, It beneficial to understand both business and design.
– Interview by: Athina Ibrahim
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Angie Thien – Nationality: Thai
Jackkrit Anantakul – Nationality: Thai
