The Chinese community in Talat Noi has introduced "Amazing Thailand Phoenix Wall" as a gesture to tourists who visit the community.
The paintings were commissioned by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and created by renowned artist Vorapoj Songcharoen and members of the artist Happening Group. The street art can be found in Soi Chao Sua Son, a small alley leading to the 230-year-old So Heng Tai Mansion, one of the landmarks in the community.
TAT governor Yuthasak Supasorn puts the final touch while opening the event. photos courtesy of The Tourism Authority of Thailand
Prior to the paintings, people living in the soi reported that the walls of their building had been damaged because some tourists liked to lean on them while some made loud noises while passing through the alley, according to Vichai Ariyaratchatopas, a representative of the Talat Noi community.
To find a solution, the community's civic group called Chumchon Khon Rak Talat Noi or People Who Love Talat Noi, teamed up with TAT to find a solution. As a result, they came up with the idea of introducing auspicious paintings on the walls. It took about five days for the team of artists to complete the work.
The highlight is a large phoenix flying over the Chao Phraya River. Facing the mythical bird on the opposite wall is a dragon curling up like a figure eight, a symbol of infinity. Meanwhile, next to the dragon is a painting of a girl holding a hand fan, representing beauty and grace.
There is also a painting of Nong Sukjai, the TAT mascot and a healthy and fluffy cat.
A police officer poses with a sign of prosperity. Photos: Karnjana Karnjanatawe
Yet another highlight is the painting of a golden frog called Kim Siem Su. The creature can be seen holding a lucky Chinese gold coin between its lips and sitting on golden coins, which are a symbol of prosperity.
According to TAT, the frog was made using special techniques with fluorescent paint and Augmented Reality (AR) technology.
Visitors are also encouraged to use the Artivive app to view the frog painting. In fact, when viewing through the app on a smartphone, the golden frog comes alive with movement and music. The app also provides a new street art experience for visitors.
A healthy and fluffy cat. Karnjana Karnjanatawe
Talat Noi is located in Samphanthawong district on the eastern bank of the Chao Phraya River. It is an old community that dates back to the early Rattanakosin period and is known for being an authentic Chinese community. Tourists love to come and explore its century-old houses, shrines, local food and snacks, chill out along the river, or simply join cooking and handicraft workshops with locals.
The most convenient way to visit the Talat Noi community is to take the MRT and get off at Hua Lamphong station (Exit 3) and walk for about 900m to Soi Charoen Krung 22. Another option is to ride the express boat along the Chao Phraya River and get off at Si Phraya Pier and walk to the community, passing the Holy Rosary Church, also known as Wat Kalawa.
Karnjana Karnjanatawe
For more information, visit Talat Noi's Facebook page at http://bit.ly/3mKj2ZJ or call 085-909-7147 or 095-813-5995 or contact TAT Bangkok Office at 02-276-2720-1 or TAT Contact Centre on 1672.
