Thailand, often referred to as the “Land of Smiles,” is renowned for its stunning landscapes, rich history and warm hospitality. Beneath its vibrant surface lies a fascinating multicultural tapestry, which reflects the nation’s remarkable diversity. 

Stamford International University opened a photographic exhibition, on the 6th floor of the Central Embassy on October 6^th, featuring works by Thai and foreign students in the Communication Arts Program. It was called ‘Heritage Horizons: Celebration of Asia’s Multicultural Treasures’ and showcased 30 photographs reflecting the diverse cultures of Asia.

According to Jatechan Kirdsuk, a lecturer in the Communication Arts program at the university, the exhibition was one of the larger projects in which students present how Thailand can embrace and celebrate a wide range of cultures, traditions and ethnicities through photography.

“No culture can stand alone. Asia’s cultures are mixed and combined into the multiculturalism in Thailand. In Bangkok, we can see a lot of cultures that are a mix of Thai and Indian, Thai and Chinese, Thai and Japanese or Thai and many others. So, this photo exhibition will allow the students to explore the multiculturalism in Bangkok and capture the best motions of them, he said”

The exhibition was honoured by the presence of H.E. Mr. Nagesh Singh, the Ambassador of India to Thailand, who participated in the opening ceremony. The links between the Thai and Indian cultures are deep and multifaceted, with historical, religious and cultural connections spanning a millennium.

The ambassador said that “In diplomatic language, in India we call Thailand a “civilizational neighbour”, even though we have a maritime boundary. The connection is so deep and, at times, some people in Thailand don’t realise it. I also didn’t know until I came here. Thousands of Thais go to India to visit Buddhist places and on pilgrimages. You can also see that, while the majority of (Thailand’s population) is Buddhist, the Hindu gods and goddesses are equally revered here in Thailand”

Besides the similar cultures of India and Thailand, the countries share political and diplomatic objectives as well, according to the ambassador.

“Multilaterally, India and Thailand work very closely in ASEAN, including the Mekong-Ganga cooperation, the BIMSTEC, the Indian Ocean Rim Association and a number of other multilateral organisations of which both India and Thailand are members. We have common Political and diplomatic objectives,” he added.

The image that won the contest is a photo of an Indian girl smiling at a Thai woman, photographed by Issaree Tayananth, a student in the Communication Arts Program at Stamford International University.

Issaree said that she didn’t stage this photo. She was just walking around with her friend, taking pictures for this exhibition, and the little Indian girl came up to her and said she wanted to be in the picture, because one day she wants to be an actress. The Indian girl was so happy when she was photographed.

In addition to the photography exhibition, there were also workshops for those who dream of becoming influencers and YouTubers, creating content in the digital world. There was also a workshop with a professional journalist, who came to share public speaking skills in news reporting.

By Kitipat Chuensukjit