Pitak Court: Tung Maha Mek, Sathorn, Bangkok
Pitak Court Portrait Studio
Pitak Court (พิทักษ์คอร์ท) is a funky old building on Sathorn Soi 1, with the Malaysia Hotel (and Wongs Bar!) on one side, and a bunch of embassies and on the other side.
These ‘courts’ are uniquely Thai, and from an interesting era of Bangkok history.
It was built for American Army types during the Vietnam War, but has been apartments ever since. Some people have been here for decades. Some newcomers, like myself, somewhat less than that. This area, around Soi Sri Bumphen is the original backpacker neighbourhood, before the growth of Khao San Road. There are remnants of that era still scattered about. Wong’s bar is still going strong, although I haven’t been in years. I don’t tell locals the story connecting the 7-11 and The Serpent, far too many ghosts in the aisles over there. (If they knew!)
This area is about to change, of course. A 600+ Centrepoint Hotel and a USD4.5 Billion development slash city are about to open 600 meters away (as the crow flies). Everything that place puts out looks completely AI-generated. No matter, it is going to create crazy stress on this once-somewhat quiet neighbourhood.
I have a studio in my big old apartment where I do simple headshot type portrait photoshoots. After spending so many years working with natural light on location, it’s nice to shoot at home and take time to make these types of photos.
Contact me if you’d like to do a portrait at Pitak Court here in Bangkok. I am also available for family photography.
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Pitak Court
