How did Somewhere Thai come about?
Somewhere Thai marks the second year of a project called I Am a Thai Graphic Designer which I initiated in 2009. Last year’s event saw a seminar and an exhibition, but we decided to make it more of a forum this year under the theme “Somewhere Thai.”

Why Somewhere Thai?
“What’s the Thai identity in design works?” is probably one of the most asked questions among graphic designers and clients. I personally never thought to look for an answer, but the question got me interested in finding out what others think. It’s not necessarily a quest to find the answer, but more like one big brainstorming session.

What can we expect at the forum?
There are actually two parts to this year’s event. First we invited designers from across the country to submit their works under the concept Somewhere Thai, which are now being shown on our website. The second part is a two-day forum, joined by graphic designers as well as professionals in other fields like writers, editors and musicians. Concluding the event will be a talk summarizing all the things we’ll have discussed up to that point. The talk will be part of the podcast show called Design Pai Bon Pai.

Editors and musicians, too?
The concept of Thainess differs from one person to another. That’s why it’s so interesting to have people from other lines of work at the forum as well. For example, to me, a street hawker is more Thai than a kanok pattern. So, sometimes when you think something is uniquely Thai, it might not be the case for the next person. Also, graphic designers never work alone, so I’d like to pick everyone’s brain.

In your opinion, where’s the Thai identity in design?
I’d say it’s with the designer.

What’s next for you?
Next year we’ll be focusing on vernacular design and how it’s been applied to modern design. Think traditional Chinese calendars, the movie Fah Talai Jone and the Chok Dee shopping bag.

Catch Santi Lawrachawee at IMTGD 2010: Somewhere Thai