Japanese? That'll do nicely sir., a photo from Bangkok, Central

Photographer's Note

I don't think I'd have been brave enough to wander around here on my own brandishing a large SLR, and using it, but on a pub crawl with Kevin, it seemed quite comfortable, and I managed to sneak this one in whilst chatting in the street, and I think completely unnoticed, though I got the impression that no one really minds that much about photography around here, except for visiting tourists :-)

Anyway, I discovered there's for more to this than meets the eye, whole sub-genres within the general mele, and this little street had a series of establishments that only allowed in Japanese custmers (hence the script on the wall). The other amusing thing I find about this is the number broaches worn by the girls. (My alternative title for this would be 'Come in number 6, your time is up).

As Elaine suggested the other day, rather in the territory of a departed one here.

everlasting, ribeiroantonio, Buin, snunney, kevinos, Rinie_Hoff, Angshu, oochappan, keribar, fabianfred has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

Furachan (0) 2007-05-27 4:03

Yes and Kevin gets steamed about this too, the Japanese literally own and police with yakuza guards entire streets in Bangkok - absolutely scandalous from a Thai soverignty point of view. Toyota and the rest must really be proppin up the economy for the Thais to bend down this low...
Bizarre in the extreme. Weird. Brave shot. What it is...
Francis

everlasting (19680) 2007-05-27 4:14

This is really good and very brave of you Richard, a long way from the train rails of BKK or the new deserted airport.
This is full of life colour, and humour. ( I like the no entry sign outside)
The photo looks as if you are almost hiding behind the huge figure on the left.

partha (14023) 2007-05-27 4:19

Hi Richard ,
Excellent representation of the city life. the cntrastin two types of mood, one is joyous and anothere dpressing gives tension in it.U have used the foreground wonderfully. Regards.
Partha

ribeiroantonio (22730) 2007-05-27 4:22

This is a great photo. I think I would never dare to take such picture. But, you did it very well and for a sneaky one it is really wonderful No one noticed? Looks like the girl in green was looking at you. As she did not complain, I guess, it was not a problem.
Antonio

Buin (42580) 2007-05-27 4:59

Hallo Richard!
You have the heart do push the button! A great shot which reproduces the atmosphere here very well - and technically in a good quality. I like the many details here. Look at the guy on the left ...
Greetings from Germany!
Frank

snunney (130967) 2007-05-27 5:07

Hello Richard,
An excellent street candid. The poses are excellent and I like the juxtaposition between the girls and the large hatted figure on the left. I see all major credit cards are accepted ;-) Very good work.

devimeuxbe (58557) 2007-05-27 5:37

Hi Richard
the composition here is very strong with this big face looking at the girls; It's intelligent and really like this idea.
You show us a criticable reality of Bangkok but it's also a real report.
Well done
Bertrand

kevinos (7517) 2007-05-27 9:32

Well, you have something of a masterpiece here, Richard. You seem to have captured every aspect of life on Thanya. I was standing next to you, but didn't see his arrangement of fascinating elements. The half giant face, the elaborate flower arrangement, the Japanese characters, as you say, no non Japanese admitted- the list of credit cards accepted, the glimpse of the inside of the bar and the four lovely hostesses to lure the punters in. All composed to create a powerful presentation of this Japanese play area and the dark side of Bangkok nightlife. I like the way that you have just presented the image, without the need to comment, leaving the viewer to draw their own conclusions. Regards Kevin

Rinie_Hoff (9340) 2007-05-28 16:25

Hi Richard, reminds me of photo's of that one indeed ;-) too bad he has departed.
This is a good street scene, and I think I wouldn't have gone there on my own too.
It sounds a bit bitter though that they only allow Japanese in, reminds me of that big issue about 'comforting women' (is that how you say it in English?) during the 2nd WW.
Good shot!

Angshu (56760) 2007-05-29 9:44

Hello Richard
A wonderfully interesting city life shot..Love the FG especially the giant head on the left. The man on the pavement seems to be depressed, or maybe dog tired..Also interesting is the No entry signboard just in front of the girls. A very strong and bold composition, hats off to you!
Regards
Angshu

oochappan (4880) 2007-05-29 17:48

Lots of details here nicely and balanced brought together in a clear structured way, the man aside as framing towards the group of girls as two main eyepulling points with all the details around each giving an extra depht in the whole scene, not disturbing but enhancing the main structure like in music with the main melody with all the ornamentations around, a excellent pleasant rich shot Richard.
greetings
Henk
back home

kenmac (529) 2007-05-31 11:44

Living in Bangkok I see quite a bit of this sort of thing..but what really blows me away in this image is your clever inclusion of the little guy on the lower L. One can only imagine what he is thinking..hehe
Great shot.
Ken

keribar (43841) 2007-06-01 0:19

Hello Richard,
You are right about mentioning the camera, and I have experienced some problems in Bangkok, although you suggest that they don't really mind. This one is as good as if you went there on an assignment with all parties willing to allow you to take pictures. It is really excellent.

I wish you a great week-end - Izzet

yanseiler (20) 2007-07-03 8:05

Hi Richard, not easy to dare that's right and I think as well that the tourists would be the one who would mind as well, crazy Bangkok... Funny the sleepy man on the left...