Here are a series of pictures taken mostly in one of the old sectors of Bangkok, Thonburi, adjoining the west shore of the Chao Phraya River. This part of the city, one of the oldest, remains quite traditional. Numerous Khlong, a network of canals connected to the river, surround it. It is these canals that gave Bangkok its surname of “Venice of Asia”. The soul of Bangkok resides in the presence of Buddhist temples scattered here and there throughout the city. The veneration that the locals dedicate to the temples and the devotion of the monks who inhabit them is quite unique. Today, the Buddhist culture is practiced by 95% of the Thai population.

Hidden within the streets of this old neighbourhood are multitudes of street vendors. In certain places, little public markets line the streets, which attract the curious gaze of travelers; gazes that are usually met by sympathetic smiles. But, behind these smiles are hardworking men and women who often have to labour during all seven days of the week to meet their families’ needs in a fragile economy stirred by shaky politics and the rallies of spring 2010.

Geographical Notes: Bangkok, capital of Thailand has an estimated population of 9,100,000. An important community of Chinese people, maybe 300 000, are leading the economy of the city and even that of the country.