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Mark, the Walk Whisperer, found a route of extraordinary variety for BPG’s 123rd photowalk.
He led about 42 photographers around a parade of alleyways and narrow streets, markets
and temple grounds, homes and cottage industries. Khlong Ton Sai’s locals were the one
consistent element, being unwaveringly friendly and happy to be mobbed by photographers!
Khlong Ton Sai is named after the canal that forms the neighbourhood’s southern border
and flows under Krung Thon Buri Road, where our walk began. The 177.3-hectare (438.1-acre)
subdistrict is part of the broader Khlong San district, which is one of the oldest in Bangkok.
It is cross-crossed by a web of waterways that previously provided irrigation for a swathe of
orchards. Indeed, khlong san (คลองสาน) translates as “woven canals” while khlong ton sai
(คลองต้นไทร) means “canal of banyan trees” and takes its name from the many fig trees that
used to line its banks.
The canals that watered the orchards also served as major transport routes, bringing trade
and wealth to the area as well as connecting it to the rest of Bangkok. Being close to the river,
the eastern end of the district provided an ideal location for warehouses and factories. Many
small factories can still be found in the shophouses of Khlong Ton Sai, though the district has
become more residential, attracting a mix of both locals and foreigners.
Sadly, this was the last BPG photowalk that Greg Rhodes will be able to join, at least for
now. Having taken over leadership of the group from its founders in April 2022, his guidance,
wit, and bright yellow t-shirts have been a consistent feature of the walks since #101. Life is
taking him back to the US, meaning he will not be able to continue leading BPG. As a final
fond farewell, Greg not only graces this issue’s front cover, but also gets a whole bonus
spread of the Photographs of the Photographers section dedicated to just pictures of him
from walk #123. You’ll find it on the next page - page 6. Those of us left to continue leading
the group wish Greg every happiness and success in life and hope he can return to Bangkok
soon.Have fun,
Greg, Mark, Chutima, and Ben.Bangkok Photo Walks
Magazine Issue #99 • Walk #
Departing Head of BPG Greg Rhodes
Magazine Editor Ben Reeves
Photo Walk Coordinator Mark A. Hathaway
Photo Walk Support Chutima Panjapan
Logo Design Ubonpayom Ongsara
Front Cover Photo Martin Woolnough
Title Page Photo Miki Sarikpak Tan
Group Photo Ben Reeves
Back Cover Photo Mark A. Hathaway
© 2024 Bangkok Photographers GroupCanal of Banyan Trees