What drew you into the world of poetry?
When I was 25, I was confused and struggling to find myself. I had huge doubts about the meaning of life. I was born in Bangkok but ran away to stay with my aunt in Kalasin, then came back to study in Bangkok before moving to Phuket to work as an insurance surveyor. I’ve worked many jobs, including construction worker while I was studying in vocational school. I walked into a bookshop one day and found a poetry book called Dramas on a Broad Esplanade [by Komtuan Kantanu]. I’d never read poetry before and it really crushed me. I was no longer resigned to life offering nothing new. I realized routine work wasn’t the answer. I started devouring all the poetry books I could buy.
So when did you start writing?
After starting work in a copy shop I started writing some poems and short stories. Then the owner introduced me to Phuket’s writer community, which helped me dive deeper into the world of writing. I did nothing but write. It was crazy. But I finally released my first poetry book, Asom Phrachan [The Moon Hermitage], in 2004. Since then I’ve also put out a short novel, Phu Kum Chata [Destiny Decider, 2010], which I wrote when I left Phuket to take care of my mom who fell gravely ill. I realized sorrow is a great catalyst for creating work. It’s not something people choose; sometimes things just happen and you need a way to get through the tough time. When my mom got better, I went back to Phuket to work as a batik painter.
Tell us about your award-winning poetry book.
It came about three years ago when I had to swiftly leave Phuket, my home of 20 years, to stay with my wife in Sakon Nakhon after her father became ill. I came to realize that the place is not as important as forging a connection with the people around you. I could appreciate the value of seeing things from the outside. I also took influence from rap and metal music, which my wife loves. My poetry is kind of a mix between old and new forms of language. I like to think my poetry gives people encouragement to face life, no matter how difficult or miserable things seem.
How do you find inspiration?
I always try to put myself into the subject matter. I recently went back and worked as a construction worker again to experience first-hand their struggles. I even monitored how much I sweated while pounding away with a 10-kilogram hammer. I love talking to people while I’m running or cycling, too. I met an uncle who has been a construction worker his whole life. Even in his 60s, he once walked home to Sakon Nakhon from Hua Lamphong train station in Bangkok because he didn’t have money. I was amazed to learn he would walk home along the track and eat things that people dumped from the train along the way. It’s incredible that he could survive this way.
What’s next for you?
I have a finished novel but I’m still not satisfied with it. I don’t know yet when it will be published.
