joel quenby reveals bangkok’s latest news and views

EPIC RELEASES

The city of Bangkok was buzzing when the most expensive film ever shot in thailand, the Legend of King Naresuan: Part I (www.kingnaresuanmovie.com) premiered this year at the new SF Cinema Central World. This much-anticipated period epic, about the warrior king who liberated Siam from Burmese hegemony in the 16thcentury, has evolved into a 700-million-baht trilogy over three years of development. Using 100,000 actors and 2,000 rolls of film, the movie was helmed by film-making royal MC Chatrichalerm Yukol, whose previous record-breaking cinematic entry, Suriyothai, was re-edited by his former UCLA classmate Francis Ford Coppolla. The first edition sees a pre-pubescent Naresuan spirited away to Burma as a royal hostage; while later instalments document fabled elephant-top battles between warring Siamese defenders and Burmese invaders. Expect much pomp, pageantry and eye candy flooding the silver screen, as well as an impressive running time. The movie’s launch coincides with the arrival to the kingdom of a very different kind of warrior: Hollywood action man Sylvester Stallone, who is in town to film Rambo IV: Pearl of the Cobra. The movie will depict J.R. as a NGO boat-builder who is living a monastic lifestyle in The City of Angels. Soon enough, however, he unleashes merry-hell on a mob of Burmese soldiers who have kidnapped fellow aid-workers. The release of the movie is slated for summer 2008.

ROYAL TROPHY ROMP

A European select of golfing talent recently returned to the capital to take on their Asian hosts at the illustrious Royal Trophy tournament – and the journey was certainly worthwhile with a victorious outcome for the team. Held at the Amata Spring Country Club on the southern outskirts of Bangkok, the second edition of this annual event saw European skipper Seve Ballesteros hoisting the 16kg silver trophy, despite a nagging shoulder injury, aft er romping to a 12-1/2 points to 3-1/2 overall victory. “these are Ryder Cup champions. they beat the Americans very badly, so this was not a surprise,” said the illustrious Spaniard, who was joined by the likes of Lee Westwood and Darren Clarke. “Asia did not play badly, but Europe played unbelievable golf.” www.theroyaltrophy.com

LIFE’S A BREEZE

Expect to be blown away by Breeze, the new alfresco fine-dining experience at the sky-scraping State Tower on Silom Road. Located on the 51st and 52nd floors, the restaurant doesn’t quite scale the teetering height of 63rd-floor Sirocco on top, but it has some loft y assets of its own. A unique 25m-long glass sky-bridge suspended over a lily pond makes for a memorable entrance. this dramatic transparent overpass leads to a viewing gallery offering a vertiginous vantage point about 200m up, where guests can drink in breathtaking views of the glittering city below. The restaurant itself dishes up “authentic Asian seafood cuisine, served with a breathof fresh air” and is spread over two stories, which includes indoor Ocean 52 bar and a private dining room with infinity-edged windows.Tel +66 (0)2 624-9999 or email resvn@lebua.com, www.lebua.com

IT’S A WRAP!

Visitors to the glittering 61-acre Grand Palace site on the third day of March might fortuitously experience the Magha Puja festival wrapping-up proceedings in enchanting style. this important Buddhist holiday celebrates the occasion when 1,250 of Lord Buddha’s disciples spontaneously gathered to hear him preach. His Majesty the King attends the climactic evening ceremony which sees a pradaksina procession wind a long banner of orange clotharound the Royal Temple of the Emerald Buddha to the accompaniment of prayer chanting. Don’t expect entry here, but a wander through neighbouring complexes will allow a glimpse of assembled worshippers offering flower garlands and incense. For more information, visit www.tourismthailand.org

INFRA-RED EXPLORER

thailand: 9 Days in the Kingdom is a large-format, lavishly illustrated portrait of contemporary thailand, due to be launched in December to honour His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s 80thBirthday. the book by publishers Editions Didier Millet will showcase the work of 50 well-known photographers, who recently gathered in the capital before being sent out on assignments all over the country. Among the talented team is Bangkok-based Brit Martin Reeves, who has also recently released a new book of his own work of Angkor.

What’s your background as a photographer?

I was given a Polaroid camera on my seventhbirthday and, over the years, my passion for photography just grew. Aft er college, I befriended the proprietors of a photo lab in my hometown of Brighton who supported me. then in 1983, I became aware of infra-red film.

What is infra-red film?

It is a film sensitive to light from the infra-red spectrum (which is invisible to the human eye). Foliage in particular reflects this unseen light, appearing radiant and ghostly in the final print.

What brought you to Asia?

Aft er creating an infra-red portfolio of English heritage sites, I wondered how exotic temples and landscapes would appear if treated in the same way. I thought this film medium could portray Asia exactly as I had envisioned it: enchanted and mysterious. My quest began in 1986.

What are your assignments for the 9 Days book?

My assignment is to photograph the hill tribe areas around Chiang Rai (where I haven’t been for years) and Sukhothai, thailand’s ancient first capital.

Is Bangkok photogenic?

Bangkok is somewhat chaotic, with a unique character. that’s why I feel it is so photogenic. there are endless facets to this city, so every day has the potential to bring about a completely new photographic experience.

Where can aspiring photographers find good subjects?

Chinatown is great because it has interesting markets and a labyrinthof narrow streets plied with all manner of businesses that sprawl out onto the pavement. the Chao Praya river is another special place.

Which are your favourite galleries here?

Gallery F-Stop at the Tamarind Café on Sukhumvit 20 is my favourite gallery devoted to photography – and also, the vegetarian food there is delicious! the Four Seasons Hotel in Rachadamri Road is great for exhibitions, with its central jungle area adding a wonderful aura (above left ).

Any favourite thai photographers?

Khun Surat Osathanugrah – his book Vanishing Bangkok really captures the unique essence of the city; and Jaturong Hirankarn, whose personal portfolio of Buddha images is stunning. the most hauntingly beautiful photo I saw last year was one of a young Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn walking up a country path. Shot in black and white, and toned with a selenium toner, it was taken by His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej.

How did your new book come about?

My first trip to Angkor was in 1992 when neglect had returned the temples to the jungle. the condition of the place reminded me of images captured by the Scottish photographer John thomson who, in 1886, became the first person to photograph Angkor. By 1996, tourism had returned. I realised that the isolated charm of these magnificent temples would disappear rapidly, and an urgent desire took hold of me to photograph them in their unsullied beauty. In 2004, Bill Bensley of Bensley Design Studios incorporated my Angkor portfolio into the design of the stunning Hotel de la Paix in Siem Reap. the hotel’s owner, Khun Sokoun Chanpreda offered to fund my book aft er receiving compliments from his guests about my images. the result is Angkor – Into the Hidden Realm which can be found at bookstores in Cambodia and thailand.

To view Martin’s work, visit www.thehiddenrealms.com

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