Bangkok: "Stray Cats" showcases the work of a photographer dedicated to capturing the lives of stray cats in Bangkok's old city through over 30,000 photographs.
According to Thai News Agency, Khajon Peerakit, Vice President of the Royal Photographic Society of Thailand under Royal Patronage, embarked on this project after rediscovering his passion for photography through the society. Initially starting as a hobby during his student years, Khajon returned to serious photography after a hiatus, motivated by a doctor's recommendation to walk for health reasons. His home near Wongwian Yai 22, an area with a high number of stray cat complaints, provided the perfect backdrop for his photographic journey.
Khajon's unique approach to naming his project, "cat (K) stray," is derived from his own name, Khajon, with the addition of parentheses to emphasize the connection. His photographic style aims to capture the natural essence of the cats without heavy editing, focusing on the genuine emotions and behaviors of the animals. Over the past three years, Khajon has amassed a collection of more than 30,000 images, primarily taken during evening walks after work when cats are most active.
Khajon provides insight into photographing stray cats, emphasizing the importance of observing their behavior and locations. He notes that cats can often be found on rooftops, in markets after vendors have left, or on car roofs at night. He cautions against photographing cats while they are eating, as it can irritate them, and advises approaching them cautiously to avoid startling them.
In addition to capturing their images, Khajon highlights the challenges stray cats face, such as hygiene issues, accidents, and threats from predators. The prolific breeding of stray cats, with the potential for up to 32 kittens per year, contributes to their increasing population in the city. Khajon advocates for initiatives to neuter stray cats, which could help manage their numbers and reduce their aggressiveness, alleviating the urban problem they present.