Thailand National Artist
Encyclopedia
The National Artist is a title given annually by the Office of the National Culture Commission of Thailand
, recognizing notable Thai artists in literature
, fine art
s, visual arts, applied art
s (architecture
, design
) and performing arts (Thai dance
, international dance
, puppetry
, shadow play
, Thai music
, international music
, drama
and film
).
Since 1985, the honors have been presented on February 24, "National Artist Day" in Thailand. The date was chosen because it is the birth date of Buddha Loetla Nabhalai
, or King Rama II, who was an artist himself. In 1986, King Bhumibol Adulyadej
, an accomplished musician, photographer and painter, was named "Supreme Artist."
National Artists receive a monthly salary of 12,000 baht
as well as health benefits, 15,000 baht towards funeral expenses and 120,000 baht for a memorial biography.
Thailand
Thailand , officially the Kingdom of Thailand , formerly known as Siam , is a country located at the centre of the Indochina peninsula and Southeast Asia. It is bordered to the north by Burma and Laos, to the east by Laos and Cambodia, to the south by the Gulf of Thailand and Malaysia, and to the...
, recognizing notable Thai artists in literature
Literature
Literature is the art of written works, and is not bound to published sources...
, fine art
Fine art
Fine art or the fine arts encompass art forms developed primarily for aesthetics and/or concept rather than practical application. Art is often a synonym for fine art, as employed in the term "art gallery"....
s, visual arts, applied art
Applied art
Applied art is the application of design and aesthetics to objects of function and everyday use. Whereas fine arts serve as intellectual stimulation to the viewer or academic sensibilities, the applied arts incorporate design and creative ideals to objects of utility, such as a cup, magazine or...
s (architecture
Architecture
Architecture is both the process and product of planning, designing and construction. Architectural works, in the material form of buildings, are often perceived as cultural and political symbols and as works of art...
, design
Design
Design as a noun informally refers to a plan or convention for the construction of an object or a system while “to design” refers to making this plan...
) and performing arts (Thai dance
Dance of Thailand
Dance in Thailand is the main dramatic art form of Thailand. Thai dance, like many forms of traditional Asian dance, can be divided into two major categories that correspond roughly to the high art and low art distinction....
, international dance
Dance
Dance is an art form that generally refers to movement of the body, usually rhythmic and to music, used as a form of expression, social interaction or presented in a spiritual or performance setting....
, puppetry
Puppetry
Puppetry is a form of theatre or performance which involves the manipulation of puppets. It is very ancient, and is believed to have originated 30,000 years BC. Puppetry takes many forms but they all share the process of animating inanimate performing objects...
, shadow play
Nang drama
Nang yai is a form of shadow play found in Thailand. Puppets are made of buffalo hide, while the story is narrated by songs, chants and music....
, Thai music
Music of Thailand
The music of Thailand reflects its geographic position at the intersection of China and India, and reflects trade routes that have historically included Persia, Africa, Greece and Rome...
, international music
Music
Music is an art form whose medium is sound and silence. Its common elements are pitch , rhythm , dynamics, and the sonic qualities of timbre and texture...
, drama
Drama
Drama is the specific mode of fiction represented in performance. The term comes from a Greek word meaning "action" , which is derived from "to do","to act" . The enactment of drama in theatre, performed by actors on a stage before an audience, presupposes collaborative modes of production and a...
and film
Cinema of Thailand
The cinema of Thailand dates back to the early days of filmmaking, when King Chulalongkorn's 1897 visit to Bern, Switzerland was recorded by Francois-Henri Lavancy-Clarke. The film was then brought to Bangkok, where it was exhibited...
).
Since 1985, the honors have been presented on February 24, "National Artist Day" in Thailand. The date was chosen because it is the birth date of Buddha Loetla Nabhalai
Buddha Loetla Nabhalai
Phra Bat Somdet Phra Poramenthramaha Isarasundhorn Phra Buddha Loetla Nabhalai , or Rama II , was the second monarch of Siam under the House of Chakri, ruling from 1809-1824. In 1809, Isarasundhorn succeeded his father Buddha Yodfa Chulaloke, the founder of Chakri dynasty, as Buddha Loetla Nabhalai...
, or King Rama II, who was an artist himself. In 1986, King Bhumibol Adulyadej
Bhumibol Adulyadej
Bhumibol Adulyadej is the current King of Thailand. He is known as Rama IX...
, an accomplished musician, photographer and painter, was named "Supreme Artist."
National Artists receive a monthly salary of 12,000 baht
Thai baht
The baht is the currency of Thailand. It is subdivided into 100 satang . The issuance of currency is the responsibility of the Bank of Thailand.-History:The baht, like the pound, originated from a traditional unit of mass...
as well as health benefits, 15,000 baht towards funeral expenses and 120,000 baht for a memorial biography.
1980s
| Year | Name | Discipline | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1985 | Kukrit Pramoj Kukrit Pramoj Mom Rajawongse Kukrit Pramoj was a Thai politician and scholar. He was Speaker of the House of Representatives of Thailand 1973-1974 and was the thirteenth Prime Minister of Thailand, serving in office from 1975-1976.- Early years:Of royal descent, M.R... |
Literature | |
| 1985 | Montri Tramote | Performing art (Thai music) | |
| 1985 | Paew Snitwongseni | Performing art (Thai dance) | |
| 1985 | Fua Haripitak Fua Haripitak -Early life:Fua was born in 22 April 1910 in Thonburi, the son of a court painter who had served under Phya Anusat Chitrakorn.He studied art for four years at Bangkok's Poh Chang School of Arts and Crafts before quitting after he found the teaching method too academic.-Key works and development:He... |
Fine art, Visual art | |
| 1986 | Kanha Kiengsiri | Literature | |
| 1986 | Ob Chiyavasu | Literature | |
| 1986 | Kan Thonglaw | Performing art (Thai dance) | |
| 1986 | Chalerm Buatang | Performing art (Thai music) | |
| 1986 | Chusri Sakunkaew | Performing art (Thai dance) | |
| 1986 | Tuam Prasidhikul | Performing art (Thai music) | |
| 1986 | Tongmak Chandulue | Performing art (Thai dance) | |
| 1986 | Thonglaw Tamleytong | Performing art (Thai music) | |
| 1986 | Plueng Chairasami | Performing art (Thai dance) | |
| 1986 | Puangroi Abhaiwongsa | Performing art (International music) | |
| 1986 | Paitoon Kittiwan | Performing art (Thai music) | |
| 1986 | Rongpakdee Jarujarana | Performing art (Thai dance) | |
| 1986 | Kumma Saeng-ngarm | Fine art, Visual art | |
| 1986 | Paitoon Muangsomboon | Fine art, Visual art | |
| 1986 | Prasong Patamanuj | Fine art, Visual art | |
| 1986 | Saengda Bannasit | Fine art, Visual art | |
| 1986 | Heng Sopapong | Fine art, Visual art | |
| 1986 | Sompop Pirom | Applied art | |
| 1987 | Pin Malakul Pin Malakul Mom Luang Pin MalakulMom luang is a Thai honorific hereditary title denoting a royal bloodline; the subject's personal name was Pin Malakul. See Thai royal and noble titles for details. was a Thai educator and writer... |
Literature | |
| 1987 | Jaroenjai Suntornwatin | Performing art (Thai music) | |
| 1987 | Chaloey Sukavanis | Performing art (Thai dance) | |
| 1987 | Chin Silapabanleng | Performing art (Thai music) | |
| 1987 | Chailanka Kruasen | Performing art (Thai music) | |
| 1987 | Yok Choobua | Performing art (Thai dance) | |
| 1987 | Vichit Kounavudhi Vichit Kounavudhi Vichit Kounavudhi was a Thai film director and screenwriter. His works include the docudrama Son of the Northeast.-Early career:... |
Performing art (Movie and drama) | |
| 1987 | Chit Rianpracha | Visual art | |
| 1987 | Payom Sinawat | Fine art, Visual art | |
| 1987 | Mod Wongsawad | Fine art, Visual art | |
| 1987 | Mitrarun Kasemsri | Visual art, Applied art | |
| 1988 | Sukanya Cholasuks | Literature | |
| 1988 | Kree Worasarin | Performing art (Thai dance) | |
| 1988 | Jamriang Budpradub | Performing art (Thai dance) | |
| 1988 | Seri Wangnaidharm | Performing art (Thai dance) | |
| 1988 | Prasidhi Thavorn | Performing art (Thai music) | |
| 1988 | Boonyong Katekong | Performing art (Thai music) | |
| 1988 | Samarn Karnjanaphalin | Performing art (International music) | |
| 1988 | Sa-nga Arampir | Performing art (International music) | |
| 1988 | Wangdee Nima | Performing art (Thai dance) | |
| 1988 | Chalerm Nakeerak | Fine art, Visual art | |
| 1988 | Poon Kesjamras | Fine art, Visual art | |
| 1988 | Piman Moonpramook | Fine art, Visual art | |
| 1989 | Angkarn Kalayanapong | Literature | |
| 1989 | Yat Changthong | Performing art (Thai dance) | |
| 1989 | Pravet Kumut | Performing art (Thai music) | |
| 1989 | Prasit Phayomyong | Performing art (International music) | |
| 1989 | Sherry Savettanan | Performing art (International music) | |
| 1989 | Chin Oramut | Performing art (Thai dance) | |
| 1989 | Sanit Ditthapan | Fine art, Visual art | |
| 1989 | Praves Limparangsi | Visual art, Applied art | |
1990s
| Year | Name | Discipline | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1990 | Sakchai Bumrungpong | Literature | |
| 1990 | Buaphan Chansri | Performing art (Thai dance) | |
| 1990 | Somchai Asanachinda | Performing art (Movie and drama) | |
| 1990 | Suthep Wongkamhaeng Suthep Wongkamhaeng Suthep Wongkamhaeng is a Thai singer sometimes referred to as a "crooner." He was named a National Artist in 1990. In 2003 he gained international attention because his song Pid Tang Rak was among 18 songs deemed "improper" or offensive to "public decency," by the Ministry of Culture's Culture... |
Performing art (International music) | |
| 1990 | Suwannee Chalanukhro | Performing art (Thai dance) | |
| 1990 | Tavee Nanthakwang | Fine art, Visual art | |
| 1991 | Suwat Woradilok Suwat Woradilok Suwat Woradilok was a Thai writer. He produced a variety of works, including short stories, novels, plays, scripts for television dramas, radio dramas and screenplays. He had several pen names, including S. Voradilok, Phrai Visanu and Rapheeporn. He was named a Thailand National Artist for... |
Literature | |
| 1991 | Ajin Panapan | Literature | |
| 1991 | Sawasdi Tantisuk | Fine art, Visual art | |
| 1991 | Ken Dalau | Performing art (Thai dance) | |
| 1991 | Boonyang Katekong | Performing art (Thai dance) | |
| 1991 | Payong Mukda | Performing art (International music) | |
| 1991 | Pensri Poomchoosri Pensri Poomchoosri Pensri Pomchoosri was a Thai pop singer and actress, active for more than five decades from the 1940s. She was named a National Artist of Thailand in 1991. She was married to writer Suwat Woradilok, also a National Artist, who died on April 15, 2007... |
Performing art (International music) | |
| 1992 | Khamsing Srinawk Khamsing Srinawk Khamsing Srinawk is a writer from the Isan region of Thailand. He writes under the pen-name Law khamhɔ̌ɔm . He was named a National Artist in Literature in 1992 and is best known for his satirical short stories published in his 1958 collection Fáa Bɔ̀ Kân [The Sky is No Barrier]... |
Literature | |
| 1992 | Songchart Chuensiri | Performing art (Thai dance) | |
| 1992 | Tuen Patayakul | Performing art (Thai music) | |
| 1992 | Manratana Srigranont | Performing art (International music) | |
| 1992 | Pongsri Woranuch | Performing art (International music) | |
| 1992 | Juliam Gingthong | Performing art (Thai dance) | |
| 1992 | Kam Gawai | Performing art (Thai dance) | |
| 1992 | Prayoon Uluchata | Fine art, Visual art | |
| 1993 | Prakhin Xumsai Na Ayudhya | Literature | |
| 1993 | Naowarat Pongpaiboon | Literature | |
| 1993 | Jamnian Srithaipan | Performing art (Thai music) | |
| 1993 | Chalee Intharawijit | Performing art (Movie and drama) | |
| 1993 | Sudchit Anantakul | Performing art (Thai music) | |
| 1993 | Khader Verdeng | Performing art (Thai dance) | |
| 1993 | Chaweewan Phanthu | Performing art (Thai music) | |
| 1993 | Pinit Suwanaboon | Fine art, Visual art | |
| 1993 | Usni Pramoj | Performing art (International music) | |
| 1993 | Prayoon Yomyiem | Performing art (Thai dance) | |
| 1993 | Pinyo Suwankiri | Visual art, Applied art | |
| 1994 | Usni Pramoj | Performing art (International music) | |
| 1994 | Prayoon Yomyiem | Performing art (Thai dance) | |
| 1994 | Pinyo Suwankiri | Visual art, Applied art | |
| 1995 | Rong Wongsa-vun | Literature | |
| 1995 | Thaweep Voradiloke | Literature | |
| 1995 | Kamphai Nuping | Performing art (Thai dance) | |
| 1995 | Jang Klayseethong | Performing art (Thai music) | |
| 1995 | Pruang Chuenprayoth | Performing art (International music) | |
| 1995 | Somsian Phantong | Performing art (Thai music) | |
| 1995 | Soi Damjam | Performing art (Thai music) | |
| 1995 | Sawong Supsamruay | Performing art (Movie and drama) | |
| 1995 | Amnuey Neramit | Performing art (Movie and drama) | |
| 1995 | Chitt Chongmankhong | Fine art, Visual art | |
| 1996 | Srifa Mahawan | Literature | |
| 1996 | Anusorn Mongkolkarn | Performing art (Movie and drama) | |
| 1996 | Somkuan Krachangsart | Performing art (Movie and drama) | |
| 1996 | Ruangthong Thongluntom | Performing art (International music) | |
| 1996 | Kliew Setkit | Performing art (Thai dance) | |
| 1996 | Boonlert Nartpinit | Performing art (Thai dance) | |
| 1996 | Sakorn Yaungkhieosod | Performing art (Thai dance) | |
| 1996 | Chansom Saithara | Performing art (Thai music) | |
| 1996 | Yai Wisetpolklang | Performing art (Thai music) | |
| 1996 | Chumraung Vichienket | Fine art, Visual art | |
| 1997 | Chatchai Visessuwanpoom | Literature | |
| 1997 | Sompong Pongmitr | Performing art (Movie and drama) | |
| 1997 | Malaiwal Boonyaratawej | Performing art (International music) | |
| 1997 | Pinit Chaisuwan | Performing art (Thai music) | |
| 1997 | Surapol Tonawanik | Performing art (International music) | |
| 1997 | Thongbai Ruangnont | Performing art (Thai dance) | |
| 1997 | Waipote Sakulnee | Performing art (International music) | |
| 1997 | Boonpeng Phaiphiewchai | Performing art (Thai dance) | |
| 1997 | Im Chitphakdee | Performing art (Thai dance) | |
| 1997 | Kamol Tasananchalee | Fine art, Visual art | |
| 1998 | Vasit Dejkunjorn | Literature | |
| 1998 | Churee Osiri | Performing art (Movie and drama) | |
| 1998 | Bencharong Thanakoset | Performing art (Thai music) | |
| 1998 | Prasidh Silpabanleng | Performing art (International music) | |
| 1998 | Siriwat Ditsayanand | Performing art (Thai dance) | |
| 1998 | Chaichana Boonnachot | Performing art (International music) | |
| 1998 | Charin Nandanagara | Performing art (International music) | |
| 1998 | Piyaphan Snitwongse | Performing art (International music) | |
| 1998 | Khraukaew Na Chiang Mai | Performing art (Thai dance) | |
| 1998 | Chalood Nimsamer | Fine art, Visual art | |
| 1998 | Prayat Pongdam | Fine art, Visual art | |
| 1998 | Arvuth Ngernchuglin | Visual art | |
| 1998 | Sumeth Jumsai Na Ayudhaya | Applied art | |
| 1999 | Supha Sirisingha | Literature | |
| 1999 | Thae Prakas-vudhisarn | Performing art (Movie and drama) | |
| 1999 | Marasi Isranggura Na Ayutthaya | Performing art (Movie and drama) | |
| 1999 | Cheu Dontriros | Performing art (Thai music) | |
| 1999 | Somphan Chotana | Performing art (Thai dance) | |
| 1999 | Samphan Phan-manee | Performing art (Thai dance) | |
| 1999 | Somnuke Thongma | Performing art (International music) | |
| 1999 | Chin Faithes | Performing art (International music) | |
| 1999 | Manit Phu-Aree | Fine art, Visual art | |
| 1999 | Damrong Wongse-Upparaj | Fine art, Visual art | |
| 1999 | Inson Wongsam | Fine art, Visual art | | |
2000s
| Year | Name | Discipline | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | Ussiri Dhammachote | Literature | |
| 2000 | Mongkol Seangsawang | Performing art (Thai music) | |
| 2000 | Chakrabhand Posayakrit | Fine art, Visual art | |
| 2000 | Ruetai Jaijongrak | Applied art | |
| 2001 | Kumpoon Boontawee | Literature | |
| 2001 | Chatrichalerm Yukol Chatrichalerm Yukol His Serene Highness Prince Chatrichalerm Yukol is a Thai film director, screenwriter and film producer. A prolific director since the 1970s, among his films is the 2001 historical epic, The Legend of Suriyothai. A member of the Thai royal family, his official royal title is Mom Chao, or M.C., the... |
Performing art (Movie and drama) | |
| 2001 | Thawan Duchanee | Fine art, Visual art | |
| 2001 | Pradith Yuvapukka | Visual art, Applied art | |
| 2002 | Sujitt Wongthes | Literature | |
| 2002 | Chiras Ardnarong | Performing art (Thai music) | |
| 2002 | Prakit Buabusaya | Fine art, Visual art | |
| 2002 | Nithi Sathapitanon | Applied art | |
| 2003 | Karuna Kusiralai | Literature | |
| 2003 | Prom Bunrit | Performing art (Thai dance) | |
| 2003 | Pichai Niran | Fine art, Visual art | |
| 2003 | Wanida Puangsunthorn | Visual art, Applied art | |
| 2004 | Vinita Diteeyont | Literature | |
| 2004 | Chart Kobjitti | Literature | |
| 2004 | Rakop Pothiwes | Performing art (Thai dance) | |
| 2004 | Jintana Palkawong Na Ayudhya | Performing art (International music) | |
| 2004 | Pairat Sungwaributr | Performing art (Movie and drama) | |
| 2004 | Piboon Musikpodok | Fine art, Visual art | |
| 2004 | Sant Sarakornborirak | Fine art, Visual art | |
| 2004 | Jullatat Kitibud | Visual art, Applied art | |
| 2005 | Prayom Songthong | Literature | |
| 2005 | Sathaporn Srisatjang | Literature | |
| 2005 | Pratuang Emjaroen | Fine art | |
| 2005 | Tawee Rujaneekorn | Fine art | |
| 2005 | Chalard Songserm | Performing art | |
| 2005 | Wichien Kamcharoen | Performing art | |
| 2005 | Suphachai Jansuwan | Performing art | |
| 2005 | Manop Yarana | Performing art | |
| 2005 | Samran Kerdpon | Performing art | |
| 2006 | Manee Payomyong | Literature | |
| 2006 | Rawee Pawilai | Literature | |
| 2006 | Kiettisak Chanonnart | Visual art | |
| 2006 | Nonthiwan Chantanaphalin | Visual art | |
| 2006 | Decha Boonkham | Applied art | |
| 2006 | Somthavil Urassayanan | Applied art | |
| 2006 | Kiettipong Kanchanaphee | Performing art (international music) | |
| 2006 | Kalong Peunghongkham | Performing art (Thai music) | |
| 2006 | Suchart Subsin | Performing art (Thai dance) | |
| 2007 | Decha Warachun | Visual art | |
| 2007 | Yanyong Olarachin | Visual art | |
| 2007 | Kritsada Arunwong na Ayutthaya Kritsada Arunwong na Ayutthaya Kritsada Arunwong na Ayutthaya was a Thai politician and architect. He served as the Governor of Bangkok from April 19, 1992 until April 18, 1996.-Education:... |
Visual art | |
| 2007 | Charn Buabangsorn | Performing art (Thai music) | |
| 2007 | Nakarin Chathong | Performing art | |
| 2007 | Kovit Anakechai | Literature | |
| 2008 | Adul Jantrasak | Literature | |
| 2008 | Ithipol Thangchalok | Fine arts | |
| 2008 | Thanadsri Sawadiwat | Performing arts | |
| 2008 | Sorapong Chatree Sorapong Chatree Sorapong Chatree is a Thai film actor. He has frequently starred in the films of Prince Chatrichalerm Yukol, as well as in Cherd Songsri's classic romance, Plae Kao.... |
Performing arts | |
| 2008 | Prasit Pinkaew | Performing arts | |
| 2008 | Viraphan Voklang | Performing arts | |
| 2008 | Siri Witchawet | Performing arts | |
| 2009 | Preecha Thaothong | Visual arts (painting) | |
| 2009 | Ong-art Satraphan | Visual arts (contemporary architecture) | |
| 2009 | Penphan Sithitrai | Visual arts (carving) | |
| 2009 | Woranan Chatchawaltipakorn | Visual arts (photography) | |
| 2009 | Seksan Prasertkul Seksan Prasertkul Seksan Prasertkul is a Thai author who was awarded the title National Artist of Thailand in 2009.Son of fishing-boar builder and market vendor. Student leader at Thammasat University in 1973. Fled to jungle in 1976. Surrendered in 1980, and went to acquire a doctorate from Cornell University,... |
Literature | |
| 2009 | Jatuporn Rattanawaraha | Performing arts (dramatic arts - khon) | |
| 2009 | Uthai Kaewla-iad | Performing arts (Thai music) | |
| 2009 | Manthana Morakul | Performing arts (Thai music - singing) | |
| 2009 | Prayong Chuenyen Prayong Chuenyen Prayong Chuenyen is a Thai musician. He was named a national artist in 2009.-References:... |
Performing arts (Thai music - composition) | |
2010s
| Year | Name | Discipline | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | Thongchai Rakpathum | Visual arts (painting) | |
| 2010 | Phao Suwansaksri | Visual arts (Thai architecture) | |
| 2010 | Pranom Tapang | Visual arts (traditional weaving) | |
| 2010 | Sombat Plainoi | Literature (short story) | | |
| 2010 | Surachai Chantimatorn | Literature (short story, non-fiction, poetry) | |
| 2010 | Kuan Tuanyok | Performing arts (Thai music) | |
| 2010 | Choochart Pitaksakorn | Performing arts (international music) | |
| 2010 | Pissamai Vilaisak | Performing arts (movie and drama) | |
| 2010 | Suprawat Pattamasoot | Performing arts (movie and drama director and performer) | |
See also
- Cinema of ThailandCinema of ThailandThe cinema of Thailand dates back to the early days of filmmaking, when King Chulalongkorn's 1897 visit to Bern, Switzerland was recorded by Francois-Henri Lavancy-Clarke. The film was then brought to Bangkok, where it was exhibited...
- Culture of ThailandCulture of ThailandThe Culture of Thailand incorporates cultural beliefs and characteristics indigenous to the area known as modern day Thailand coupled with much influence from ancient India, China, Cambodia, along with the neighbouring pre-historic cultures of Southeast Asia...
- Dance of ThailandDance of ThailandDance in Thailand is the main dramatic art form of Thailand. Thai dance, like many forms of traditional Asian dance, can be divided into two major categories that correspond roughly to the high art and low art distinction....
- Music of ThailandMusic of ThailandThe music of Thailand reflects its geographic position at the intersection of China and India, and reflects trade routes that have historically included Persia, Africa, Greece and Rome...
- S.E.A. Write AwardS.E.A. Write AwardThe S.E.A. Write Award, or Southeast Asian Writers Award, is an award that has been presented annually since 1979 to poets and writers in Southeast Asia....
- Silpathorn AwardSilpathorn AwardThe Silpathorn Award, , is an honour for living Thai contemporary artists presented annually by the Office of Contemporary Art and Culture, Ministry of Culture of Thailand...