Take a Visual Journey Through Southern Thailand at “The Road to the Golden Peninsula” Exhibition

Photo: Chaiyos Pinpradab

Bangkok Art and Culture Centre (BACC) is inviting visitors to discover the landscapes, cultures, and hidden stories of Southern Thailand through “The Road to the Golden Peninsula,” a photography exhibition running from July 28 to August 9. Presented on the Curved Wall on the fifth floor of BACC, the exhibition offers an immersive look at one of Thailand’s most culturally diverse regions through the lens of acclaimed photographer Chaiyos Pinpradab.

Marking Chaiyos’ first solo photography exhibition in two decades, the showcase highlights his passion for panoramic film photography and his long-standing fascination with the history, architecture, and communities of Southern Thailand.

The exhibition features 114 panoramic film photographs captured during a remarkable 150-day solo road trip undertaken between September 2024 and January 2025. Beginning in Pran Buri, Prachuap Khiri Khan, often considered the gateway to Southern Thailand, the journey continued through the length of the peninsula to the Sankalakhiri mountain range and Tak Bai in Narathiwat, one of the country’s southernmost districts.

Throughout the expedition, the Phuket-born photographer documented the region’s varied scenery, historic landmarks, local traditions, and everyday life. Rather than focusing solely on famous attractions, his photographs highlight quiet moments and overlooked details that reveal the rich multicultural identity of the southern peninsula, historically known as the Golden Chersonese.

Among the exhibition’s highlights are images of the abbot’s residence at Wat Chontharasinghe, a Buddhist temple in predominantly Muslim Narathiwat that showcases exceptional local craftsmanship, as well as the elegant Red Pavilion on Tang Kuan Hill in Songkhla. This European-inspired landmark remains one of Southern Thailand’s lesser-known historical treasures and offers visitors a glimpse into the region’s diverse cultural influences.

Every image was created using a Hasselblad XPan panoramic rangefinder film camera, renowned for its distinctive 24mm × 65mm panoramic format. The wide cinematic perspective allows each photograph to capture sweeping landscapes while preserving intricate architectural and cultural details, creating a timeless visual experience that reflects the unique qualities of traditional film photography.

The exhibition also celebrates the artistry behind analog photography. Every roll of film was professionally developed and printed by Srisuphat Satiansri, founder of Min Black and White Darkroom, using internationally recognized darkroom techniques. A close friend and creative collaborator of Chaiyos for more than 30 years, Srisuphat possesses a craftsmanship that plays an important role in bringing each panoramic image to life.

Together, the collection presents more than beautiful scenery; it tells the story of a journey through Southern Thailand’s rich cultural heritage while honoring the enduring value of film photography, traditional craftsmanship, and decades of creative friendship.

Admission to “The Road to the Golden Peninsula” is free, making it an excellent opportunity for photography enthusiasts, history lovers, and travelers interested in discovering another side of Southern Thailand.