A photographer's chronicle of Thailand's democracy struggle

From rural poverty to bus conductor, soldier and photographer, Vinai Dithajohn followed his dream

Photographer Vinai Dithajohn at the opening of his exhibition "Red & Yellow" at VS Gallery on April 22. The show documents Thailand's struggle for democracy between 2003 and 2016. (Photo by Tom Vater)

TOM VATER, Contributing writer

June 27, 2023 08:00 JST

BANGKOK -- "My father had a small camera and he recorded our family life," says Vinai Dithajohn. "I was totally fascinated. And I watched Tintin cartoons, the stories of a young reporter who traveled and went on adventures around the world. That felt like a good life. But even imagining becoming a professional photographer was impossible."