On 17 January 2024, His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua and Her Majesty Queen Suthida Bajrasudhabimalalakshana presided over the opening ceremony of the “Weaving Our Stories,” in celebration of the 190th anniversary of Thai-U.S. diplomatic relations, at the Bangkok Art & Culture Centre (BACC). On this occasion, H.E. Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior as the Prime Minister’s representative, H.E. Mr. Jakkapong Sangmanee, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs as Minister of Foreign Affairs’s representative, H.E. Mr. Robert F. Godec, U.S. Ambassador to Thailand, H.E. Mr. Chadchart Sittipunt, Governor of Bangkok, together with high-level government officials, members of diplomatic corps, and Thai and U.S. business executives are in the Royal Audience.

On this occasion, Their Majesties The King and The Queen graciously presided over the opening ceremony of the exhibition and granted royal permission to the U.S. Ambassador and Ms. Amanda Phingbodhipakkiya, the Thai-American artist who created the art installation entitled, “Time Owes Us Remembrance,” to report on the exhibition and inspiration behind the masterpiece tapestry. Their Majesties The King and The Queen viewed the exhibition with an audience from representatives of local women weavers from various communities across the country involved in the “Weaving Our Stories” project.

The “Weaving Our Stories” exhibition is organized in celebration of the 190th anniversary of the Thai-U.S. diplomatic relations. "Time Owes Us Remembrance," the three-floored art installation at the heart of the exhibition, is crafted from threads of Thai silk, cotton and multi-colored Thai textiles. The artist was inspired by the work from the Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles, showcasing the beauty and craftsmanship of Thai textile. Working in collaboration with more than 40 textile communities in various provinces across Thailand, the artwork was crafted to represent the vibrant partnership between Thailand and the U.S. through the intricate and sophisticated art of Thai textile weaving. It symbolizes the deep connection between the peoples of both nations based on shared values, echoing the strong bonds from the past to the present and the future. This mirrors the special and robust diplomatic ties, which have great potential to excel to a prosperous and bright future together.

This exhibition is organized by the U.S. Embassy in Thailand, in collaboration with the C-ASEAN Center, the SUPPORT Foundation, and the Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles, and with the support from Thai and U.S. businesses. The exhibition will be open to the public from 18 January to 25 June 2024 at the BACC.