"First Thai nude photographer" at Garden Seaview Resort, Pattaya Naklua.

Unexpected events often occur when we least expect them. Just like our recent stay at the Garden Seaview Resort Pattaya, we never imagined we would encounter such prominent figures in the literary, journalistic, and photographic worlds.

Advertisement

As we strolled along the hotel's private beach and expansive gardens, shaded by lush trees that extended to the tip of the headland, we stumbled upon something unexpected. Amidst the vibrant greenery and the striking red of the "Phra Pho Thong Shrine," a pagoda or stupa stood tall on a high base, adorned with a sculpted bust of a middle-aged man.

Advertisement

We later learned that the original owner of the land was Mom Luang Toy Xoomsai. However, we did not simply glance at the statue. We stood there, gazing at the sculpture with its determined gaze, staring directly back at us. Although it appeared old and weathered, covered in water stains, we could sense its power and determination. It was not the kind of statue that ordinary people would erect simply to commemorate their ancestors.

Shrine of the Golden Bodhi Tree Father

After returning from Pattaya, we sought information about the owner of the upper body statue located next to his own stupa at the end of the cape. According to Wikipedia,

**Mom Luang Toi Chumsai** (January 28, 1906 - 1961) was a Thai journalist, writer, and photographer. He was a pioneer in nude photography in Thailand, and in the 1930s, he served as a mentor to Rong Wongsawan, introducing him to the world of journalism.

Mom Luang Toi was the son of Phraya Sihasakd Snidvongs (Mom Rajawongse Thad Chumsae, son of Mom Chao Prawit Chumsae and Mom Chao Ying Saraphi Snidvongs) and Khunying Sihasakd Snidvongs (Ti Phokasombat, daughter of Khun Phokasombat (Aem) and Nang Phokasombat (Aem)). He was born in a house behind Wat Sangkhawat Wisaiyaram, Bang Lamphu, and had seven siblings.

He has three children: Patchanee Chumsai Na Ayudhya, the director of the Rattanakosin Thai Cuisine program; Sihasak Chumsai Na Ayudhya (Tom), a photographer like his father; and Lakshaman Chumsai Na Ayudhya, the owner of Krua Chumsai restaurant.

He attended high school at Thepsirin School, where he was a classmate of Choti Praepan (Yai Khop) and a contemporary of Kulap Saipradit, Sod Kuromarod, and Malai Chupinij.

Mom Luang Toem passed away in 1961. His cremation ceremony was held at Wat Makut Kasatriyaram on March 8, 1962.

The stupa at the tip of the cape

Mom Luang Toi Chumsai was a pioneering photographer who captured the first nude portraits of women in Thailand. He is considered the "first nude photographer in Thailand." He was also a pioneering writer in Thailand, alongside his contemporaries "Sri Burapha" and "Ya Khop."

"Not pornography, but rather nude art," declared M.L. Toey Chumsai in response to public criticism of his nude photographs. This exchange occurred during the "State-Nationalism" era of Field Marshal Plaek Phibunsongkhram, when the Thai state sought to control the lives and thoughts of its citizens, dictating everything from their daily routines to their participation in wars of expansion.

The nude photographs of Mom Luang Toy are more than just images of a woman undressed. They represent a challenge to state authority and the societal norms of conformity. They reflect her courage in exploring the beauty of Thai women, the model's confidence in her body, and the fantasy images that Thai men hold of the opposite sex.

The stupa of Mom Luang Toi Chumsai, the first nude photographer of Thailand.

"The post-World War II era under the rule of Field Marshal P. Phibunsongkhram was a period of fascinating cultural control. The government dictated what people should do, eat, and even how they should sleep. Mom Luang Toi's photographic work went against the grain, featuring nude women. This sparked controversy, with some questioning why a member of the royal family would engage in such activities. However, Mom Luang Toi's persistence in this style suggests a bold, unconventional spirit and a genuine passion for his work."

The nude photographs of Mom Luang Thawipongse were published in the magazine "Chao Krung" approximately three times. These were not overly revealing nudes, with shadows and light used to obscure certain areas. This demonstrates that even publications considered "progressive" at the time had limitations in their acceptance of nude photography. Mom Luang Thawipongse played a crucial role in establishing the notion that nude photography was not inherently indecent. He sought to demonstrate to society that the female body was not something to be ashamed of or concealed. He argued that nudity was not always negative and could empower women with self-respect. This marked a significant step in shifting societal attitudes towards nudity.

Advertisement

(Left) Mom Luang Toi Chumsai (Right) His work

"Mom Luang Toi was likely the first to create artistic nude photography, rather than simply photographing naked women, which would be considered obscene. Mom Luang Toi's photographs demonstrate deliberate lighting, model posing, location selection, and other details that reveal thoughtful planning. Mom Luang Toi built a bungalow in Pattaya, with one specifically designed as a nude photography studio with an open roof for natural light. Upon completion, the work was presented to the public at a Red Cross event, enclosed by a curtain with an entry fee. Photo albums were also sold, demonstrating a serious and professional approach. The artistic intent was paramount. The models were well-educated and respected, and the poses, while revealing the beauty of the human form, were not suggestive or offensive."

This is an interview with Manid from Kadmandoo Photo Gallery, conducted as part of the "Seeking Forgotten Thai Photographers" project. The interview features Manid discussing the nude photographs of Mom Luang Toi Chumsai, presented as a tribute to a "master photographer" in 2012. (http://www.portfolios.net/forum/topics/2988839:Topic:2288507)

Your nude photography work.

It is a pleasure to meet one of Thailand's most memorable artists. Although it is only a stupa, it still inspires us to research his history and work to get to know and admire "Thailand's first nude photographer" Mom Luang Toi Chumsai.

Garden Sea View Resort Hotel.
207/1 M.5 Pattaya-Naklua Rd., Pattaya City, Chonburi 20150

Phone: 038 - 226070 - 80
Fax: 038 - 2260-69
Email: rsvn@gardenseaviewresort.com

Garden Sea View Resort Image