Bringing back the Siamese smile

Thailand's veteran photographers and celebrities join hands to brighten up the city.

Siam Center, Siam Discovery and Siam Paragon are launching constructive activities as an attempt to bring happiness back to Thai society. The shopping complex, joining forces with Thailand's leading photographers, will organise the "Siam, Land of Smile" exhibition presenting various expressions of smiles via photos of artists, stars, celebrities and ordinary people. It will take place in front of Siam Center from June 18 to 30.

Certainly a smile is universal body language. But what makes the smile of Thai people, aka the "Siamese smile", one of a kind is that it strikingly expresses the genuine bliss and sincerity of its givers. With a smile on their faces in every situation, Thais are world famous for their friendliness, generosity and optimism. And as the simplest way to lend some emotional and spiritual supports, it is quintessential to share Thai smiles among one another at a time when they are needed the most.

"Eleven leading photographers are invited to join this exhibition," said Chadatip Chutrakul, chief executive officer of Siam Paragon and managing director of Siam Center and Siam Discovery.

"They include well-known names such as Amart Nimitpak, one of the country's most famous fashion photographers; Nat Prakobsantisuk, a highly cherished magazine photographer; Wasan Puengprasert, a long respected fashion photographer; Wasinburee Supanichvorapachon, a photographing artist; and Tada Varich, a cutting-edge fashion photographer."