ADVENTUROUS SPIRIT PHOTOGRAPHY, THE WORK OF PEPPER K. ETTERS

Asia: Thailand

A rich cultural and environmental patchwork, it is not surprising that Thailand has become one of the favorite tourist destinations in the world. Fortunately, despite the increasing pressures placed upon this country by exponential increases in tourism, it is still possible to discover the unique patterns of traditional Thai life throughout the countryside. From the Muslim fishing communities of the south to the hilltribes of the north, and from the mountains to the beaches this truly is an amazing place.

A woman sells fruit from her boat at one of Thailand's floating markets.
   
A solitary lotus bloom, one of the primary symbols of the Buddhist tradition, floats placidly in a small pool.
   
The chief elder of the Big Ears Karen tribe shows her status with elaborate earrings and necklaces.
     
  
A Thai man fishes in the traditional manner in the shallows of the Andeman sea by casting a large net toward schools of fish.
   
The waves return to the sea around a small rock during the cool light of late evening.
  
The unique practice of lengthening the neck by forcing the shoulders downward begins at a young age for Padong girls.
     
  
A lone mangrove tree stands silhouetted against the late afternoon sun.
   
A woman removes rice kernels from a foot powered masher in an effort to seperate the husks so it may be prepared for dinner.
  
A cluster of bright orchids hangs from a tree in northern Thailand.
     
  
Members of the small hill tribe along the Thailand/Mynamar border adorn themselves with colorful necklaces and jewelry like people throughout the world. Unlike other cultures, however, the women of this tribe stretch their earlobes with heavy weights and large earrings as a mark of beauty.
   
Massive leaves are illuminated by the low sun on east Railay Beach, Thailand.
   
A Padong, or Long Neck Karen, woman displays likenesses of these unique people for sale as souvenirs.
     
  
The multicolored roofs of the grand palace create an interesting design.
   
A painter displays his talents in the courtyard of a local monastery in the old city of Chaing Mai.
   
A Thai man enjoys his lunch of Pad Thai, eaten with a toothpick off a large leaf, while hiking above Mae Hong Son.
     
  
A man picks tea outside of a Meo (KMT) refugee village along the Mynamar Border near Mai Hong Son.
   
A Padung woman displays her traditional hairstyle in a refugee camp along the Thai/Mynamar border.
   
An elderly woman takes a break from paddling her boat at a floating market in Thailand.
     
  
Workers tend to a rice field outside of Mai Hong Son.