Crystal Mall hosts innovative tribute to late King

The tribute to His Majesty the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej examines his life and achievements throughout his 70-year reign.
“Our appreciation for the divine grace of the late King is immeasurable,” says Crystal Mall executive chairman Kaveepan Eiamsakulrat. 
“This exhibition covers various aspects of the biography and royal activities His Majesty King Bhumibol and his devotion to improving the lives of the people and the nation’s sustained prosperity provided by the many projects he initiated. 
“His Majesty gave us guidance in the proper way to live, sufficiently and peacefully. His teachings will always remain in the hearts of all Thais.”
Architect 49 president Prapakorn Vadanyakul says the late monarch’s doctrine of perseverance and sufficiency will be the exhibition’s main focus. 
“Perseverance is the starting point when you approach His Majesty’s conceptual thinking. Remember him saying ‘The first time is always difficult.’ 
“It’s difficult doing something you’ve never done before – it takes a lot of effort. He had to be the first in trying many things as well, but he persevered,” Prapakorn points out. “He admitted he wasn’t a genius, but he showed that he was able to do whatever was needed through earnest determination and diligence – in sports, music, art and other fields. In that regard, this exhibition can be very inspiring.”
One display notes that the late King became interested in photography when his mother gave him a Coronet Midget camera for his eighth birthday. On his next birthday, he received his first clarinet. When he turned 25, he established a radio station inside the palace to raise funds for polio relief. 
The late King’s first project was building a road to Huay Mongkol in Hua Hin. Soon after he began his regular visits to the North and Northeast, then took up painting. At age 33 he revived the ancient Royal Ploughing Ceremony and at age 37 became a sailing enthusiast, even competing in the Rajapatan boat he designed and built himself. 
Prapakorn’s firm has given the exhibition a decidedly architectural design based on King Bhumibol’s philosophy on living within one’s means – in sufficiency. It is simple yet artful, utilising the mall’s existing show floor. The text of speeches the late King made is posted on mirrors to encourage viewers to reflect on their teachings. 
The exhibition will take place from October 1 to 31, daily from 10 to 10. 
Find out more at (02) 1015959.