Photo: Thai City Farm
We have been asked by a writer/journalist and a photographer to create them a studio in an area just across Chao Phraya river from Bangkok. Bang Krachao is an oasis within this gigantic metropolis consisting of mostly coconut, mango and rose apple orchards. The land has been preserved as a green area. And there is an un-written building code that does not permit the construction of building taller than the tallest coconut tree within each property.
We looked back at the traditional method of home construction in Thailand. We are working closely with local craftsmen to built this home. Using only very basic hand tools and reclaimed lumber from old houses, we will be crafting this small studio within the next two months.
Other systems such as composting toilet, gray water irrigation system and full edible garden with stocked pond will be included as part of this studio as a model for sustainable living.
One part of my current life is farming. We have been experiment with organic farming in Chaiyaphum province in the north eastern part of Thailand known as Isan.
Since we have a pretty large property, the property has been divided into several sections. The upper part close to our home is mainly where we grow edible plants. Just below our home is a mixture of edible plant and flowering trees. The lowest part by the creek is for re-growing forrest.
The organic farm is currently producing figs (black mission, brown turkey, celeste, etc.), cocos, Japanese green onions, strawberries (which was thought to be impossible to grow in this region).
Photos are by our collegue – Buttriya Ruamthamrak.
