The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand has commemorated the historical ties between Thailand and Norway with an anointing ceremony for a statue of Norwegian explorer and naturalist Carl Bock. The event took place on Monday 24 February 2025 at the preaching hall of Wat Saket Ratchaworamahawihan in Bangkok.
H.E. Dr. Lalivan Kanchanachari, Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs, attended the ceremony and delivered congratulatory remarks. The statue was sculpted by Thai artist Thawatchai Srisomphetch and will be exhibited at the Museum of Cultural History at the University of Oslo in Norway.
Carl Bock is known for his expeditions across Thailand in 1882, undertaken with the royal patronage and support of King Chulalongkorn. During his travels, he documented his observations in the book Temples and Elephants, which has been widely recognized by scholars and historians across Europe. The book remains an important reference for studies on Thailand’s historical and cultural landscape during the reign of King Chulalongkorn.
The anointing ceremony was presided over by Phra Phrom Sitthi, a member of the Supreme Sangha Council and abbot of Wat Saket. Distinguished guests included Thai Foreign Minister Maris Saengiamphong and Norwegian Ambassador Astrid Emilia Heller, who witnessed the event as a symbol of Thai-Norwegian cultural cooperation.
The statue, designed to reflect Carl Bock’s adventurous spirit and contributions to historical documentation, was created by independent sculptor Thawatchai Srisomphetch. It stands as a tribute to Bock’s efforts in recording and sharing Thailand’s cultural and social history with the world.
Beyond honoring Carl Bock’s legacy, the ceremony symbolized the enduring friendship between Thailand and Norway, particularly in cultural exchange and mutual understanding. Following the ceremony, the statue will be transported to Oslo, where it will serve as a lasting emblem of the two nations’ diplomatic and historical ties.
Carl Bock’s work continues to be celebrated for its role in introducing Thailand’s rich heritage to an international audience, reinforcing the country’s unique identity on the global stage.
Source: Facebook & Ejan.co.th
Thailand honoring Norwegian explorer Carl Bock with a statue is a great tribute to his historical contributions. A fascinating blend of history and cultural recognition!
A well-deserved tribute to Carl Bock! His explorations bridged cultures and history