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Krabi
Province is a
captivating coastal
area that attracts
tourists from all over
the world who wish to
experience its stunning
seas and a town that
has preserved its
natural beauty while
conserving
Thailand’s marine
environment. Bancha Ma
moved his family to Ao
Nang Subdistrict, Krabi
Province. Ao Nang
Beach, located in the
Noppharat Thara-Mu Ko
Phi Phi National Park,
considered one of
Krabi’s key
tourist destinations.
It offers beautiful
beaches and, after
moving there, Bancha
initiated several
projects. His
Thai-Muslim family
found joy in creating a
studio, a gallery, and
accommodations for
travelers to stay,
engage in artistic
activities, and spend
weeks or even longer by
the sea.
For over a decade, he
has added vibrancy and
value to small local
tourism businesses
through art and
artistic activities.
With his exceptional
watercolor skills and
generosity in teaching
others to paint, along
with his family’s
smiles and
environmental
awareness, he has
become one of
Thailand’s
leading watercolor
artists.
I last met him at a
one-hour watercolor
painting demonstration
at:
The CMU 60th
Anniversary World
Master’s
Watercolor Exposition,
“Lanna
Lanscape”
February 2025 at the Art Museum, Chiang Mai University
JY.
Could you tell us about your educational background? Was
there something that sparked your interest in art during your
youth?
BM.
I didn’t graduate directly in art; I earned a bachelor’s degree
in architecture. But in reality, architectural design is a branch of
art, it shares the same foundational principles. As for my interest
in art, I can remember liking drawing since I was a child. Perhaps
this was because I grew up in a family where my father was a local
craftsman who could fix and make anything, my mother was a
designer and tailor, and my older brother, although studying
construction, was very good at drawing. These influences seeped
in little by little without me realizing it. As a child, I enjoyed
drawing, entering children’s art competitions, and crafting things
from natural materials. As a teenager, I wanted to study fine arts
but, due to various limitations, chose architecture because it felt
closely related.
I liked experimenting with various art forms, pencil drawing, pen
sketches, acrylics, and watercolors. But I began seriously painting
watercolors about 15-16 years ago, after moving my family from
Bangkok to Krabi. When I first arrived in Krabi, I traveled
extensively throughout the province and nearby areas,
discovering fascinating places, diverse local cultures, and
breathtaking nature. I wanted to document these journeys in
watercolor, which led to my personal blog, A Watercolor Journey
of Thoughts under the blogger name Smile-Andaman. I’ve been
painting watercolors consistently ever since.
JY.
Before starting the Relax@Krabi Home Gallery project, what
was your regular job, and how did it influence your artistic vision?
BM.
Before Relax@Krabi Home Gallery, I was an architect
running my own small firm in Krabi. My main work involved
designing hotels, resorts, restaurants, vacation homes, and
residential houses. Naturally, when I began painting watercolors,
my architectural background influenced my style—I focused on
architectural subjects, light, color, shadow, and realistic details.
Even my perspectives often carry the influence of an architect,
such as using aerial views.
JY.
What inspired you to start The Relax@Krabi Home Gallery?
How does this project differ from your past work?
BM.
It started in 2014. I dreamed of having a studio to create art
with a space to exhibit my work and wanted to expand my design
office. I was fortunate to find a new location near a tourist area in
Ao Nang’s small hotel zone. This sparked the idea to add
accommodations for travelers. Thus, the Home Gallery concept
was born: visitors to Krabi’s beaches could stay in a gallery and
artist’s studio, exchange experiences, learn art from local artists,
or purchase artworks as souvenirs.
The concept was very well received by tourists, likely because it
differed from other accommodations in Krabi. We embraced a
Thai-style hospitality, caring for guests like family.
This project experiments with using art and artistic activities to
enhance and add value to small local tourism businesses. Over
nearly 10 years, we’ve hosted guests and art students from more
than 80 countries worldwide.
JY.
From your perspective, how does watercolor art convey
emotions or stories, especially in the context of Krabi or southern
Thailand?
BM.
Watercolor is one of many artistic mediums, like oil or
acrylics, but it’s more convenient (though not necessarily easier).
You can pick it up and paint anytime, making it accessible to a
wider audience—it’s straightforward and easy to appreciate. How
watercolor communicates depends on each artist’s skill. Some use
bold, decisive strokes that reflect their seasoned experience, while
others use intricate details that evoke subtle emotions. But in all
cases, watercolor’s unique qualities—its transparency, softness,
saturation, and luminosity—must be preserved.
Today, watercolor has gained tremendous popularity across
Thailand and abroad. Many Thai watercolor artists have earned
international recognition.
Relax@Krabi Home Gallery integrates art and artistic activities
into small community accommodations, adding charm and
business value. It differs from conventional hotels, appealing to
tourists who appreciate art or want to experience it firsthand.
This concept could be adapted for similar accommodations
elsewhere.
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