Type Around the World – Get To Know Bangkok, Thailand

A portrait of Nalat. 

1. Tell us a bit about yourself and your foundry. 
I’m Nalat Jaturapattarapong, Senior Type Designer and International Correspondent at Cadson Demak, a Bangkok-based foundry that was established to enhance the quality of typography in Thailand and the surrounding region. My fascination with type design began in a typography class, where I discovered the art and precision behind placing vowels on Thai consonants. Since joining Cadson Demak in 2020, I’ve worked on a range of type design and consultancy projects for both local and international clients.  

Outside of work, I have a passion for collecting portable typewriters. I also enjoy sharing my knowledge through workshops and mentorship, hoping to inspire others who might not yet know the thrill of perfectly placed vowels and tone marks. 

2. Tell us about your city. What do you love about it? What’s distinctive about it? 
Bangkok is a city of contrasts — vibrant, chaotic, and full of hidden beauty. It’s where modern skyscrapers and shopping malls stand shoulder to shoulder with busy wet markets and street stalls, each with vernacular signs that reflect Thailand’s rich cultural identity.  

A typical old-meets-new scene in Bangkok. 

Tradition and innovation coexist here in fascinating ways, from centuries-old scripts tucked away in quiet corners to bold, experimental typefaces emerging from its creative core. There’s always something unexpected to uncover, and that constant interplay of old and new is what makes Bangkok so inspiring. 

3. Where would you take someone visiting your city for the first time to explore its creative heart? 
I would take them to neighborhoods near the Chao Phraya River, specifically Thanon Phra Athit (ถนนพระอาทิตย์) or Yaowarat Road (ถนนเยาวราช).  

Yaowarat Road in Bangkok. 

These areas have a rich history. Thanon Phra Athit is known for its historic buildings and Yaowarat Road is known for its vibrant Chinatown culture. Both streets are filled with old lettering and vernacular signage that are fascinating to see — offering a unique glimpse into the city’s creativity and its evolving visual identity. 

Classic signage on Thanon Phra Athit.  

4. What’s a typeface that you think represents the spirit of your city and why? (Or, alternatively, what typeface is your city known for and why?) 
Bangkok is so diverse that it’s hard to pick just one typeface to represent it! The traditional Thai letters you see on temples and old shop signs show the city’s rich heritage, while the cleaner, more contemporary styles on billboards reflect its fast-paced city vibe.  

Modern lettering on a Bangkok train. 

A vintage shop sign. 

You’ll see this mix everywhere, from bustling street markets to sleek skyscrapers, and it perfectly captures Bangkok’s unique balance of old and new.