TEXT & PHOTO: SUPAKORN SOONTARARAK
(For Thai, press here)
We’ve heard the phrase ‘traveling is a journey of self-discovery’ so often that it’s almost become a catchphrase. But even so, we’ve seen it inspire countless individuals to pack their bags and explore the globe. On the other hand, if the statement were changed and ‘alone’ was added to the equation. I wouldn’t be surprised if some people had second thoughts or abandoned the idea out of fear of the word and what it implies. But this assertion made me question myself. After a period of reflection, I overcame my fear and my thoughts became clear. I established a goal that I hoped would enable me to discover more about who I am. I began planning my first solo trip and haven’t looked back since. My journey to self-discovery has revealed that solo travel has become an important and meaningful chapter of my life. I’ve learned more about myself simply by spending time alone. Traveling alone allows me to linger longer over something or a location, appreciating all the details, my surroundings, and my emotions on a deeper level.
Upon observing architecture and design, I began recognizing the intention behind each work, how light and shadow affect a space at various times of the day, and the beauty that has been meticulously crafted and conveyed. It would not be incorrect to say that the famous quote is accurate. If I hadn’t been able to overcome my fear, I would have never had the courage to travel alone, and I certainly wouldn’t know myself as well as I do now.
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Supakorn Soontararak used to be an architect. Now working full-time as a Senior Business Developer with a part-time job as an architectural photographer for SynSpaceStudio, he is the only Thai person ever to win the internationally renowned photography awards Arch2O by Architecture and Design Magazine in 2021 and Cyberpunk2077 World Photo Contest in 2020.