It turns out Corrado Feroci is something of a Jim Thompson, a farang (foreigner) who managed to play an important role in the development of Thai culture. While Thompson's name is synonomous with the revitalisation of the Thai silk industry, Feroci is regarded as the father of modern art in Thailand. As well as the Democracy Monument, the Italian native also designed the Victory Monument, and set up the Fine Arts School (which later became Silpakorn University.) Feroci gave himself a Thai name Silpa Bhirasri. That name now graces the Silpa Bhirasri National Museum, located on the grounds of the Fine Arts Department in Phra Nakhon district. The museum consists of two parts, one displaying contemporary arts, and the other belongings of Silpa Bhirasri, the father of modern Thai art.
[farang who did good]
the democracy monument // grand palace
bangkok thailand 2008
