Sirachai (Shin) Arunrugstichai is an emerging photographer based in Bangkok, Thailand. He has a background in marine biology and initially used photography to document coral reef biodiversity for researchers while working with marine conservation groups. Later he realised that his images could make a bigger impact if he created them for a more public audience. He has freelanced for several organisations and publications, including the International Union for Conservation of Nature and National Geographic Thailand.
While working as a photographer, Shin has remained active in the scientific community and is researching the conservation biology of Thailand’s sharks. His story ‘Disappearing predator’ has recently been published in National Geographic Thailand. He has also won numerous local awards.
Thomas commented that Shin’s coverage of by-catch and overfishing ‘blew him away’, adding that this is ‘an incredibly difficult subject to photograph’. He was also impressed by Shin’s ‘wonderful sense of humour’. Kathy highlighted his ‘strong sense of style, narrative and understanding of conservation issues’ and said that ‘his story was particularly strong and highlighted his sense of narrative and the visual pacing necessary for photojournalism’.
After meeting with Kathy and Thomas at the National Geographic offices in Washington, DC, Shin will travel to Bimini in The Bahamas to shoot a story about the impact of development on its fragile ecosystem and Justin will head to Miami to photograph human–wildlife conflict in South Florida.
