Author: Seb Toussaint

Prem chose the word “สนุก”, pronounced “sanuk” and meaning “fun” in Thai.

Prem chose the word “สนุก”, pronounced “sanuk” and meaning “fun” in Thai.

Prem was one of the first friends I made in the slum. He is 12 years old and just knows a few words of English, but more importantly he really wants to communicate and always finds a way.
While I’m painting we have a lot of fun playing a very simple game. We take turns to call two footballers – usually who play(ed) in the same position – and the other chooses the better one. He started this game with “Ronaldo or Messi?” but Prem has studied the game and soon he was asking me “Iniesta or De Bruyne?”, “Scholes or Seedorf?”, “Cannavaro or Van Dijk?”
When I told him I was a goalkeeper he made a special goalkeeper series, and after eliminating Banks, Casillas, Cech, Neuer and Schmichel, I got stuck on the final question “Buffon or Lev Yashin?”. There’s often a point in the afternoon where we drink soy milk together and maybe have a kick of the ball before it gets too dark.
Football is hugely important in Thailand, like almost everywhere around the world. So many times it’s helped me make friends, giving me a common language with so many people.

Tuk Ta chose the word “มิตรภาพ”, pronounced “mitraphāph” and meaning “Friendship”.

Tuk Ta chose the word “มิตรภาพ”, pronounced “Mitraphāph” and meaning “Friendship”.

Tuk Ta was born here in Phra Chen 72 years ago. Not only does she know everyone in the slum but she is friends with everyone.

Phra Chen is tight community and after painting here for a few weeks I’m feeling like everyone has adopted me. I’ve been painting absolutely every day here in temperatures that make sweat roll into my eyes, but it’s such a pleasure to work for extremely kind and generous people like Tuk Ta. She’s been continuously bringing me food a drink and even gave me more unusual gifts like a large packet of tissue paper and a carrier bag!

May chose the word “Myself” in Thai. Painted in Phra Chen, Bangkok.

May chose the word “Myself” in Thai.

She told me that sometimes in life you have to be able to rely on yourself, and it is something she tries to pass on to her son.

Som Chay chose the word « หัวโขน », pronounced « Hua-Kown » and meaning « mask ».

Som Chay chose the word « หัวโขน » , pronounced « Hua-Korn » and meaning « mask ».

Som Chay and his wife create traditional Thai masks and have a real passion for it. They showed me their inspiring work before I started painting!

On this mural I tried to play with the Thai script a little more than in the previous murals. I’ve been looking at signs, packaging and Thai newspapers to see how it’s possible to play with the letters while still making them legible.

Bunmi chose the word « Khwām s̄uk̄h » meaning « Happiness » in Thai.
As a Buddhist, she believes that the greatest source of happiness is cherishing others.

Bunmi chose the word « Khwām s̄uk̄h » meaning « Happiness » in Thai.

As a Buddhist, she believes that the greatest source of happiness is cherishing others.

This is the first time in 11 years that I’m doing « Share The Word Project » in a buddhist community!