As part of the Embassy’s celebration of World Soil Day 2025, the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Thailand opened its garden on the evening of 26 November 2025 for a special outdoor screening of “Planet Soil,” the award-winning Dutch documentary directed by Mark Verkerk that reveals the hidden world beneath our feet. The event drew over 200 participants, who enjoyed a rare opportunity to experience both cinema and nature in the green space of the Embassy’s garden.
Beeld: © Somchart Rattanamalee
For many guests, it was their first time stepping into the Embassy grounds, and the warm, open-air atmosphere made the evening feel both welcoming and memorable. As the sun set, visitors wandered through the garden, taking photos under the trees, admiring the peaceful landscape, and settling comfortably on the lawn. Opening the Embassy garden to the public created not only a beautiful backdrop for the film but also an opportunity for guests to connect with nature, reflecting the spirit of World Soil Day: understanding the precious ecosystems that sustain our lives.
Beeld: © Somchart Rattanamalee
The screening of Planet Soil invited the audience into a world that is rarely seen yet essential to life. Through stunning macro cinematography and clear storytelling, the film opened a window into the soil ecosystem where there is a living universe of microorganisms, insects, fungi, roots, and nutrient cycles that make agriculture possible. Many participants commented that the documentary transformed the way they think about soil, revealing its complexity, fragility, and importance to food production and climate stability. Instead of viewing soil as inert dirt, viewers came away appreciating it as a dynamic, living environment that requires care and protection.
Beeld: © Parptawan Jiwattayakul
The movie night complemented the seminar held earlier that day. While the seminar focused on experts, farmers, and technical discussions, the film broadened the message to the public, helping people of all ages understand why soil health matters for food security, biodiversity, and the environment. The combination of culture, learning, and community strengthened the overall impact of the Embassy’s World Soil Day celebration.
Beeld: © Somchart Rattanamalee
By screening Planet Soil, the Embassy aimed not only to celebrate World Soil Day but also to spark deeper understanding of the soil ecosystems that feed us. Through greater awareness, stronger cooperation, and continued dialogue between Thailand and the Netherlands, we can protect the living ground beneath us and build a more sustainable future for generations to come.