Through the royal lens

Many photographs of His Majesty the King show the monarch with a camera hanging around his neck. His subjects know him to be a skilled lensman but what exactly does he photograph?
The Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles is marking the auspicious occasion of His Majesty’s 85th birthday anniversary with a special exhibition “Love Through the Eyes of the King”, which continues until tomorrow night at Siam Paragon’s Fashion Hall.
Divided into two parts, the exhibition showcases rare photographs taken by His Majesty, from past to present, as well as seven new images that His Majesty graciously extended to the museum and which are on public display for the first time. These include photographs from His Majesty’s royal visit to Thung Makham Yong in Ayutthaya province, and His Majesty’s trip on the royal boat “Angsana” to preside over the opening of the Klong Lad Pho floodgate, as well as the opening of other royal irrigation projects.
The second part features images of the Royal Projects through the lens of nine renowned photographers in Thailand, each with a focus on different projects.
Jaranthada Kanasuta, adviser to the museum says His Majesty has always recognised the importance of recording images that capture the place, the atmosphere and the people’s lives, thus allowing him to find solutions to their problems. He also likes to photograph Her Majesty the Queen and their children, both at work and at play.
HRH Princess Siribha Chudhabhorn graciously presided over the opening of the exhibition on Saturday.
The Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles has also prepared a photo book featuring all the images on display. It’s on sale at the exhibition and costs Bt350.
  

Projects on display

nRoyal Factory No. 3, Tao Ngoi district, Sakon Nakhon province by Chamni Thipmanee.
nRoyal Initiative: the Pak Phanang River Basin Development Project, Pak Phanang district, Nakhon Si Thammarat province by Nopadon Kaosamang.
nPhra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Provincial Irrigation Office (Kaem Ling Project), Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya province by Wasan Puengprasert.
nThe Angkhang Highland Reforestation Project, Fang district, Chiang Mai province by Nat Prakobsantisuk.
nRoyal Chitralada Agricultural Project, Dusit Palace, Bangkok by Chutharut Pornmuneesoontorn.
nThe Efficient Reservoir: Pa Sak Jolasid Dam, Phattana Nikhom district, Lop Buri pProvince by Piyatat Hemmatat.
nKhundan Prakarnchon Dam, Muang district, Nakhon Nayok province by Urasha Jakkachaphol.
nThe Chang Hua Mun Royal Wind Farm Project, Taa Yang district, Phetchaburi province by Charit Pusiri.
nThe Nong Pho Dairy Cooperative under Royal Patronage, Photharam district, Ratchaburi province by Anak Navaraj.