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I feel honored to have the opportunity to interview Pairoj Pichetmetakul during a time when he barely has a moment to spare, as he prepares to travel and promote the film in which he stars as the leading character.
Homeless is a film based on his real-life experiences working as
an artist drawing portraits for homeless individuals in New York
City. This was after he traveled abroad to work and further his art
studies following his graduation from the Faculty of Painting,
Sculpture, and Graphic Arts at Silpakorn University. At that time,
communication and sharing work became easier with the rise of
the internet and social media. For more than ten years since I
added him as a friend on Facebook, I have seen him walking the
streets, meeting homeless people, and drawing portraits for
them. Street work is not always easy, especially with the
unpredictable emotions of people he encounters.
Not long after, he returned to Thailand and continued working
just as hard—such as painting murals inside correctional facilities
alongside teams of artists and inmates interested in art. As time
passed, his story caught the attention of Kantana’s film
producers. Director Jariya Mungwatana and her team began
documenting his daily life. The story follows him as he leaves
home to draw portraits for homeless people around the world,
filming in New York, Paris, London, Bangkok, and the Rohingya
refugee camps.
His recorded memories have now become a compelling
documentary film set to be screened and submitted to
international festivals.
The preparation and production of this project took more than
seven years.
JY.
Please tell us about your childhood—your hometown,
education, and family.
PP.
I was born and raised in Bangkok. I graduated with a
vocational certificate from the College of Fine Arts and later
earned my degree from the Faculty of Painting, Sculpture, and
Graphic Arts at Silpakorn University in 2007.
As a child, I loved drawing "Dragon Ball" characters and would
give my drawings to classmates regularly. I also submitted my
artwork for school competitions every year—such as Science Day
and Sunthorn Phu Day. After school, I always played basketball
in the evenings.
I’ve always loved eating hamburgers from McDonald’s.
JY.
Tell us about your journey working in the United States as a
“Thai artist” living and working in New York before returning to
Thailand permanently.
PP.
In 2010, I planned to study English in New York for one
year. I worked at a Thai restaurant and traveled whenever I could
to gain new experiences.
After that, I had the opportunity to study a one-year master’s
program at the Academy of Art University in San Francisco.
Studying there opened up my world—I met friends from many
countries, exchanged languages, art, and culture. Every day was
exciting and fun. America has huge libraries and many great
museums. I enjoyed life there so much that I stayed for a total of
nine years before deciding to return home.
While in New York, drawing homeless individuals helped me
rediscover myself.”
It helped me understand the environment, society, and the role
of an artist—who can do more than simply “create images,” but
can use art to “connect people” and “build understanding.” His
work became “social art,” especially focused on the homeless
community.
I began the project of drawing portraits for homeless individuals
in San Francisco while studying at the university, and continued
it after moving to New York. I believed that in large, developed
cities, there are always homeless people sitting on the streets
seeking help.
I went out to draw homeless individuals every Monday through
Friday.
They would teach me English and share American history with
me. In return, I taught them how to draw and gave them their
portraits. Over time, I gained more and more friends on the
streets.
I continued this for about four years. Local media began covering
the project, and museums and galleries became interested in
exhibiting my work. Many people joined in drawing and helping
the homeless community.
Art is not just about creating or selling images.It is a *tool* that
gives a voice to those overlooked by society—especially homeless
individuals who are often harassed or ignored.
Drawing large portraits of homeless people in major cities
becomes a reflection of social issues. It brings visibility, dignity,
hope, and pride back to those individuals. It is not merely
drawing—it opens space, raises questions, and invites everyone to
work together to address these issues and create a better society.
In my view, art alone cannot change everything. It requires
collaboration from all sectors.
For me, “art” is not just about creating or selling images—it is a
*tool* to give a voice to those overlooked by society, especially
the homeless.
Drawing homeless individuals helped me to rediscover
myself—understanding the environment, society, and the role of
an artist who can do more than just draw, but can connect
people” and build understanding.”
JY.
In your view, what is the role of art in contemporary society?
What themes or emotions do you aim to express through your
work? After returning to Thailand for six years, what has been
your main work? Please share examples.**
PP.
In my view, contemporary art can be a powerful medium for
presenting social issues—directly or indirectly. If we create
meaningful art, it can uplift people’s spirits or even help improve
the country. For example, in New York, artists, architects,
scientists, and politicians work together to design the city—its
buildings, sculptures, and public parks—making it beautiful and
attracting many visitors.
After returning to Thailand, I continued working on art and social
projects. For example, I painted with inmates in Ratchaburi
Central Prison across all nine zones for six months.
I also painted a four kilometer flood barrier wall with local
villagers in Sing Buri Province to inspire and set an example for
younger generations to contribute to society.
JY.
One day, after people saw your continuous work, your life
story became a film produced by Kantana. (You may mention
names, places, and anything else you’d like to share.)
PP
. About ten years ago, I met P’Nong—Wongthanong
Chainarongsingh (founder of "a day")—in New York. We talked,
and I shared my life and work with him. He suggested creating a
film following my life, and sent director Jariya Mungwatana and
her team to document my daily activities. The story follows me as
I leave home to draw portraits for homeless people around the
world, filming in New York, Paris, London, Bangkok, and the
Rohingya refugee camps.
Filming took seven years, and editing took three years.
The film is titled Homeless. Homeless but not hopeless.
It has already premiered at Kantana. The film will first travel to
international film festivals before being released in Thai cinemas
around mid-year.
JY.
How do you envision your artistic path in the future—in
terms of technique, materials, or themes you want to explore? Do
you have any projects you wish to experiment with next?
PP.
I believe good art begins with ideas. I may not create very
large works like before—perhaps smaller pieces, but with strong
concepts and meaningful messages. That still carries power.
Lately, I’ve been interested in education. In the future, I want to
work on this topic—supporting young people, encouraging them
to see more of the world, and bringing back knowledge and
experience to help develop Thailand.
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