The Thai-Italy Friendship Sculpture is located in Lumpini Park opposite the Chinese Pavilion (close to Gate 3 on Rama IV Road). The model for the work of art was designed by Mr Komsan Phetsit, and it was the winning entry in a contest organized by Silpakorn University.
It was cast in bronze at the Thai-Italy Foundry MonzArt Bronze Benny Line belonging to Mr Armando Benato, an Italian entrepreneur working in Thailand for more than three decades, and which is globally renowned with exports worldwide.
"Alveo" - a title chosen by the artist – is a contemporary 3m-high bronze sculpture representing a Gondola (traditional Italian boat) and an E-Pong (traditional Thai boat) above vertical segments that recall the architectures of both countries reflected in the water.
"Alveo" symbolizes the common ties binding Italy and Thailand over 150 years with water as a unifying element. Canals characterize the layout of both places. Historically, such canals have been crucial in linking people and places and cultures. Indeed, Bangkok has been often called the "Venice of the East".
The Thai-Italy Friendship Sculpture came about through the generous support of Central Group Ltd. Emeritus Prof Dr Suthipand Chirathivat, Executive Director of Central Group Ltd, noted that Central Group saw the importance of promoting bilateral relations between the Kingdom of Thailand and the Republic of Italy.
Central Group itself has an important role in maintaining good Thai-Italy business relations, as can be seen from Central Group's acquisition of Rinascente, the most historic luxury retail chain in Italy. Central Group was delighted to sponsor the creation of this important sculpture.
The Inauguration Ceremony took place on Saturday 21st April, 2018 at Lumpini Park, a day coincidentally marking the foundation of Rome in 753 BCE and Bangkok in 1782 CE.
The Ceremony was presided over by H.E. Francesco Saverio Nisio, Ambassador of Italy, H.E. Mr. Chaisiri Anamarn, Advisor to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Thaweesak Lertprapan, Deputy Governor of Bangkok, Emeritus Prof Dr Suthipand Chirathivat and Pichai Chirathivat, Executive Directors of Central Group, Supatra Chirathivat, Executive Vice President, Office of Policy Management for Corporate Relations and CSR, Central Group, and Asst. Prof. Sayumporn Kasornsuwan, Vice President for Art and Culture – Silpakorn University.
The event was also attended by many ambassadors from several countries such as H.E. Jaime Nualart, Ambassador of Mexico, H.E. Ivo Sieber, Ambassador of Switzerland, H.E. Mr. Staffan Herrstroem, Ambassador of Sweden, H.E. Mr. Peter Pruegel, Ambassador of Germany, and a large number of celebrities making an enjoyable atmosphere to impress the honored guests from both countries.
The public can come to admire this historic sculpture which will be a lasting monument to the friendship between Thailand and Italy. It is located in Lumpini Park opposite the Chinese Pavilion near Gate 3 on Rama IV Road, part of the Central Bangkok district.