The Land of Smiles – from Thai Design Excellence Award 2008

Inspired by and created amidst the abundant nature of the tropics, Thai furniture and spa items have won much attention in Japan. In recent years, Thailand has experienced rapid economic development, which has in turn fueled an active product development scene that has become internationally competitive. Against such a backdrop of booming design, the “Design Excellence Award” was inaugurated in Thailand this year. This is a design award given out by the nation’s prime minister, and it aims to provide the world with exquisite Thai designs through a collaboration with the Japan Good Design Award.

On view at this exhibition are prize-winning furniture pieces from the inaugural edition of the award, as well as other high-tech items. Embodying both characteristics unique to Thailand and internationally-minded qualities, the exhibited works introduce viewers to the unique culture of Thailand, "the land of smiles".