Exhibition 'Disappearing Amphawa' is not a protest action
Amphawa Hai is the name of the exhibition, or Disappearing Amphawa. Dozens of drawings, paintings and photographs paint a picture of a community that recently resisted the construction of an imposing hotels, for which traditional teak houses were in danger of having to make way.
But the exhibition at Amphawa Chai Pattana Nurak Education Center is not a protest. The organizers emphasize that their aim is to 'create a platform for discussion and raise awareness about cultural preservation and environmental protection'.
Amphawa in the small province of Samut Songkhram is best known for its floating market, but there's more to it. The town is rich in natural resources and culture. Unesco underlined this in 2008 by awarding the place an 'honourable mention' at the Unesco Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation.
The danger that Amphawa would lose the honorable mention as a result of the construction of the hotel has now passed. The owner has agreed to save the teak houses and to change the design of the rather dominant building.
Birthplace of Rama II
Amphawa is known for even more. It is the birthplace of King Rama II and it was once famous for its many fireflies. But there aren't many of those left. They have died because of the pollution caused by motorboats; in addition, the local population is cutting down trees, causing them to lose their habitat.
From the seventeenth century, Amphawa was an important trading center, serving Bangkok and surrounding provinces. Michael Biedassek, one of the founders of Bangkok Vanguards, a group of young advocates for sustainable tourism, remembers his grandmother telling stories of her boat trips to Bangkok. “She sold coconuts and other farm products. It took 2 days to reach Bangkok.'
Artist and native Chalit Nakphawan has fond memories of his childhood. 'People shared each other's products. If someone had a good harvest, he shared it with his neighbours. And if someone needed help, he could always count on his neighbours.'
Chalit says he is participating in the exhibition because he loves Amphawa. 'This is my home. Amphawa has produced great artists, poets and musicians because the place is rich and has a strong culture.'
(Source: Bangkok Post, September 26, 2012. See also: Luxurious hotel crowds out antique wooden houses in Unesco town, previously published on thailandblog)