Gallery » ASIA/SOUTH PACIFIC » Round the World 2016 - Bangkok
This year’s visit to Bangkok was a bit somber due to the passing of His Royal Highness King Bhumibol Adulyadej in October. The King was revered by all Thais. As a sign of respect as well as part of the year-long period of mourning, individuals wore black ribbons and/or black arm bands as signs of respect. One of our hosts at the Executive Club, Ms. Bencharot, made ribbons for us to wear during our stay. We did walk about the Silom area for shopping as we usually do when visiting Bangkok. The highlight of our time this year was a visit to the Bangkok Arts & Cultural Center which featured a photographic exhibit which was very fascinating.
Evidently, the Thai people were extremely wary of photography until King Rama IV allowed a photographer to take a picture of him sitting with his children. Once it was published, the photographic documentation of Siam (now Thailand) began. The exhibit we visited was a collection of photographs from 1860 to 1910. Click on the first image to begin.
