‘Spending three months in Thailand was truly inspiring,’ says Ibiza-based photographer Ana Lui, who backpacked throughout Asia in 2009. However rather than focusing on famous colourful elements often portrayed in holiday snapshots, Ana found her lense drawn to the diverse everyday issues and plights of the Thai people, choosing black and white imagery to portray the raw essence of Thai life.

‘Originally I was overwhelmed with the colours and scents associated with Bangkok and Chang Mai, such as flowers, food, spices and the rivers. But then, the full extent of the poverty hit me, together with pollution, teenage prostitution and disrespectful tourists littering paradise beaches.’ She was also surprised at the relationships between people, nature and animals, given the belief in Buddhism and reincarnation prevalent throughout Asia.

‘While I was in Koh Lipe, I asked why there was no one cleaning the beaches. The authorities simply replied that it was western rubbish, and why would they clean up our mess?’ Rather than ignoring the situation, Ana chose to help by cleaning, supporting animal shelters and buying only from local markets and small businesses. ‘I really noticed that an individual can make a difference,’ she says.

Carrying books by Jiddu Krishnamurti on her travels, Ana sums up her trip by quoting the author: ‘Society cannot be changed unless man changes. Man created these societies for generation upon generation, out of our pettiness, narrowness, limitation, greed, envy, violence, ignorance, competition, and so on. Unless each one of us changes radically, society will never change.

‘So if you ever visit Thailand, please do pick up your rubbish!’ she adds.