24/03/2025
Venue : PYE Space
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The Deep Places in the Deep South
“Is it dangerous? Is it like what we saw on the news? Is it safe enough to just go there on your own?”
These are the typical questions I have experienced when I engage in conversations about Thailand’s southern border provinces of Pattani, Yala and Narathiwat. This distinct area is predominantly inhabited by Muslim Malay people. It has been governed by three special laws: Martial Law, Internal Security Act, and Emergency Decree, which I believe have led to the long-persisting conflict for over 19 years.
The questions reflect the safety concern, caused by the dominant view in the country of the so-called deep south as a troublesome region. I understand that they need some solid explanation from normal people without authority status to guarantee their safety. They want to be affirmed that the level of livable normality in that place is no different from living elsewhere.
I chose to answer these questions through my experiences of visiting people's homes, uncovering “the deep” of their most intimate places. I went as an old friend or an acquaintance, sometimes as a guest and some other time as a stranger. Relationships evolved gradually, with ‘Time’ being the most crucial tool.
I believe that home is the safest haven for individuals, where they can be their own and show their distinct identity, as shown in the photos of different families. The concept of "home" thus takes on different meanings depending on the unique demographics and contexts of each family. It's intertwined with social roles, political views, and religious beliefs as well as being shaped by the landscape and multicultural deep south ambiance. Despite this, people there remain fundamentally connected to the broader world through our shared human essence.
As a photographer, I observe and capture the ordinary lives of the people and present them to the viewers. I hope that their ordinary existence prompts us, as fellow humans, to transcend the discourse surrounding special regions and overcome biases against the three southern border provinces.
After more than 19 years, special laws that rather than address the root causes of the conflict foster violence and injustice. I believe it's time to restore a normal life to the people here as these ordinary lives exist similarly to those in other places, neither more nor less.
**About Artist**
Yostorn Triyos
Bangkok , Thialnd
Yostorn Triyos is a photographer interested in documentary and news photography. Especially taking photos of human rights issues and democracy. Use photography as a medium to communicate and convey various issues occurring in Thai society. There are past works such as the photo exhibition ‘Gray Zones’ that tell stories and present issues and memories of the three southern border provinces.This set of work. which still connects problems occurring in the three southern border provinces again through the commonality of people's lives based on humanity.
สถานที่ PYE SPACE
จัดแสดงไปจนถึงวันที่ 20 เมษายน 2568
เปิด 10.00-17.00 น.
ปิดทุกวันจันทร์
Virtual tour : https://rcac84virtual.com/virtual/VirtualTour2025/pyespace/
GPS : https://maps.app.goo.gl/bggRp4APqcZ5vdP97
เครดิตภาพถ่าย ⒸYostorn Triyos & Phayao Photography Biennale
