According to the Department of Provincial Administration, in 2022, almost 19% of Thailand's population of 66,090,475 were aged 60 or over -- officially elderly people. This data does not include the elderly not counted in the census, which could raise the percentage to as high as 20%. Bangkok's percentage of elderly people is 21.48%, Chiang Mai's 21.14%, and Nonthaburi's 20.14%. These figures suggest that Thailand is on the verge of becoming a super-aged society.
To inform the public, the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre (BACC) organised the exhibition "Blowing Up The Tale Of Ageing Society" at the main exhibition gallery on the 9th floor.
Suebsang Sangwachirapiban, head of BACC's exhibition department, explained they wanted to create a ripple effect that encourages people to be aware the nation is now an ageing society.
"I exchange ideas with people who work in museums and every museum focuses on the new generation because they want to reach out to young audiences. Few museums present content about senior citizens. I travel by using public transportation and notice that in the past, young people would offer their seats to elderly people or help them carry their belongings. However, this behaviour is rare nowadays. This means elderly people have to take care of themselves. The exhibition was created so visitors will raise questions about the reality of Thailand's ageing society, how people adapt to it and how younger generations learn and acquire knowledge or wisdom from the elderly," said Suebsang.
Veeraya Iam-cham, one of the exhibition's curators, said the exhibition reveals the life and situations of Thailand's elderly people.
"BACC is located in the centre of the city and most visitors are teenagers and young working people. We hope that the exhibition will help young people understand elders more than they currently do. Thailand's good healthcare service helps people to live longer. This exhibition may inspire young people to prepare themselves before they reach their golden years, so they will have a good quality of life," said Veeraya.
Since the three exhibition curators -- Veeraya, Onanong Glinsiri and Chainarong Ariyaprasert -- do not work as curators for a living, "Blowing Up The Tale Of Ageing Society" does not focus on visual artists. Instead, it presents works in various forms such as video, photography, installation art and handicrafts. The exhibition displays work related to four issues; health and wellness; economy and innovation; an equitable society; and universal design.
Although the theme is about the elderly, this does not mean that artists and creators are elderly. There are both elderly and young artists, but their work focuses on content related to an aged society.
R.I.P (Rebirth In Piece). Somchai Poomlard
Walking through the entrance, viewers will see a video presenting an interview with the renowned monk Phra Paisal Visalo.
"Phra Paisal Visalo presents a philosophy of life for the elderly. He advises viewers to stay mindful and not to dwell on things that bother you. Most elderly people have fewer expectations than those in other age groups and find enjoyment in things around them. This philosophy is something that people of all ages can apply to their lives," said Veeraya.
Next to the video, there is a mixed media installation entitled R.I.P (Rebirth In Piece) presented by Supannikar Tiranaparin. The installation consists of broken containers which were mended using kintsugi, a Japanese technique for repairing broken ceramics without hiding the damage. One of the curators, Onanong, explained that R.I.P is a collaborative workshop between the elderly, who were once homeless, and young people.
"The elderly used to be homeless, but they formed a group to collect and repair old things to sell. The R.I.P workshop brought these elderly people to work with young people. They collaborated to repair broken items using a technique similar to kintsugi, but they used epoxy instead of lacquer and gold powder like the traditional kintsugi method," explained Onanong.
"After the workshop, they opened their minds to other generations. It was heartwarming for the elderly to work with young people and young people were in turn happy to assist and connect with old people," Onanong added.
Bridge Over Lotus created by Kamonlak Sukchai displays a violet handicraft mattress adorned with multicoloured pillows. The mattress is surrounded by handicraft lotus flowers.
"Bridge Over Lotus tells a story about my family. The mattress is our homemade handicraft which was initiated in my grandmother's days. The handicraft lotus flowers were created by my aunts. Bridge Over Lotus serves as a bridge that connects between my past and present. I hope it will be like a space that visitors can walk through, viewing it as if looking at a photo album," said Kamonlak.
'Blowing Up The Tale Of Ageing Society'. jukkrit.han
Nearby Bridge Over Lotus, there is a framed handcrafted bamboo decoration entitled Applying The Philosophy Of Biding Happiness created by Korakot Aromdee, who incorporates traditional handicraft techniques into modern design.
"Korakot transformed local folk knowledge regarding bamboo handicrafts from his parents into contemporary design. In creating this decorative wall piece, he used techniques that are used in making Chula kites including using strings to bind, tighten and fasten. Due to his adaptations, handicraft pieces gained more value," explained Veeraya.
Suebsang curated and selected a work entitled Wela; Time; Sonne I'heure, which is related to Chart Korbjitti's SEA Write Award-winning novel Wela. On display are English translations from Chart's novel as well as the Thai manuscript.
"Wela was written in 1992 when Chart was 38 years old. The year before that, the author spent over three months in a nursing home gathering information and observing elderly people. Wela discusses merit, sin and the situations of that time, including the crowning of Porntip Nakhirunkanok as Miss Universe. The diary that recorded his observations is also on display," said Suebsang.
Ubon, who is the main character in Wela, is a caregiver in a nursing home. Her character inspired filmmaker Jakrawal Nilthamrong to produce Anatomy Of Time. The film was awarded the grand prize at Tokyo Filmex. Anatomy Of Time has been screened at the exhibition and portrays the pressure and depression experienced by caregivers.
Bridge Over Lotus by Kamonlak Sukchai. Somchai Poomlard
"Wela raises the question that one day many of us will have to take care of our elderly parents, and how we will handle the situation? How will we deal wit cleaning up after them? Will we find the waste discharge from our parents disgusting?" said Jakrawal.
The head of the curator team, Suebsang, hopes that viewers will find their self-worth.
"In this exhibition, we aim to encourage people of all ages to recognise their self-worth. Many elderly people are active citizens who add value. The author, Chart, is now 68 years old, but he does not feel like an old man. He is full of energy and involved in several projects. Last year, the majority of BACC's 1.6 million visitors were aged 15 to 30. I hope that young people will understand and ponder how to live in harmony with the elderly, especially their family members," concluded Suebsang.
'Blowing Up The Tale Of Ageing Society' runs at the main exhibition gallery on the 9th floor at BACC until Nov 26. Admission is free. For more information, visit facebook.com/baccpage.
Pages from Chart Korbjitti's novel Wela. jukkrit.han
