History as it happens

THE OUTPOURING of affection for His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej this past month has been recorded for history in still pictures and videos by both amateur and professional photographers, and part of that record is now on view at Siam Paragon.
This is second exhibition entitled “Forever in Thai Hearts”, also hosted by the Ministry of Culture. While the first continues at the National Museum in Bangkok, this one has more than 100 alternative views taken during the mourning period thus far and submitted to the ministry’s website and social media. 
They will eventually be collated in a keepsake book to be titled “The People’s Archives”. The videos will be woven into a documentary film, also called “Forever in Thai Hearts”.
Visitors to the Siam Paragon exhibition are being invited to make a short personal video pledging to carry on the late King’s legacy and striving to abide by his altruistic philosophy. These clips might be included on a CD to be packaged with the book.
The show continues through Wednesday in the mall’s second-floor Lifestyle Hall. 
Deputy Prime Minister General Thanasak Pratimaprakorn officially opened the exhibition last Friday. Assisting him were Culture Minister Vira Rojpojchanarat, Siam Piwat chief executive Chadatip Chutrakul, Thanpuying Angkarb Boonyatthiti, Khunying Charmaree Snidvongs Na Ayudhya and ML Kwanthip Devakul. 
The Chitralada School Choir gave a stirring rendition of “Kao Dern Tor Pai” (“Moving Ahead”), in which Dolchai Boonyaratavej augments a moving melody by Pongpoon Pibulkasetkij with lyrics suggesting we have to move beyond setbacks with hope and a good conscience.
General Thanasak noted that the images being collected for the book and film have come from a broad spectrum of the populace. 
“We’ve received great feedback from people across the country,” he said. “The more than 30,000 photos and video clips reflect the deepest respect and appreciation for His Majesty the late King. 
“The images showing mourners travelling from near and far to pay their respects before the royal remains, along with messages of condolence and heartfelt gratitude, were shared via the online platforms the ministry provided. They’ve come in through Facebook [at pic.culture2559], Line [pic.culture] and by email [[email protected]].”
The Siam Paragon exhibition illustrates the deep mutual bond between the monarch and his people, said mall executive Mayuree Chaipromprasith. “We’re also getting visitors to join a pledge campaign by recording a ‘Do good deeds, follow the King’s teachings’ video that will be included in ‘The People’s Archives’. And each participant will receive a portrait of His Majesty.”
Bangkok Photographic Society president Nopakun Kunsujarid is among the photographers who’ve contributed to the show. His shot was taken on October 22 among the vast crowd of mourners at Sanam Luang singing the royal anthem as MC Chatrichalerm Yukol filmed the historic event. 
“That heartfelt tribute to His Majesty was another momentous day in our history, with people from across the nation united as one,” Nopakun said. “In my picture you see the many mourners holding both new and old portraits of the late King. People were smiling and being helpful to one another. The passing of our revered King united everyone again, and I wanted to convey the emotion as best I could.”
Adul Tanthakosai took a marvellous picture on November 14 at the Lai Reua Fai Festival in northeastern Nakhon Phanom – the famous procession of illuminated boats. 
“I was impressed by the unity there,” he said. “The people hadn’t just come to participate in the festival, but also to express their profound affection for His Majesty, with lighted candles forming the number 9. They can’t travel all the way to Bangkok to pay their respects at the Grand Palace, so this was their chance to demonstrate their humble loyalty closer to home.”
Tanakrit Kalaseranee said he set out to get images that truly illustrated the mourners’ deepest emotions as they paid their final respects, but also kept his eye on the devoted volunteers working at the Grand palace.