Pavilion for Milan Expo showcases Thailand's foundations

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Pavilion for Milan Expo showcases Thailand's foundations
Kitchana Lersakvanitchakul
The Nation

This is one exhibit that will be displayed at the Thailand Pavilion at the Universal Exposition 2015 to be held in Milan, Italy, from May to October next year. The Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives is holding an exhibition at Central Plaza Lat Phra

BANGKOK: -- Thai cuisine, muay Thai, Songkran, Thailand's beautiful temples and nature will be showcased at Expo 2015 in Milan. A preview of the Bt700-million Thai Pavilion, to be displayed at "Universal Exhibition Milano 2015", was unveiled yesterday on the third floor of CentralPlaza Lat Phrao.

"Taking part in this world festival signifies our country's reputation and also strengthens the 147-year relationship between Thailand and Italy," said Olan Pithak, director-general of the Department of Agricultural Extension, Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives.

Olan and Italian Ambassador to Thailand Francesco Saverio presided over the event.

"This exhibition showcases Thailand's cuisine and its remarkable history, culture, tradition and way of life.

"It underpins our theme 'Nourishing and Delighting the World Sustainably'," Olan added.

The pavilion is divided into four thematic strands, namely "Timely Innovation: Serving a Dream", "Sustainability: the Balance of Life", "Tastes, Streets and Thai Flavours" and "Traditions: The Roots of Quality."

Three of the pavilion's five halls feature Thailand's "Golden Land", highlighting the country's abundance in cultural heritage; "Kitchen to the World", showing the significance of the country's food products and raw materials; and "King of Agriculture", showcasing His Majesty's philosophy.

The pavilion was designed to follow the concept of a traditional Thai farmer's hat, or ngob, with the base made to look like a pagoda along with the half-serpent mythical creature, the naga.

"Thailand's pavilion is entirely different from anything built previously," said Smith Obayawat, president of the Association of Siamese Architects and founding principal of the Office of Bangkok Architects.

"The building reflects the main idea of Thainess. The ngob is a symbol of agriculture and agriculturists, while the phaya naga symbolises faith, belief and water, which is also related to agriculture."

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/national/Pavilion-for-Milan-Expo-showcases-Thailands-founda-30246215.html

-- The Nation 2014-10-25

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