Wanghin Lab: Where Small Things Are Held Gently

I Entered a Room Full of Insects and Left with Something More

It was my summer break, and like many quiet afternoons, I found myself scrolling, looking for something different to do. Something recreational, something meaningful, something that could take me out of my usual routine.

That’s when I came across an insect pinning workshop at Wanghin Lab on Instagram.

At first, it was just curiosity.

However, curiosity has always been where things begin for me.

From Familiar Creatures to New Worlds

I’ve always been drawn to small, often overlooked life forms. In my own space, I care for snails, frogs, and even vampire crabs. These are creatures that many people might pass by without a second glance.

But insects? That was a world I had not yet explored.

Maybe that’s why the workshop felt like an invitation, not just to learn a new skill, but to step into a different perspective of nature.

Not a Classroom, but a Home

The moment I entered, I realized this wasn’t going to be a typical workshop.

It didn’t feel like a classroom.

It felt like a home.

The space resembled a living room filled with life. There are enclosures of insects carefully arranged, each one holding something fascinating. It wasn’t staged or overly formal. It felt personal, lived-in, and deeply connected to the passion of the person running it.

The session began with an introduction to the instructor’s collection.

And it was impressive.

From large grasshoppers to hissing cockroaches to small, vividly colored beetles, he seemed to have everything. Each specimen told a story, and you could sense the dedication behind it.

Learning the Craft, Slowly

After the introduction, we were given a short lecture on the history and process of insect pinning, just enough to give context without overwhelming beginners.

Then, we began.

I was assigned a brown-colored weevil, which the instructor mentioned was local to Thailand. At first, it seemed simple. However, once I started, I realized how delicate the process really was.

Every movement required intention.

There was a moment when I struggled, especially with flattening the legs of the specimen. I wasn’t sure how much pressure to apply without damaging it.

The instructor noticed.

He came over, not to take over, but to guide.

He showed me how to do it, adjusted my technique, and then let me continue. He didn’t remove the challenge; he made it manageable.

And that made all the difference.

A Space That Feels Inclusive

As the only foreigner in the group, I initially thought I might feel out of place.

But I didn’t.

The participants were kind in a quiet, genuine way. Some made the effort to explain things in English or translate certain parts so I could follow along.

The instructor was equally thoughtful. He would naturally shift between Thai and English throughout the session, making sure I wasn’t left behind.

It wasn’t something dramatic, but it mattered.

It made the space feel welcoming.

Beyond the Activity

During the session, the instructor also shared insights about butterflies after learning that I was interested in breeding them.

It wasn’t formal, just small conversations, naturally woven into the experience.

But those moments stayed with me.

It was about opening a door to a new kind of curiosity.

Reconnecting in a Busy City

In a city like Bangkok, nature often feels distant, something we pass by rather than truly engage with.

Experiences like this remind us that even the smallest forms of life deserve attention.

Spaces like Wanghin Lab are not just about teaching a skill. They quietly create opportunities for people to reconnect with nature in a more personal and intentional way.

An Honest Take

As a workshop, it is beginner-friendly, well-paced, and thoughtfully guided.

You don’t need prior experience, just curiosity.

If you’re expecting something highly technical, it may feel like an introductory course.

But if you’re looking for:

• a calm, hands-on experience
• a welcoming environment
• and a meaningful way to engage with nature

Then, it delivers more than expected.

Final Thoughts

I joined the workshop simply looking for something to do during my break.

I didn’t expect to feel inspired.

However, somewhere between careful movements, patient guidance, and quiet conversations, something shifted.

It reminded me that there are still small worlds waiting to be explored.

And sometimes, all it takes is a simple decision “to show up” for that world to begin opening.