Chinese Thai Community Celebrates 200 Years With History Exhibition and Film Screening

The Teochew Association of Thailand is inviting the public to view an exhibition of historical photographs and Teochew culture paired with a special screening of the film "A Letter to Mom," creating an emotional cinematic experience. The event has become one of the year's major cultural gatherings that film enthusiasts and art lovers should not miss. Chairman Somchai Wetchakorn of the Teochew Association of Thailand and world-renowned photographer David Lao have transformed a downtown cinema into a place of valued memory through the "Historical and Cultural Exhibition of the Teochew Community," featuring exclusive historical photographs and a 10-minute short film documenting the journeys, love, bonds, and contributions of Teochew Chinese who settled in Thailand over the past 200 years, accompanied by a special screening of "A Letter to Mom" at SF World Cinema, 7th floor of CentralWorld shopping mall.

The event atmosphere was warm, with Somchai Wetchakorn welcoming distinguished guests and national leaders from both government and business sectors, including Culture Minister Sabidah Taiyaset, Chinese Ambassador Zhang Jianwei, and other prominent figures who gave speeches expressing their joy. The exhibition's highlight is the display of 103 carefully selected historical photographs sourced from century-old photographs and documents, allowing attendees to experience the perspectives and lifestyles of the Teochew community of the past, including traditional tea culture, ancient teahouses, elegant traditions, and exquisite Teochew cuisine that has become part of modern Thai life.

Beyond the valuable photographs on display, there is also a special 10-minute short film created by David Lao that chronicles the history of Chinese diaspora and Teochew immigrants who came to settle in Thailand over 200 years ago, showing their struggles, perseverance, and contributions to Thailand's economy, society, and culture, as well as the long-standing relationship between Teochew Chinese and the Thai monarchy during the reign of King Taksin. The special screening of "A Letter to Mom," a heartwarming story of the year that tells of a Teochew family and transmits language, culture, and intergenerational memories, serves as the event's other major highlight.