Thailand

Thailand, located in the heart of Southeast Asia, is renowned for its remarkable diversity of landscapes, from the forested mountains of the north to the tropical beaches bordering the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand. With its Buddhist temples, vibrant markets, world-famous cuisine and welcoming people, it has become one of Asia’s most popular travel destinations.

Beneath the surface lies another side of the country. Thailand’s tropical waters are home to an extraordinary variety of marine life, including coral reefs, colourful reef fish, seahorses, nudibranchs, sea turtles and manta rays. Warm water throughout the year and excellent underwater visibility during much of the diving season have made Thailand one of the world’s leading scuba diving destinations.

The photographs gathered in this category mainly explore this remarkable underwater biodiversity while also offering a glimpse of a country where nature, culture and tradition blend together to create unforgettable travel experiences.

2010, Encounters, Thailand Selection

Young Padaung lady, Northern Thailand

Young Padaung lady, Northern Thailand

The Padaung (or Kayan) is a Tibeto-Burman ethnic minority of Myanmar (Burma).
In 1990, some Padaung have fled the Burmese regime and crossed the border to settle in Northern Thailand. The Padaung women are known for wearing a spiral-necklace in brass, wrapped around the neck. They start wearing the first necklace at the age of 5. It will be then replaced time after time when the girl is growing up (it is not rings that are added). This tradition gave to Padaung the nickname of “giraffe women” or “long-neck tribe”.

?>