Swiss Student Alumni Association under the Royal Patronage of HRH Princess Galyani Vadhana, together with the Ministry of Culture and Siam Piwat, organised, “The Bust of King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great in Lausanne”. Taking place at Siam Paragon’s 2nd floor of Lifestyle Hall, the seven-day event is held to honour and pay respects to the late King Bhumibol on the anniversary of his birthday on December 5. From 2-12 December, the event displays a replica of the life-size bronze bust which is now overlooking Lake Geneva in Switzerland. Together on display is a replica of the Thai Pavilion in Lausanne. The event also includes an exhibition showcasing Royal Projects models.
Mrs. Korblarp Poshakrishna, President of the Swiss Student Alumni Association, said that, “The life-size bronze bust project was initiated by the Swiss Student Alumni Association in celebration of the association’s 72nd anniversary. 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 on 14 September.”
“The bust of the late King becomes a centre of spirit and soul for Thais aboard to pay respects to the late King. The bronze bust is also a gift the association gave to the State of Vaud and the city of Lausanne where the Bhumibol family spent 18 years in celebration of its 72nd anniversary which comes at a time when Switzerland and Thailand celebrate the 90th anniversary of diplomatic relations.”
“The Bust of King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great in Lausanne is something that the association together with the Ministry of Culture and Siam Piwat have organised to pay tribute to the late King Bhumibol. Though you have no plan to visit the Thai Pavilion in Lausanne where the original bronze bust is placed, we provide an opportunity to witness and admire the magnificence of the bust with the replica showcasing here in Bangkok,” says Mrs. Korblarp.
Mrs. Mayuree Chaiphromprasit, Siam Piwat’s President of Corporate Affairs and Communications, said that, “With our deep respect to the late King Bhumibol, Siam Piwat Group is pleased to organise ‘The Bust of King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great in Lausanne at Siam Paragon’. In remembrance of the late King, the event is held on His Majesty’s birthday anniversary. Visitors can witness the beauty of the bust and the Thai Pavilion. Even though both are replicas, they are gorgeously elaborated as if we had brought the original ones here.”
“The highlight is the bronze bust with dimensions W56 x H74 x D27 centimetres. Created by leading sculptor Watchara Prayoonkham, the 40 kilograms bust is placed on a mock-up base whereas the original one in Lausanne was created by Korkieat Thongphud. Also featured is a photo exhibition portraying the story of the Thai pavilion which is the only one abroad, with its pyramidal roof built in the style reserved for the King. The photos showcasing the process of moulding and the inaugural ceremony are also displayed. We’ve never forgotten the genius of the late King, so the event will also display models of royal projects such as the Check Dam project and the Soil Aggravation Project created by Kittinart Malithong.”
To memorialise the project, the association has produced a book entitled, “Lausanne…Sathan Sathit”, telling the story of the Thai Pavilion in Lausanne, including its construction and renovation as well as the bronze bust project and the inaugural ceremony in September 2022. Written by Pacharin Boonyaniyom with photos by Philip Writer, the book will be on sale at the event. Proceeds will go to support the association’s scholar funds and charity activities.
There is also a fair selling products from Thailand and Switzerland, including cheeses, pastries baked by Swiss alumni, Movenpick ice cream, Thai fabrics, and Praewa silk and accessories. Plus items made by students from Sorn Dee School (Pracha Rath Anusorn) such as vermicompost, tie-dye shirts and paintings created by special needs students. Part of the proceeds will go to support education for students who lack funds.
