Persona Non Grata

Captured by one of the most influential photographers of street culture in the new millennium, these edgy and gritty–albeit stunning–images reveal and document the darker side of Bangkok, Thailand–the Land of Smiles.

“What comes to mind when you think of Thailand? For many, it’s The Land of Smiles, but that couldn’t be further from the truth,” argues Boogie, “at least when you take the time to scratch beneath the surface.” After extensive research, the acclaimed street photographer took ten long trips to the country, where he quickly immersed himself in the underbelly of its street culture.

“On one hand you have people doing whatever it takes to save their face, trying to look right at all times, avoiding any, any kind of confrontation; going as far as to tell you ONLY what you want to hear, even if they don’t mean it, even if it’s not true,” concludes Boogie. “But on the other hand, there is rampant prostitution; underage girls are sold into it by their families…Visually, it’s just stunning. Food is also amazing. And the fact that most people don’t speak English, or are too shy to even try, makes it even more interesting. Different planet…”

Documenting daily life in Thailand’s bustling capital, Boogie uncovers, with his raw aesthetic, a bleak reality, an often unseen side of its ever-smiling inhabitants. This is the latest installment in a photography icon’s lifelong exploration of humanity.