Thailand Pavilion
Thailand's pavilion was a replica of an 18th century Buddhist shrine. The ornate building was burnished with red, green and blue lacquer and its tall pagoda-like roof surmounted by a tall, delicate spire, was covered with gilded tiles. By day they glowed in the sun, and by night they glittered with the lights while a tiny bell, suspended from each tile, tinkled in the breeze to ward away bad spirits.Its interior, with red velvet draperies framing tall stained-glass windows with religious motifs, suggested the quiet meditation of a chapel. A magnificent altar of carved wood, at the rear, was inlaid with precious stones and two elephant tusks formed an arch over it where a brass gong was suspended.
| Thailand's ornate pavilion at night. |
The adjoining ornate traditional building, much larger than the shrine, told the story of modern Thailand. The building contained a long hall under a gabled roof. On display were remarkable works of craftsmanship; teak furniture, Thai silks, glowing porcelains, costumed dolls, Thai ceramics, and jewelry inlaid with precious stones. In the area devoted to export products, the visitor glimpsed samples of rubber, minerals, forest products, and different kinds of rice, corn and tapioca.
Outside, in a long pool running parallel to the buildings, a replica of the Thai Royal Barge used for religious parades in Bangkok's canals, floated.
| Thailand's ornate pavilion was loccated at the edge of a waterway. |
| Close-up detail of Thailand's shrine. |
| View of Thailand's Royal Barge. Photo by Bill Dutfield. |