Thailand’s Ministry of Culture, assigned by the government, joins hand with Siam Paragon to host ‘Forever in Thai Hearts,’ a photo exhibition portraying historical moments of Thai nation to mark the Royal Funeral of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej. Locals and visitors are invited to join a vowing campaign by recording their pledges to carry on his legacy and royal teaching. All images and video clips are to be included in ‘The People’s Archives’ memorial book. This exhibition runs from 19-30 November 2016 at Lifestyle Hall, 2nd Floor, Siam Paragon.
On this occasion, General Thanasak Pratimaprakorn, Deputy Prime Minister, presided over the opening ceremony on 19 November 2016. Joining the opening ceremony were Vira Rojpojchanarat, Minister of Culture, Chadatip Chutrakul, Executive of Siam Paragon, Thanpuying Angkarb Boonyatthiti, Khunying Charmaree Snidvongs Na Ayudhya and M.L. Kwanthip Devakul. As the highlight of the opening ceremony, the song ‘Kao Dern Tor Pai ’ or ‘Moving Ahead’ composed by Dolchai Boonyaratavej with the melody written by Pongpoon Pibulkasetkij was performed by Chitralada School Choir to encourage everyone in moving forward with conscience and hope.
General Thanasak Pratimaprakorn, Deputy Prime Minister, pointed out that “In making a memorial book titled ‘The People’s Archives’ and a documentary ‘Forever in Thai Hearts,’ the government has assigned Ministry of Culture to collect images and video clips contributed by public sectors, various organizations and medias. Aiming to preserve and publish Thailand’s historical moments related to the passing of the late monarch, highly revered by all Thais, we have received great feedback from people across the country. Over 30,000 images and video clips including images reflecting the sense of deepest respect and appreciation to His Majesty the Late King Bhumibol Adulyadej, images of mourners from near and far traveling to pay their respects before the royal remains as well as messages of condolences and heartfelt gratitude were shared via our provided platforms. Hence, we have also chosen images uploaded to Facebook , Line application and email to be exhibited at ‘Forever in Thai Hearts’ exhibition at The Bangkok National Museum since 28 October 2016.
“To offer wider opportunities for both Thais and foreigners in expressing their boundless gratitude to the late monarch and witnessing these historical moments, Ministry of Culture together with Siam Paragon has organized ‘Forever in Thai Hearts’ exhibition at Lifestyle Hall, Siam Paragon. On this occasion, 100 unseen images are specially curated to be on display.
Joining the Ministry of Culture, Mayuree Chaipromprasith, executive of Siam Paragon, added, “The passing of our revered King Bhumibol Adulyadej is the greatest loss and despair in the lives of all Thais nationwide. As his royal subjects, we would like to express our deep-felt gratitude and humble loyalty by organising ‘Forever in Thai Hearts’ photo exhibition. This exhibition narrates the story of a deep mutual bond between the longest serving monarch and his people through images and films portraying his lifelong works and devotion. We also would like to invite everyone to join a vowing campaign by recording the ‘do-good-deeds, follow-the-King’s-teaching’ videos, all of which are to be included in ‘The People’s Archives’ memorial book. In this exhibition, each participant will receive a portrait of His Majesty the Late King Bhumibol Adulyadej.”
Nopakun Kunsujarid, the President of Bangkok Photographic Society, one of photographers whose image was included in the exhibition said, “I took this picture on 22 October 2016 when massive mourners filled Sanam Luang to capacity in order to join the historic mass singing event being filmed by MC Chatrichalerm Yukol. That heartfelt tribute to the Late King on that day was another momentous day in our history that Thai people across the nation united as one. From this picture, many mourners are seen holding both new and old portraits of His Majesty the Late King Bhumibol Adulyadej. People were smiling and being helpful to each other. The passing of our revered king united everyone together again. As a photographer, I intended to communicate these emotions as best as I could.
Adul Tanthakosai, whose image was also on display stated, “This picture was taken on 14 November at the festival of the Illuminated Boat Procession known as the sacred ‘Lai Reua Fai’ festival in Nakon Panom Province. I was impressed by the unity of locals. Not only had they come to participate in the festival, but also to express their profound appreciation to His Majesty the Late King Bhumibol Adulyadej through lighted candles and the formation of Thai number ‘9’. Many people cannot travel to pay their final respect at the Grand Palace in Bangkok, so they took this chance to do their part in this festival as a token of humble loyalty.”
Tanakrit Kalaseranee, also added, “I wished to take pictures that demonstrate deepest emotion of mourners coming to pay their final respects to the royal remains as well as pictures of those working as volunteers, so I chose to capture moments from a prime spot inside the walls of Royal Palace where the majestic Chakri Maha Prasat Throne Hall stood tall as a background. This image was taken on 15 November 2016 and it truly conveys my true feeling. The image of students assisting elderly people on their wheelchairs portrays the value of togetherness, sincere gratitude and unconditional love we all share.
Please be invited to witness and be part of ‘The People’s Archives’ in remembrance of His Majesty the Late King Bhumibol Adulyadej by joining the ‘Forever in Thai Hearts’ exhibition taking place on 19-30 November 2016 at Lifestyle Hall, 2nd Floor, Siam Paragon.