His Majesty the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej always kept a camera close to hand, having received his first model from his mother at age eight – a Coronet Midget, green with a black frame. Family reminiscences suggest it stayed glued to his hands for years and he became fascinated with the mechanics involved.
The King’s passion for photography – and his talent – was duly passed on to Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, and has famously served as inspiration for countless Thai professional lensmen.
The Bangkok Art and Culture Centre is paying tribute to this meaningful aspect of His Majesty’s life in the photography exhibition “In Remembrance of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej”, continuing through November 20 on the third, fourth and fifth floors.
It comprises 89 black-and-white images, one each from 89 members of the Royal Photographic Society of Thailand. They show memorable moments from the King’s reign, extending into the recent painful days, illustrate the depth of the public’s affection for him, and examine the Royal Projects with which he brought the country so much benefit.
Among the highlights is a portrait of the smiling monarch taken by Decho Buranabanpot, who for decades accompanied His Majesty as he went about his royal duties. This particular moment was captured on a visit to the Khao Hin Son Royal Development Study Centre in Chachoengsao’s Phanom Sarakham district.
Pittaya Nontapaoraya honours the King’s musical talent with a semi-abstract photo of the |Braille lyrics to the inspiring song “Smile”, composed by His Majesty during a trip to a school for blind people.
And in Chiang Mai in 2008, Chamni Thipmanee got a wonderful shot of a hilltribe man and his three children holding the national flag in front of a calendar bearing the King’s portrait.

HOMAGE IN BLACK & WHITE
– The exhibition “In Remembrance of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej”
continues through November 20 at the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre.
– More information visit http://www.BACC.or.th.