Smiles of Thailand | Photo Essay | Part 1

Smiles of Thailand is a photo essay showcasing the lovely Thai people in both posed and candid portraits. The following photos are from the capital city of Bangkok and the regions north (including Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Pai, etc).  Thai people are known for their hospitality and wonderful smiles; however, what may not be as well known is that a smile does not always indicate happiness.  During some of what many would consider ‘stressful’ moments a Thai person might be smiling.  One thing I’m quite certain of though is that the smiles I’ve captured here are authentic and genuine happy faces.

This is a travel photo from Thailand - candid portraits of Thai people smiling.

This lovely lady from the Akha Hill-Tribe in Northern Thailand loved having her picture taken as is very evident by her smile.

This is a travel photo from Thailand - candid portraits of Thai people smiling.

This Thai vendor is smiling while dealing with a customer.  I must say I love his hat!

This is a travel photo from Thailand - candid portraits of Thai people smiling.

These two Thai ladies are hamming it up for the camera.  As a travel photography tip, one should always be ready to take the photo because one never knows when that magic moments is going to happen.

This is a travel photo from Thailand - candid portraits of Thai people smiling.

This smiling Thai girl collects donations as she entertains a crowd of mostly foreigners during the Thai Night Market in Chiang Mai, Thailand.

This is a travel photo from Thailand - candid portraits of Thai people smiling.

These two Thai girls have great big smiles.

This is a travel photo from Thailand - candid portraits of Thai people smiling.

A mother and daughter walk down the street together sharing a special moment – Bangkok, Thailand.

This is a travel photo from Thailand - candid portraits of Thai people smiling.

Who says I can’t show any inanimate objects? 😛  This happy looking big is experiencing a bit of bliss.  As a travel photography tutorial, consider using a slower shutter speed to give the water a blurring effect, as I have done here in this photo.

This is a travel photo from Thailand - candid portraits of Thai people smiling.

This Thai lady is laughing and smiling while talking on her cell phone.

This is a travel photo from Thailand - candid portraits of Thai people smiling.

A Thai performer plays some traditional instruments in Chiang Mai, Thailand.

This is a travel photo from Thailand - candid portraits of Thai people smiling.

A happy looking vendor reaches down to hand something to his customer – Bangkok, Thailand.

This is a travel photo from Thailand - candid portraits of Thai people smiling.

This Thai Lady has a bit of sassy looking grin on her face 😛

This is a travel photo from Thailand - candid portraits of Thai people smiling.

This kind rickshaw driver peddled me all over Chiang Mai on a hot afternoon and was still nice enough to let me take his picture afterwards.

This is a travel photo from Thailand - candid portraits of Thai people smiling.

Now that’s a happy looking object!

This is a travel photo from Thailand - candid portraits of Thai people smiling.

A happy vendor.

This is a travel photo from Thailand - candid portraits of Thai people smiling.

Some Thai teenage girls sharing a laugh in Chiang Mai, Thailand.

This is a travel photo from Thailand - candid portraits of Thai people smiling.

Two adorable girls laughing from the Long Neck (Karen Hill Tribe) in Northern Thailand.


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  1. says: Kevin

    Dude these photos are awesome. You really got up close and personal for many of them. I recently posted a photo gallery of Thai people on the streets in Bangkok. Love the way Thai people are always smiling.