“I arrived in London, England, for the first time in my life on 31 March 2025. The first train station I walked to from my new accommodation was Victoria Station. The very first phrase I clearly heard there was:
“See it. Say it. Sorted.”
This phrase followed me from station to station, echoing in my ears throughout my time in London. I still carry these three phrases with me to this day.

I also brought with me an old book, Nirat London, written in 1861 during the reign of King Rama IV by Mom Rachothai (M.R. Kratai Isarangkun Na Ayutthaya), describing a journey to London long ago. I carry this book and read it alongside my own reflections, traveling back in time over a hundred years.

My own Nirat*, titled The Nirat of Parallel Rails, stems from my family’s livelihood around the railway. Elements of railroad weave back and forth through different periods of my life. Inspired by the three phrases “See it. Say it. Sorted.”, now it is my turn: Write it! Read it! Sing it!

I hope this journey along the railways carries with it the overlooked, the forgotten, bringing them back to walk together once again.

I am originally from Thailand and currently live between Bangkok and Berlin. The Nirat of Parallel Rails began its journey in late December 2024, where I started collecting words, sentences, and reflecting on travel memories up till this present moment in London. I invite you to join me in unpacking the first drafts of this Nirat — some nearly complete, others still waiting to be filled.”

—Orawan Arunrak

*Nirat is a form of classical Thai poetry that narrates personal journeys, emotions, or separations. It uses vivid imagery and narrative structures to express feelings of longing or reflection on experiences, often related to travel or distance.

First Draft, The Nirat of Parallel Rails