Neither Red nor Yellow- Facing Death

Bangkok is the capital city of more that 10 million people. With only a few emergency services available, a volunteer group began to run its own ambulances to fill the gap. These volunteers often face gruesome situation at accident sites to rescue the trapped, tending to the injured and administering to the dead. Most are unpaid, volunteering their time for the cause. In the past, they were nicknamed “Body Snatchers” after the highly publicized fight between rival groups over body at accident scene. These volunteers strongly believe that by helping the injured and deceased, they are making merit and good karma.

This week, I have the privilege to follow a team of highly motivated individuals. A seemingly quiet day can turn into a mad rush within seconds and the traffic in Bangkok is not the most ideal situation to be in if you had an emergency. The driving skill and dedication of these volunteers are highly commendable. 

Having the freedom of access, I am able to photograph almost anything i wanted. However, some of the scene were extremely gruesome and I soon realized the problem of taste and decency of the images that I will be creating. It is important for me to highlight the fragility of life and the "dirty job" some of these volunteers are willing to do even without being paid a single cent. I would need to find a balance between what is acceptable to the viewers and yet strong enough to create an impact. Blood and gore is very much part of the job and this is what makes this group of volunteers so unique.  2 more nights to go and I am still hoping to get some decent shot that is good enough for the show.

It is not all drama and action, for us, the day started with a delivery of donated goods to the Thais Navy.

The kind volunteers of Ruamkatanyu Foundation.

The green volunteer t-shirt. Kindly given to me by a celebrity volunteer, Bin Banloerit. 

 Thai muslim cuisine for lunch,  can't decide if it is chicken rice or nasi bryani but it is really good!!

Thai glutinous rice with mango for desert.

With the chef and lunch buddy, Yok, a volunteer turned regular of the foundation.

At a private function to receive an award on behalf of the foundation. Their charity work are highly recognized by the government and private sector.

One moment we were having dinner at a nice restaurant, the next minute we were rushing toward an accident scene. Just as I thought my day is going to end without any actual work done, I was wrong. (Travelling in a pickup truck)

After covering the body of the victim in a hit-and-run accident, the volunteers have to wait for the police to arrive to investigate before removing it to the hospital mortuary. 

A fellow photographer and volunteer medic with her own ambulance.

The day started at 10 am and by the time we got home, it was 2 am the next morning. The heavy rain had flooded the road on our way home. "A long day" is an understatement.