'The first thing I tell any visitor is 'you have to check out the flowers. You have to broaden your imagination first. Then we'll take a walk together, slowly'," said Katai Kamminga as she welcomed visitors to her Erotic Garden and Teahouse — a sensational spot, if not the controversial hub, of Mae Rim, Chiang Mai.
"I define eroticism as something that exists in all of us, just in different perspectives. To me, eroticism is beautiful. That's one word I have to describe it. Humans, at their foundation, are involved with eroticism. But culture, society and ideals are limiting our expression.
"I view everything as art and beauty. I don't see it as something 'unwatchable'. It's something we should study. And I want people who come in here to feel relaxed and let loose their imaginations."
Katai is no Chiang Mai local, coming from Ubon Ratchathani province. Aged 49, she is now married to an Australian archaeologist, and her family is based in Canberra. Some of the tea she serves comes from Australia.
At the entrance, after passing a fountain decorated with penises, a traditional Lanna mural painting of topless ladies greeted us into the green areas inside. The fragrance from a variety of flowers was a welcoming scent. Behind the mural, a collection of giant palad khik – traditionally a penis-shaped amulet – stood erect on the ground. And they come in all sizes and colours. Some are also used as an umbrella stand.
This originates from the Hindu belief of palad khik and lingam, related to the Hindu deity Shiva. Palad khik is quite a well-known amulet carried by many worshippers who believe it offers protection and fortune to the wearer.
Katai studied erotic arts for two years before turning her new-found obsession into this Erotic Garden. Nature and art complement each other well in this two-rai space. There are about 13 sculptures on display, as well different species of plants. From orchid to anthurium (flamingo flower), everything has an erotic meaning, according to Katai.
"If you look at each and every tree, you can see the distinct shape of their leaves. Some look like butterflies. Some are heart-shaped. It takes imagination to see the shapes and forms," she said.
"You can touch it, feel it, and let your imagination go. There's nothing wrong with it," said Katai as she pointed out different plants resembling human organs. "It's up to you whether you want to continue your imagination or just let it stay in front of you. Then, it's a question of whether there's a limit to your imagination. Where does your limit in thinking lie?"
While the plants may require some imagination to figure out their forms, the sculptures decorating the garden need no explanation. Walking around, visitors see golden buttocks that glint off the shining sunlight, a towering giant penis (also painted in gold), a sculpture of a naked woman lying on a green hill, and hills that resemble giant buttocks and a female body.
"See, even my onions look sexy," said Katai as she pointed to a nearby sculpture. It is an enormous onion in a shape that resembles womanhood.
Overlooking rice paddy fields outside, which also offer a splendid view during sunset, is a small hill that looks like a woman's breasts. The highlight of the garden, said Katai, is the white sculpture of a woman embracing a human-sized phallus.
Most of the artists who contributed their handiwork to this garden are fine arts students soon to graduate. Seeing their potential, Katai didn't hesitate to invite them to add their erotic creativity. The garden opened in January this year, and many conservative souls deemed this place an affront to the goodness and decency of Thai culture. But Katai said the public have been largely positive.
"Of course, a backlash was unavoidable. But it's always from those who've never been here instead of those who have been," she said. "Many families, Thai and foreign, have brought their family members and children into this garden. And I think it's very good that many families are open to their children's opinions, that they can share different points of view.
"As an adult, and a parent, we should let children learn about these things, not shut them out. This is so they know what should and shouldn't be done. We can't stop their thinking. We should instead guide them whether certain things are appropriate or not. The world is about acceptance, and this should include accepting different opinions as well. This place is not rated 18+. It is suitable for the whole family."
The Erotic Garden and Teahouse is open 10am-5pm daily, except on Monday. Garden entry costs 300 baht plus a complimentary drink. Student price is 150 baht. Visit www.chiangmaieroticgarden.com.
