A Klong Toey Slum Walk

Ever been to Bangkok’s largest slum Klong Toey? Not to its fresh market. But to the forbidden world behind, the home and working place of tens of thousands of underprivileged. Klong Toey is a city within the city, an unending labyrinth of cramped huts, open sewers and playing children, surrounded by a two meter high wall. To protect the city or the slum?

Photographer Patrick Thorpe took a walk through Klong Toey the other day because “since I live in Bangkok I’ve never seen Bangkok’s underbelly,” he told absolutely Bangkok. Within meters after entering Klong Toey he found himself in a “hidden world.” Friends had warned him of venturing there – “I only found slightly bewildered, always smiling, helpful people,” says Pat.

Life in the slum didn’t look that bad after all. Even the most groggy huts sported a TV and gas stove. But already in the hot early afternoon quite some alcoholics were staggering through the narrow lanes, not to mention the drug addicts. Klong Toey’s ceaseless struggle for survival as a Bangkokian exception? Says Patrick: “In a way, Klong Toey is vintage, concentrated Bangkok.” As said back then, Just another day in Paradise:

Here some tidbits of Patrick’s portfolio – gals & guys, this is in the middle of Bangkok:

Sphere: Related Content

Comments

Comments are closed.

Recent Comments
- canice mc carthy: Hello, I bought a compaq CQ40-514AU laptop last year in... (!@%$#%@ Consumer Rights In Thailand - 4)
- Matthew: Hey hey hey everybody. Lets consult a guy that knows something about women.... (Why Farang Girls Hate Thailand - 70)
- StanG: Everybody knows the truth exists, what they abuse is the fact that truth... (Newspaper Finds Truth, Rapes It - 3)
- Jakey John: Try a few bottles of Chang then move on to the Sang Thip whisky mixed with Red... (Bangkok’s Best Beer - 6)
- Leosia: In my opinion, in Thai culture the “truth” is not considered... (Newspaper Finds Truth, Rapes It - 3)
- QQ: What an eventful period this is! I am thankful that I have lived to see it; and I... (The Brighter Side Of Life - 13)
- Rich: Jaded; There is no point in ranting about the execrable Vongthip, there... (The Vongthip Letter July ‘10 - 12)
- Jaded: http://www.bangkokpost.com/new s/politics/186299/political... (The Vongthip Letter July ‘10 - 12)
- Vichai N: OK let’s all go back to serious business. And the most serious business... (The Brighter Side Of Life - 13)