Elska Krung Thep Maha Nakhon, the fifty- ninth issue in the Elska series, a project that showcases diverse LGBTQ+ communities around the world, is out now. This latest edition introduces a selection of ordinary local men from the Thai capital through a blend of intimate photography and personal storytelling.
„This was never supposed to be a shoot trip — it started out as just a holiday,“ admits Elska editor and chief photographer Liam Campbell. “But I brought my cameras with me, and before long, I was meeting men, doing photoshoots, and turning it into our second Thai issue. Perhaps because I arrived in a holiday spirit, this is an especially fun issue — there isn’t a huge amount of politics or social commentary in this one — or maybe just a little — mostly it’s just nice pictures of nice men.“
„It also turned into one of the quirkiest issues ever, starting with the title itself,“ continued Liam. „Krung Thep Maha Nakhon is actually a shortened version of Bangkok’s official name, which has twenty-one words in full. But the quirkiness didn’t stop there — it spilled into the photography too. The first guy I met had a name meaning ‚pumpkin‘. The next had a name meaning ‚peach‘. The third turned up with a banana hanging from his bag. By the time a fourth guy took me through a fruit market, I couldn’t resist asking him to bring along his favourite fruit — custard apples — and to ‘use’ them for his nude shoot. A fruity theme had developed, and once you notice something like that, even if it’s weird, you might as well lean into it and just enjoy where the inspiration leads you.“
Each of the men photographed for this issue has their own chapter including the photography alongside a personal story. These include texts written by the men themselves and published in their original languages alongside English translations. These stories offer an even more intimate way to connect with each subject.
Elska Krung Thep Maha Nakhon also features an unusually high amount of analogue photography, shot across a mix of stocks including Agfa APX 400, Lucky C200, Eastman Double-X 5222, and Kodak Gold, lending the issue a distinctive and varied film aesthetic.
Elska Krung Thep Maha Nakhon is available now in a collectible print book or in a downloadable e-book. In addition, the companion e-zine Ekstra Krung Thep Maha Nakhon is available, containing hundreds of additional images and behind-the-scenes tales. A limited edition print zine, Ekstra Bon, dedicated to subject Bon Markel and featuring two special inserts, is also available while supplies last. These publications are available for order online as well as from a select group of shops around the world. Ordering information and details of the subscription service can be found on the Elska website: www.elskamagazine.com
