Despite being neatly tucked between the Saen Saeb canal and Bangkok's ancient city walls, the Pom Mahakan community has been under constant threat for over two decades.
Ever since City Hall decided to move forward with its plan to transform the old-town site into a public park, families living in its centenarian wooden houses are fighting back, having taken to court in hopes of overturning their fates and resisting both eviction and demolition orders, to little avail.
The time-honoured community's struggle has been documented by Italian photographer and journalist Jan Daga, who presents next week an exhibition of photographs taken within the Mahakan Fort walls. "Last Stand For Pom Mahakan" includes vivid portraits of the community members as they are seeking to retain their homes and see the site's historical significance recognised by city officials.
The week-long show -- which will open on Tuesday at the SEA-Junction space, within the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre -- also documents the Mahakan Fort area's transformation from a thriving traditional arts and crafts hub to a future gentrified tourist attraction.
While the eviction and demolition plans have been spanning out over the last few years, City Hall inches closer to seeing its plan achieved, despite protests from urban planners, academics and civil-society members. Daga's photographs could soon become a reflection of a bygone community and architectural site. On opening night, the photographer will discuss his work with the audience while two renowned academics will make their case for the Pom Mahakan community's preservation. Silpakorn University's Chatri Prakitnonthakan and Harvard University's Michael Hertzfeld, who have been powerful voices advocating for the conservation of this historical site, will once more make their case.
The discussion event will take place on Tuesday Jan 16 at 5.30 pm. The exhibition will run until Jan 22.
For more information, visit the event's Facebook page, Last Stand For Pom Mahakan, or visit the photographer's website www.jandaga.com
