A striking new exhibition at Bangkok’s Siam Society will offer visitors a visual journey through ten sacred sites linked to the life of the Buddha, as seen through the lenses of five international photographers. Titled In The Footsteps Of Lord Buddha, the show runs from 21 to 31 October and marks the 17th anniversary of the Oriental Cultural Heritage Sites Protection Alliance.
Hinduism, not Buddhism
The featured artists—Brenda Turnnidge (UK/Greece/France), Aparna Jayakumar (India), Mani Lama (Nepal), Antoine Roulet and Bernard Grismayer (both France)—bring diverse cultural perspectives to their portrayals of pilgrimage, serenity and spiritual heritage.
Aparna Jayakumar
Complementing the exhibition is a three-part lecture series, Buddhism: Expectation And Reality, held on 21, 22 and 24 October at 4.30pm. The talks delve into the preservation of Buddhist heritage and the evolving practice of Buddhism across cultures.
Gyanin Rai of Nepal’s Lumbini Development Trust opens the series with insights into safeguarding the birthplace of the Buddha—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—while balancing tourism and spiritual sanctity. On 22 October, Eric Dubois, a French expert in cultural cooperation, explores how Buddhist heritage can foster global dialogue. The final talk, by Thai monk Phra Maha Anon Padao, reflects on Buddhism’s transformation from oral tradition to modern practice, touching on language, monastic robes, food offerings and the enduring Vinaya code.
Bernard Grismayer; Jainism, not Buddhism
Admission to the exhibition is free, while each lecture costs 300 baht (free for members and students). Held at Siam Society on Asok Road, the event invites reflection on both the historical and living dimensions of Buddhism.
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