A long connection between Denmark, Thailand and orchids is being highlighted at a botanical art exhibition in Bangkok.
The 8th Botanical Art Thailand Exhibition opened on 11 August at the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre (BACC). One of its special displays, “Orchids of Siam: The Seidenfaden Legacy”, focuses on Danish diplomat Gunnar Seidenfaden.
Seidenfaden was Denmark’s first ambassador to Thailand. During his time in the country, he developed a strong interest in its orchids and worked with Thai scientists to study them.
His work became an important part of Thailand’s botanical history. Several Thai orchids were later named in his honour.
The exhibition brings this history to life through the work of Thai botanical artists. Their paintings and illustrations highlight the orchids that Seidenfaden studied and the lasting connection between science and art.
The Danish–Thai connection goes back even further. More than 125 years ago, Danish naval officer Andreas du Plessis de Richelieu served as an admiral and minister of the Royal Thai Navy. He was later given the Thai noble title Phraya Chonlayutthayothin.
Speaking at the exhibition opening, Martin Schneekloth, Special Advisor for Circular Economy Cooperation at the Royal Danish Embassy, highlighted the long history of cooperation between Denmark and Thailand.
“Science helps us understand nature, but art helps us see its beauty,” Schneekloth said.
The exhibition is organised with support from Mahidol University and botanical gardens in Bangkok and Chiang Mai. Orchids connected to the exhibition can also be found in the garden of the Royal Danish Embassy.
The 8th Botanical Art Thailand Exhibition runs until 23 August at the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre.
