My research questions often come from my direct, personal experience in everyday life and regular travel in Thailand. Observing how things are changing around me, I try to make sense of the changes and to imagine alternative pictures in which things are better. For instance, I used to spend a couple of hours every day commuting between home and work on motorcycle taxis and passenger vans. Feeling stressed and frustrated from getting stuck in the traffic for hours and having experienced a couple of accidents on the road, I decided to conduct research on these topics and to engage in policy advocacy work that aimed to improve the situations.

Another example of urban change that prompted my research is the transformation in my own neighborhood in Bangkok. Fifteen years ago, I was still able to see the horizon from the rooftop of my townhouse. Now my house is surrounded by high-rise condominiums and offices. Many of the mom-and-pop shops in the neighborhood have disappeared, gentrified by convenience stores, coffeeshops, and hotels. Many street vendors are gone. Meanwhile, one of my neighbors orders food via mobile applications almost daily.

My current book project on urban transitions in Thailand will be a synthesis of findings from ongoing and previous research projects that I have conducted related to the above changes. The book will also include my personal reflection from everyday life as well as direct involvement in the policymaking and politics of urban planning and development in the country. My hope is that this book will generate further dialogue and debate among scholars and practitioners in related fields not only in Thailand, but also other countries in Asia and beyond.

The main difficulty for me is usually lacking an extended period of free time to clear my mind. One solution is to take a sabbatical leave when I can focus on writing my books. In fact, my time at CSEAS is part of my sabbatical leave. Another solution is to work with collaborators, who can help fill in the gaps and push each other to finish the manuscript.

I would love to improve my ability in creative writing. I’ve published a number of academic articles and books, but my ambition is to write something creatively, perhaps a fiction novel inspired by the events, places, and people that I have encountered as a researcher.

(March 2023)