The photos that Peerapat Wimolrungkarat takes of Abhisit Vejjajiva get you closer to the prime minister than any formal portrait or newspaper "grip-and-grin" handshake shot ever will.
Snapped through a door left ajar or alongside his desk - as though you're deep in consultation with the PM - Peerapat's pictures appear on the website of the Prime Minister's Office, www.PM.go.th.
Even in the mayhem of a media scrum, he goes for the mood and the human touch, getting far more casual images than those appearing in the news media.
PM's Office Minister Satit Wongnongtaey recruited the 29-year-old for the website, which is intended to keep people informed about the leader of the land in an interesting and easy-to-read format.
Peerapat feels no pressure to make Abhisit look good, though.
"I've never even thought about it," he says. "I just try to present another view of the PM. My principle goal is to take pictures that people will like to see."
Peerapat has come to appreciate the trust that Satit and Abhisit have shown him, letting him decide what to shoot and when.
He switches camera lenses according to need, but his 50mm gives a wide perspective and requires Peerapat to get close, making viewers feel like they're right on the scene.
It wasn't that way from the start: Early on Peerapat didn't dare get too close, and it took Abhisit a while to grow comfortable with his presence. But they've become used to each other, resulting in more natural images.
"You can see the first pictures were very stiff," Peerapat says, "but he gradually opened the door wider for me.
"I was delighted when he said to me, 'Nice pictures!'"
Peerapat is at the premier's side for most public events, though not during his personal time.
He usually takes Sundays off, but says the job doesn't feel like work. "I feel odd when I'm not taking pictures, so this job is fun."
Peerapat is at Government House early and spends all days dogging Abhisit, anywhere he goes.
"The prime minister is very determined and hard-working," he says, impressed that the boss doesn't throw his weight around.
"He's a leader who doesn't lose track of himself. He's natural with the people close to him."
Not particularly interested in politics but always prowling for a good casual shot, Peerapat has ended up in decidedly political situations - at times coming within earshot of heavy conversations among key government players.
"I have to know my place and consider whether I should be there. If they're discussing their work, it's not for me to be listening."
Peerapat got interested in photography in high school and his skills developed while he was studying architecture at Assumption University. He's been a devoted shutterbug since his freshman days and took a course in his final year.
"I wanted to be the faculty's photo library," he laughs. "I collected all the pictures so that when someone wanted a print, they'd have to come to me!"
To this day uses film and hoards negatives, shunning digital cameras.
Gaining more experience while taking photos of construction models and buildings, Peerapat contributed to architectural and other magazines.
The long-time freelancer has never entered a photo contest - he hates competition - but he loves to share his work and welcomes others using it. His shots are posted online with the sole request that credit be given if the pictures are reused.
The premier's office site is also a freelance job, and Peerapat has no idea how long it will last, but he's happy to do it without thinking about drawbacks or any benefits that might accrue.
"The job is a lot harder than the thesis I did in college," he says, "but I keep practising and developing my skills every day. It's like a writer - if he doesn't write, his potential will stay the same or just drop off."