In remembrance of the late King Bhumibol, Siam Paragon is exhibiting a replica of his life-size bronze bust and a replica of the Thai Pavilion in Lausanne, at the Lifestyle Hall on the 2nd floor, until Thursday.
A collaboration with the Swiss Student Alumni Association under the Royal Patronage of HRH Princess Galyani Vadhana and the Ministry of Culture, "The Bust Of King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great In Lausanne" exhibition is the first opportunity to see the bronze replica of the original bust which is now situated at the Thai Pavilion overlooking Lake Geneva in Switzerland.
The life-size bronze bust project was initiated by the Swiss Student Alumni Association. The State of Vaud, the city of Lausanne, and the association agreed to place the bust in the Thai Pavilion in Lausanne where HRH Princess Sirindhorn paid homage in the inaugural ceremony in September.
The bust of the late king is the centre of spirit and soul for Thais abroad. It is also a gift the association gave to the State of Vaud and the city of Lausanne where the Bhumibol family spent 18 years, to mark the association's 72nd anniversary, which comes at a time when Switzerland and Thailand celebrate the 90th anniversary of diplomatic relations.
Measuring 56cm in width, 74cm in height, and 27cm in depth, the 40kg bronze bust was created by leading sculptor Watchara Prayoonkham. It's placed on the mock-up base as the original one in Lausanne which was created by Korkiat Thongphud.
Visitors can learn more about the Thai Pavilion, which is the only overseas pavilion with a unique pyramidal roof (or Mandara in Thai) built in the style only reserved for the king, in an accompanying photo exhibition.
Thai Pavilion in Lausanne. photos courtesy of Siam Paragon
Also displayed are models of many of the late monarch's royal projects such as the Check Dam project and the Soil Aggravation Project created by Kittinart Malithong.
Copies of Lausanne…Sathan Sathit, a book telling the story of the Thai Pavilion in Lausanne from its construction to renovation, as well as the bronze bust project and the inaugural ceremony, are available for sale, with proceeds going to support the association's scholar funds and charitable activities.
There are also booths selling products from both Thailand and Switzerland such as cheese, pastry baked by Swiss alumni, Movenpick ice cream, Thai fabric, Praewa silk, and accessories.
Email swissalumni.info@gmail.com or call 081-841-8330.
