Ampannee Satoh stands as one of the few female photographic artists in Thailand whose work intimately explores the social and cultural phenomena of her homeland, the Pattani region. Located in the deep south of the country, Pattani has been marked by a long history of conflict. This region is predominantly Muslim, a characteristic that has long shaped the identity and struggles of its people. Historically, the community has faced marginalization under ethno-nationalist pressures that have attempted to suppress their cultural expression and artistic heritage.



The unrest between Muslim and Buddhist communities dates back decades. Home to a predominantly Malay-Muslim population, this region has struggled with tensions driven by differences in culture, religion, and historical injustices. For years, there have been ongoing tensions fuelled by political, cultural and economic marginalization, which has resulted in violent outbreaks and a climate of distrust between the Thai government and local Muslim communities.
Through her powerful imagery, Ampannee sheds light on the complexities of cultural identity, displacement, faith and resilience. Her work offers a visual narrative that reveals the profound sense of loss, longing, and hope that characterizes her community.
I was able to chat to Ampannee about her journey as an artist, her reflections on the socio-political context of Pattani and some of the challenges she faces as a female artist working in a space marked by conflict and cultural repression.


Growing up in Pattani, Ampannee picked up a small, ordinary camera as a child “to capture moments with my family.” What started as a simple curiosity, blossomed into a passion for photography during her university years. She spent four years learning and experimenting, discovering her love for the craft and dedicating her life to it.
After studying Photography at l’Ecole Nationale Superieure de la Photographie at Arles, in France, Ampannee returned to Thailand to do a Master of Fine Art at Silpakorn University. Her time in France shaped her artistic focus considerably as did the growing unrest back at home. Now, as a Photography lecturer at Rangsit University in Thailand, she remains steadfast in her commitment to representing the causes that are closest to her heart.
“I have often felt like a refugee in my own country” she went on to explain, “and the historical and ongoing conflicts in Thailand have significantly impacted my identity and perspective. Growing up with a different culture and way of life than the majority, I often felt like an outsider. The various conflicts have only reinforced this feeling of isolation.”
This sentiment is deeply reflected in her work, particularly in her project “Lost Motherland” (2018), where she raises “questions about homeland, diaspora and the everyday life of migrants’”.



The feeling of alienation was particularly intense when she first moved to Bangkok, where she often faced stereotypes and uncomfortable questions about her home region. Questions like “Is your home scary?” or “Are there bombs in your area?” highlighted the misconceptions held by those unfamiliar with the conflict in southern Thailand. And being a Muslim woman in a predominantly Buddhist country added another layer to her experience, emphasising her “in-betweenness” and reinforcing her sense of being different.
Ampannee’s empathy extends beyond her immediate community to other marginalised groups. She has expressed solidarity with the Rohingya refugees and other Muslim communities displaced around the world. “Through my art, I aim to give a voice to the marginalised and raise awareness about the challenges faced by communities around the world, including my own. By exploring themes of conflict, displacement and inequality, I hope to foster empathy, understanding and social change.”
The women in her work are often portrayed as silent yet powerful figures – “seemingly gathered to mourn a collective pain, standing as mute witnesses to tragedy.” These portrayals are a tribute to the resilience of women in her community. “Historically, women have been relegated to limited roles and often marginalized in society,” she explained. “However, I believe that we have the right to equality and self-expression, just like any other human being.” Ampannee sees women as powerful agents of change, capable of challenging oppression and fighting for equality.
Despite dealing with heavy topics such as political unrest and displacement, she maintains hope through her creative process. “Initially, I saw photography as a tool for documenting the world around me. However, I gradually realized its potential to inspire and educate.” She further explained that through her lens she seeks to capture the beauty and complexity of human existence, encouraging empathy and understanding. “This newfound purpose has empowered me to overcome my fears and share my perspective with the world.”


One of her most riveting projects was her 2011 solo exhibition “Burqa”, held at the Kathmandu Photo Gallery in Bangkok. Inspired by her experiences in Arles, France, where the public display of religious symbols was restricted, she sought to explore religious freedom and the challenges faced by Muslim women. “To challenge this discriminatory law, I commissioned my mother to create vibrant Burqas from my hometown of Pattani and send them to France. Over the course of one year, I travelled throughout France, photographing women wearing these Burqas in iconic locations. The resulting exhibition in Arles and Bangkok, aimed to raise awareness about the importance of religious tolerance and the right to express one’s faith freely.”


Her journey as an artist has evolved over time and recently, she began to incorporate video alongside her photography. “I think that some works require motion to effectively convey my ideas. For example, the waves of the sea on a boat symbolize the challenges faced by migrants.”
Throughout her career, she has drawn inspiration from other artists. She admires Ai Wei Wei’s ability to “use art as a powerful tool for social commentary and human rights advocacy.” While appreciating his versatility, it is his thought-provoking ideas and unwavering commitment to justice that resonate most deeply with her.
Ampannee’s journey, deeply intertwined with the conflicts and complexities of southern Thailand, serve as a reminder of the power of art to navigate and communicate the nuances of identity and belonging. Through her lens, she not only captures the world around her but also invites others to engage with the deeper narratives of existence, ultimately fostering empathy and understanding across cultural divides.