Portraits of our monarch

CHANNEL 3 is paying respect to His Majesty the King Bhumibol Adulyadej with “Phra Barami Pokklao Lao Puang Pracha”, an exhibition of photographs spanning his life from his childhood to his death. It’s open to the public until the end of the month on the ground floor of Maleenont Building 2 on Rama IV Road.
“This exhibition commemorates the benevolence of His Majesty the King through photographs, some of which belong to our actors and actresses. We are also offering a mapping studio that allows visitors to take a free photo back home with the statements ‘With gratitude for the benevolence of His Majesty the King’ and ‘I was born in the reign of King Rama IX’. All they have to do is type their name and take a picture using their own mobile phone,” says Somrak Narongwichai, vice president of BEC World’s production department.

The exhibition showcases portraits of the King as a child, with members of the Royal family, undertaking his multifarious duties, his genius and passion for artistic pursuits as well as his speeches and guidance on several occasions. For simplicity, the photographs have been categorised into five zones.
The first zone exhibits the King’s childhood through portraits with his father Prince Mahidol Adulyadej, his mother Somdej Phra Sri Nagarindra Boromarajajonani, known affectionately as the Princess Mother, his elder sister Princess Galyani Vadhana, and his elder brother Prince Ananda Mahidol. Also on show are the Princess Mother’s speeches on child rearing and the definition of the King’s name: Bhumibol Adulyadej meaning “strength of the land, incomparable power” in Sanskrit.

The second zone has portraits of the King with Her Majesty the Queen and their children, Princess Ubolratana Rajakanya, HRH Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn, HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, and HRH Princess Chulabhorn Walailak.
The third zone, for many the highlight of the show, is on the theme “The King’s portrait in all homes” and features photos on loan from a range of celebrities including film director Pongpat “Off” Wachirabunjong. The fourth zone boasts a multimedia screen showing the King’s genius and passion for music, art, photography and sports, while the fifth is devoted to projection mapping where visitors can put their name on a photograph along with the two statements.
Many of the channel’s celebrities, directors and TV hosts turned out for the recent opening, among them actress Nattaporn “Taew” Tameeruks, who rose to stardom in Channel3’s five-part series “Suparburoot Jutathep”, Nittha “Mew” Jirayungyurn of “Khun Chai Pawornruj”, actor Nadech Kugimiya and “Jaew” hosts – Punyawee “Por” Sukkulworasate, Apisara “Dao” Kerdchoochuen, Samaporn “Puk” Rungsrikulpipat, and Patcharin “Namfon” Srivasupirom – who acted as emcees. Praput “Opor” Pimpama entertained, singing and |playing some of His Majesty’s compositions.

“The King ruled the country and made Thai people feel warm. The King worked hard and tried to instruct us in the philosophy of the sufficiency economy. He was my role model. Every time I feel tired and discouraged, I look at the King’s portrait and it encourages me to do more,” said Taew Nattaporn, who adheres to the sustainable livelihood principles.
“The King improved himself all the time while developing the country. He was talented in art, music, and sports and spent his time visiting rural areas. No matter what age you are, the King’s speeches and guidance will help you in your daily life and career,” added Mew Nittha.
“I was born in 1991 and learned about His Majesty the King from his Self Sufficiency Economic Project and his duties from the TV news. I feel very lucky to have been born in this country and in the reign of King Rama IX. I’m ready to take on the King’s teachings, especially in the matter of sufficiency,” Nadech said.

STOP OFF AND SEE
- The “Phra Barami Pokklao Lao Puang Pracha” exhibition is being held on the ground floor of Channel 3’s Maleenont Building 2 until November 30. It’s open from 10am to 5pm.