For more than a week, between July 6-15, 2012, the Fashion Hall at Siam Paragon shopping complex hosted a photographic exhibition titled “The Photos of the Kingdom 2011-2012.” The event was organized by The Royal Photographic Society of Thailand (RPST) and it was the 25th edition of the annually Photo Competition for Royal Trophies.
The theme of the exhibition was “For the benefits and happiness,” an idea the King of Thailand proclaimed in his first Royal Oath on his coronation day: “We will reign with righteousness, for the benefit and happiness of the Siamese people” (May 5, 1950).
This year, the exhibition is special not only because it celebrates the king’s 84th birthday anniversary but also because, unlike the previous competitions, there is only one theme, as opposed to six topic categories in previous years. Still, six winners were awarded the first prize with royally-bestowed trophies.
One of the four objectives of the competition was to promote photography in Thailand. Any amateur or professional photographers could enter the competition and the photographs could be taken either in colour or in black and white.
This year, 28 photographers made it to the final selection. After the board of judges selected 12 finalists, the King of Thailand chose the winner of the competition. The other five royal-trophy winners were selected according to a point system. The six first-prize winners received a cash prize of 100.000 baht each.
Here are the first-prize winners:
1. His Majesty the King’s trophy
The photo was taken in the mountains of Chiang Mai, in the north of Thailand, by Kanchit Sitthipol. It is titled “Sufficient” and exemplifies the king’s self-sufficiency philosophy.
2. Her Majesty the Queen’s trophy
The photo is an aerial view of Odeon Circle in China Town, Bangkok, during a massive alms-giving ceremony of Buddhist monks. The title of the photograph is “Power of monks” and was taken by Mongkol Pitakmoo.
3. HRH Crown Prince’s trophy
Farmers in Thalenoi from the southern province of Phatthalung are represented in “Harmony of nature.” The black and white photograph was taken by Worradirek Muksab.
4. HRH Princess Sirindhorn’s trophy
This is another black and white photograph depicting another fisherman, this time, from Ang Thong province. Poonpassorn Kitjindarak suggestively titled his photo “Grill fish.”
5. HRH Princess Chulabhorn’s trophy
A touching black and white photograph depicting a young man and his son washing the head of an elderly woman while the mother is watching over the whole affair. Taken by Phalat Chaipitakul in Duang Manee, Saimai in Bangkok, “Harmony” shows how very-low income families are barely making a living in the capital.
6. HRH Princess Ubolratana’s trophy
This photograph shows a woman working at Doi Inthanon Royal Project in Chiang Mai. “Pick the vegetables from the Royal Project” was taken by Sanchai Buasong.
Also, the remaining finalists were awarded as such: 6 photographers received honorary gold medals, 6 silver, and 10 bronze, together with a cash prize of 50.000, 30.000, and 10.000 baht respectively. The money prizes were from Thai Beverage Co.Ltd. Admission was free.
nice!