The Old Library of the Dutch Parliament, The Hague, Netherlands.
The Old Library of the Dutch House of Representatives is in The Hague, Netherlands. The Hague is the seat of government in the Netherlands, and the capital city of the province of South Holland. The building stores proceedings (Handelingen) of parliamentary debates, so its name in Dutch is Handelingenkamer, or proceedings room. The Old Library was built in the 19th century with a glass roof to admit light. As a result, lighting from above illuminates the entire four-story structure. Originally, the building had no artificial lighting, although electricity was used for other buildings in Europe at the time. Candles and gas lamps were avoided from fear of fire. Since that time, fluorescent lets have been added so that tourists and other visitors may enjoy the iron stairways and other architectural details. About 30,000 books are in the collection of the Old Library. Its architect was Cornelis Hendrik Peters (1847-1932), a student of the eminent Dutch architect Pierre Cuypers (1827-1921). The building’s style is termed neo-Dutch Renaissance, but with influences from Chinese design in such decorations as dragon heads along walls and patterns in ironwork. Red, gold, and green are the main colors.
Thailand and the Netherlands
Thai-Dutch trade relations were first established in 1604, and thirty years later, Baan Hollanda was constructed at what is now Ksan Rua Alley, Ho Rattanachai, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya District, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya. An information center has been built on the former site of the Dutch trading office, welcoming tourists today. As its website explains:
Baan Hollanda Information Centre, the historical site and the collection of historical artifacts are vital in communities across Thailand, with the potential to foster and strengthen family – positive opportunities for the spread of knowledge, learning, creativity and enjoyment. Baan Hollanda’s purpose is to educate audiences about the Dutch settlement in Thailand. Each part highlights a different aspect of the Thai – Dutch relationship and it is the place to discover how Dutch traders worked, lived, and traded in 17th century Siam… The Dutch East India Company (Verenigde Oost-Indische Compagnie, or VOC) founded in 1602 and liquidated in 1795 was the largest and most impressive of early modern trading companies operating in Asia…The Dutch government authorized the VOC to conduct trade, erect fortifications, wage wars, appoint governors, keep a standing army and conclude treaties in its name in an Asian trade zone, covering an area ranging between modern-day Iraq and Japan. Dutch VOC-merchants first arrived in Ayutthaya in 1604. The Thai King of the Siam Kingdom allowed the Dutch to establish their first trading post in the capital Ayutthaya in 1608. The VOC was the principal western trader in Siam in those days and bought tin, deerskins, rayskins, sappanwood, rice and many other products in Siam. The Company obtained the right to monopolize the hide-trade business; being able to make a good fortune from exporting hides to Japan. The Dutch were importers of luxury goods into Siam, such as Indian printed and painted textiles, but they also brought in Japanese silver. The Dutch not only involved themselves in trade but also participated in Siamese society and politics, largely because such participation served their commercial ends. Their records offer a unique insight into 160 years of trade and diplomacy with the Kingdom of Siam. The huge archives of the VOC are an important source for Thai history, as they contain not only information on trade but also on diplomacy, the history and sociology of the Kingdom of Siam.
In February, The Nation reported that His Excellency Ambassador Karel Hartogh, Netherlands Ambassador to Thailand, urged more cooperation between ASEAN countries and the European Union:
As one of its priorities the Netherlands is particularly emphasizing a close cohesion among the issues of climate change, energy, the environment and sustainability. During the meeting both sides identified potential areas of enhanced cooperation such as water and water management, urbanisation, education, agri- and horticulture, and food security. Ambassador Hartogh especially focused on the urgency and complexity of issues related to water and other climate related problems confronting Thailand. These problems (drought, clean water supply, floods protection, salinity intrusion in the lower Chao Phraya estuary) are increasingly critical and require immediate action. He referred to several studies and surveys carried out by the Netherlands in the past which, together with a number of recommendations, were presented to the Thai government.
Use the Ambassador’s Residence
As a further sign of exchange, the website of the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Bangkok indicates that it is possible to use the Ambassador’s Residence in Bangkok for events support commercial activities between Thailand and the Netherlands. Companies and organisations in Thailand with strong Dutch (commercial) interests may ask to use the Ambassador’s Residence:
The Ambassador’s Residence was built by His Royal Highness Prince Sapasas Supakijj in 1912. Since 1949 the building has been acquired by the Government of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to serve as the Ambassador’s Official Residence in Bangkok. The Ambassador’s Residence is used for many meetings and events and provides a unique setting to promote Dutch interests in Thailand. This unique place in Bangkok is available to companies and organisations in Thailand that have a strong Dutch (commercial) interest. The Residence can be used for events, promote products or services, hosting (business) contacts, etc. as long as it serves a substantial Dutch interest. In practice the residence is mostly used for commercial events, but it is possible to request the use of the Residence for other objectives as well. As a matter of policy the Ambassador or one of the Embassy staff members will attend the event.
The use of the Residence is cost free. A small administrative fee is charged to make the necessary arrangements. The user shall make all the necessary arrangements and carry all costs for catering, service staff, additional furniture, AV equipment, etc…
Cultural Encouragement
The Ambassador also takes a lively interest in the arts, as shown by his Tweet
Good luck #Thai movie “Santi-Vina”, selected into this years prestigious @Festival_Cannes festival @thaiaudience
He was referring to Santi-Vina, a 1954 Thai film that had been considered lost. It was rediscovered and restored, and was screened at this year’s high-profile Cannes Film Festival in southern France. The romantic drama was directed by Thavi “Kru Marut” na Bangchang with a screenplay by Vichit Kounavudhi and cinematography by Rattana Pestonji. When it was released, Santi-Vina was acclaimed and received prizes at the Asia-Pacific Film Festival in Tokyo, where it was described as being beautifully shot in Eastmancolor. Two years ago, fragments of the film were discovered in film arhives in the UK, China, and Russia. They were pieced together and restored in Italy, and this version was first seen at Cannes this year, where the film’s plot was explained as follows:
Santi is a poor 10- year-old blind boy who lives with his father. Vina takes pity on him and tries to protect him from the bullying of Krai. Santi’s father sends him to stay with Luang Ta, a respectable monk, hoping that he will learn Buddhist lessons and by doing good deeds, regain his eyesight. When they grow up, Santi and Vina become lovers. Krai feels jealous because he also loves Vina. Krai asks his parents to make a marriage proposal to Vina. Vina decides to run away with Santi. However, they are finally caught and Santi is severely beaten. Luang Ta loses his life in order to save Santi’s. Santi’s eyesight is miraculous cured but he realizes that real happiness in life is entering the land of Buddha.
The film is scheduled to be shown at the Thai Film Archive later this year. Santi-Vina was added to the Thai National Film Heritage Registry in 2014. It is being screened at Cannes in a series appreciating historic films, including those honouring such actors and directors as Marlon Brando, Andrei Tarkovsky, and Roger Corman.
(All images courtesy of Wikimedia Commons)