Wat Pha Lat
Fisherman in Kanchanaburi
Mae Hong Son Province. Photo by Yannic Ideler
Me and my Dad at the Bangkok Philharmonic Orchestra
Krabi Province. Photo by Yannic Ideler
Mae Hong Son Province
Born in Thailand, raised in Germany, my identity weaves between cultures. I’ve worked in the film and cultural field in Germany for over a decade. However, in a Eurocentric environment, the Southeast Asian region, especially Thailand, seemed to have a limited role. To many, it’s perceived merely as an affordable and 'exotic' travel destination. Growing up, I struggled to identify with the (scarce) depictions of Southeast Asia in the German cultural landscape. I also didn't know much about Thailand: my family wasn't well connected to the Thai communities in the city we lived in.
Feeling lost, I yearned for a creative outlet to explore facets of Thailand and Southeast Asia. However, I encountered a challenge—there were no job opportunities available in this specific field.
I realized I had to carve my own path, creating my own narrative. I enrolled in studies focusing on art history, Southeast Asian culture and history, (post-)colonialism and Buddhism in Berlin, Hamburg, and Bangkok. Additionally, I spent several months in Northern Thailand working as an English teacher. Research and travel became my tools for gaining a deeper understanding of my heritage.
In 2023, I launched THAISPORA, a podcast sharing the stories of the Thai diasporic community. My goal is to inspire others to cherish and preserve their cultural roots.
Thank you for joining me on this thrilling journey!
Krabi Province. Photo by Yannic Ideler