40 Where Is My Child?
ลูกฉันอยู่ที่ไหน
Chiang Mai |
Thailand
Thai
Behind the scenes
The inspiration for this text came to me in Chiang Mai, in northern Thailand, on a day of heavy rain at the beginning of the monsoon season. Traffic was dense when I witnessed a near accident: a car that could have struck a young girl crossing the street carelessly. Her parents rushed toward her and held her tightly in their arms, as if to reassure themselves.
As I watched them walk away in the rain, I wondered what their lives might have become if the accident had not been avoided.
The text was born from that question. It evokes that fragile moment when everything can change: a single instant that can transform a life forever.
Echoes of the world
The Thai language has a particularly elegant script, recognizable by its rounded shapes that seem almost to dance along the line. This writing system, which appeared in the 13th century, is inspired by ancient Indian scripts and remains one of the most visible elements of Thai cultural identity today.
In the title of the text appears the word ลูก (luk), which means “child,” but also “son” or “daughter.” In Thai, a single word can thus refer to a child without specifying gender, leaving context to clarify the meaning.
Thai writing also has fascinating features. For example, vowels and tone markers can be placed above, below, or around consonants.
And you, have you ever noticed how the writing of a language can already tell part of its story?
To reflect and capture your thoughts, turn to the dedicated pages in the book.
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