How would you personally describe your exhibition?

The Western world’s influence on Eastern folklore is increasing every day. New technology and investment can soothe the struggle for life and improve society even though the development can sometimes distort the daily life of the people.

My work looks at the underlining conflicts that exist as these two cultures merge. Capitalism, globalisation, economic growth central to the western ethos is seen as progress by many while others find it disruptive and a disturbance of traditional values.

In some respects the dichotomy is that the East is attracted to Western materialism while the West is fascinated by Eastern culture but the conflicts are unsettling for both.

Do you have resentment towards ‘strangers’ infiltrating Thailand?

The concept of ‘stranger’ is not meant to be negative but refers to the ‘unknown’ and difference. Super heroes all act with the best of intentions. In many ways I wish to
express my view that the west sees their values as a path to progress and a campaign to enrich the lives of others. While many in the east see it as disruptive and a corruption of their traditional values.

However, this series also examines the ways that western culture is merging and being affected by the East. The world has changed, through media and through the exchanging of opinions, and we are adjusting our opinions in order to accept it. Some of my works
still show the contrast of different cultures, such as “The Incredible Hulk” or “HELP!”, whereas some works are meant to show the coexistence of these different cultures, such as “Tweety” and “One Night in Bangkok”.

Would you therefore like to see tougher laws on immigration?

In my opinion, the immigration laws are weak to the point of punishment. Criminals can enter our country too easily and sometimes they become influential people. The laws cannot get rid of them and as a result, our country suffers.

I do not conclude that all foreigners are bad. Some of them try to understand and immerse themselves in our cultures and try to help develop it. On the other hand, the Thai justice system views all foreigners as rich and respects their monetary value. We must be
aware that some are not rich, and that some of the rich people are not good. So this is very much a Thai problem – first we need to adjust our social values and then be more selective. Ultimately we will always be welcoming to good people but it does not mean we
should accept the bad.

What would you like to see changed with regard to the foreign invasion of culture?

Thai culture is changing to accommodate the visiting tourists in our country. Tourist spots sell a lot of souvenirs, but they only offer a small glimpse into the real Thai lifestyle. Cultural value has been reduced in order to improve commercial value.

In every tourist spot, there are lots of stalls that hide the scenery. At night, these places see great increases in criminal behaviour, because more value is given to objects and money than to mind. So, these criminals think only about their own benefit and do not concern themselves with the image of the whole country and our tradition because they are slaves to a capitalist society.

Developing technology is fine but we must learn how to better incorporate it with our style of life. Perhaps we could make cartoon animation from “Ramakien” the Thai traditional epic, or establish a national art museum in the center of Bangkok. I would rather see an acceptance of technology, and all of the ways it can improve life, than a rejection of all things technological.

In many ways it is a bit sad that the West has a distorted view of Thai values and culture, while Thais have an increasingly distorted view of the moral attitudes and values of the West.

You use a lot of iconic American characters in your work, are you therefore a fan of such work and, if so, is this not at odds with your earlier statements?

I like Western cartoons. It does not contradict the message of my art, because I do not want to portray western art in a negative light. I just want to caution Thai people about the increasing presence of Western culture.

Most American superheroes originated from World War II and the Cold War, when the two super countries – America and Russia – were at an arms race for nuclear weapons. American superheroes and cartoons reflect an ideal of the American people, so I see them as a symbol of America just as I see Ramakien characters as a symbol of Thailand. Most superheroes have alter-egos (and often split personalities) and I think that both western and eastern cultures have their own alter egos too.