Pictures of vivid faces, colourful ways of life and sacred temples tucked away in the narrow lanes of Bangkok’s Little India are waiting to be explored during “At the Heart Of Faith: A Portrait Of Bangkok’s Indian Community”, which is running in Pahurat until Nov 5.
Presented by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration in collaboration with the Phra Nakhon District Office, the exhibition offers a fresh cultural experience during the ongoing Amazing Thailand Grand Diwali Festival 2025.
It features the compelling work of Samatcha Apaisuwan, an independent artist who is passionate about documentary photography. His lens has captured vibrant scenes of life, firm faith and enduring connection among Indians from their days back in India to their time as immigrants in Bangkok — the fascinating elements that have now established Pahurat as a multicultural attraction.
Samatcha blends highlights from his acclaimed exhibition “Connect: From Bharat To Siam”, a tribute to India’s spirit captured during his winter travels years ago, with new impressive photographs of Pahurat where sacred sites, community life and locals bring vibrancy to this multicultural neighbourhood and echo the scenes he once encountered in India.
Through his lens, he captures the essence of India’s urban charm and morning markets, the diversity of its people and the exquisite architecture of havelis — the grand mansions of prosperous merchants that are adorned with vividly painted murals.
Though not directly centred on the Diwali Festival, this exhibition beautifully reflects its essence. Samatcha’s distinctive photographic approach — guided by colour, composition and emotion in the moment — often plays with light and shadow, the very heart of Diwali.
This open-air exhibition presents six photographic installations scattered across the Pahurat and Klong Ong Ang areas, inviting visitors on a journey of discovery, reflection and appreciation of the community’s rich cultural tapestry.