To celebrate the 666th anniversary of Ayutthaya Kingdom, an old capital of Thailand, and the 25th anniversary of Ayutthaya as a Unesco World Heritage Site, numerous activities under the theme of "Development In Accordance With The Footsteps Of Phraya Boran Ratchathanin" will be held by the Fine Arts Department and several public and private agencies at the Chantharakasem National Museum in Ayutthaya until Sunday.
Phraya Boran Ratchathanin, or Chao Khun Krung, was a pioneer of the conservation of Ayutthaya. He was the superintendent commissioner of Ayutthaya Region from 1903-1929 who surveyed Ayutthaya and drew a detailed map of the city. He wrote several books about the history and archaeology of Ayutthaya and also founded Boran Phiphitthaphan, which was later renamed Chantharakasem National Museum.
"The year 2021 marks the 150th anniversary of Phraya Boran Ratchathanin's birth. We are considering nominating his name as a [Unesco] key world figure due to his great contribution to our country," Anandha Chuchoti, director-general of the Fine Arts Department, noted.
The caricature of Phraya Boran Ratchathanin, drawn by King Rama VI. photos: Pichaya Svasti
The fair features the "Tracing The Footprints Of Phraya Boran Ratchathanin" exhibition, the "25 Years Of World Heritage" exhibition, the "Wat Tawed At 360 Degrees" exhibition, the display of Wat Phra Si Sanphet's educational models, installation art of sema stones, ban thalang-nak pak and sandstone Buddha statues, the "Ayutthaya From Different Perspectives" photo exhibition and a prototype of a museum coffee shop throughout the three-day period.
Today, the opening ceremony begins at 4pm, followed by the launch of the book, Palaces And Major Temples In Ayutthaya. From 4.30-7pm, the "New Knowledge From Studying Gold Ornaments Of The Ayutthaya Period" seminar will be held. Starting from 7pm, the khon performance: the Building Ayutthaya Episode will be staged.
Tomorrow, highlights are the religious ceremony to holify the statues of God Ganesh from 2-4.30pm at the city's Elephant Kraal Pavilion and the "Life And Work Of Phraya Boran Ratchathanin" seminar from 4.30-6.30pm. Starting from 7pm, the lakhon nok performance Sangthong: The Rojana Choosing Her Bridegroom Episode will be staged by performers of the Performing Arts Office.
On Sunday, a highlight is the "Over Two Decades Of The Management Of World Heritage Towards The Future" seminar which will be held from 4.30-6.30pm.
At 7pm, an orchestra of the Performing Arts Office will start playing the music composed by HM King Rama IX as well as old songs mentioned in the memo written by French diplomat Simon de la Loubere in the 16th century during the Ayutthaya Period.
On both Saturday and Sunday, a free photography workshop will take place in the museum's Scouts' Building from 10.30am onwards. Advance registration is required. From 11am-12.30pm and 2-3.30pm, there will be cooking demonstrations and talks about Ayutthaya's royal cuisine and folk cuisine.
During the three-day event, admission to the Ayutthaya Historical Park, the Chao Sam Phraya National Museum and the Chantharakasem National Museum is free. A complimentary shuttle service is available between the Chantharakasem National Museum and Wat Maha That from 10am-6pm.
-- Pichaya Svasti
Call the Chantharakasem National Museum on 035-241-587 or 035-252-795.
