An exhibition of paintings by four Thai artists opened in Bangkok on February 12, featuring both old and new Vietnamese architectural styles.

On display were nearly 200 paintings by Thirasak Wongcumnan, Somyot Kumsang, Suwit Jaipom and Direk Kingnok, showing Vietnam’s typical architecture in the past and at present.

The exhibition, entitled “Vietnamese architecture – Then and now” is focused on ancient architecture styles in all three regions of Vietnam illustrated through Van Mieu-Quoc Tu Giam (the Temple of Literature – Vietnam’s first university) in Hanoi in the north, pagodas and ancient royal tombs of Hue city in the centre, and the post office building in Ho Chi Minh City in the south.

As 2012 is the year of dragon in the lunar calendar, artists also portrayed the image of ascending dragons as the symbol of a dynamic Vietnam in its development process.

Vietnamese Ambassador to Thailand Ngo Duc Thang said the exhibition, which will be open until March 10, will help Thai people understand more about how beautiful and peaceful Vietnam is and how hospitable its people are. The event will also strengthen the friendship between Vietnam and Thailand within the ASEAN community, he added.