On 24 April 2025, H.E. Mr. Nadhavathna Krishnamra, Ambassador of Thailand to the United Kingdom, presided over the opening ceremony of the “Siam Through the Lens of John Thomson” exhibition. Organised by the Royal Thai Embassy in London, The event is the first in the series of activities in the UK marking the 170 years of diplomatic relations between Thailand and the United Kingdom.

The exhibition is curated by M.R. Narisa Chakrabongse, Editor and Publisher of River Books, together with Ms. Betty Yao, a renowned curator.

This special exhibition features rare photographs of Siam (modern-day Thailand) taken between 1865 and 1866 by John Thomson, a pioneering Scottish photographer and traveller who captured the spirit of the lands he visited. Highlights include portraits of King Mongkut (Rama IV), royal ceremonies, as well as scenic views of Bangkok and depictions of everyday life over 160 years ago.

The exhibition is open to the public free of charge from now until 20 May 2025, Monday to Friday, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, at the Royal Geographical Society, 1 Kensington Gore, South Kensington, London, SW7 2AR.

For more information, please visit:
https://www.rgs.org/events/upcoming-events/siam-through-the-lens-of-john-thomson