Bangkok: Supajee announced the selection results for National Artists of 2025, honoring 12 individuals who have created valuable artistic works for society and the nation in three fields: Visual Arts, Literature, and Performing Arts.
According to Thai News Agency, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce, Ms. Supajee Suthamphan, in her capacity as Chairperson of the National Culture Committee, revealed after the committee meeting at the Ministry of Culture that the committee has been selecting individuals who have created valuable artistic works for society and the nation to be honored as National Artists annually in three fields: Visual Arts, Literature, and Performing Arts. For the year 2025, a total of 595 artists were nominated for consideration as National Artists across all disciplines, and 12 individuals were honored as National Artists.
In the Visual Arts Branch, the honorees are Mr. Peerapong Duangkaew for Sculpture, Mr. Chairoj Mahadamrongkul for Photography, Mr. Porntham Thammavimol for Landscape Architecture, and Mr. Veeratham Trakulngentai for Fine Arts Design. The Literature Department recognized Assistant Professor Siwakarn Pathumsuti and Mr. Maitri Limpichat.
In the Performing Arts Branch, Mr. Somsak Tatti was honored for Thai classical dance-Khon, Mr. Truk Plodrit for Forest Likay performance, Ms. Angkanang Sirimanee for Mor Lam - Lam Ploen, Mr. Wichai Punyayan for Thai and Western Music, Mr. Nat Yontararak for Western Music, and Professor Emeritus Surapol Wirulhraksa for Film and Drama.
All National Artists receive benefits including a monthly payment of 25,000 baht for life, reimbursement for medical expenses under specific conditions, disaster relief assistance up to 50,000 baht per incident, and expenses for visiting during illness or special occasions up to 3,000 baht per visit. In the event of death, a funeral assistance payment of 20,000 baht and a posthumous publication assistance payment up to 150,000 baht will be provided.
Finally, Deputy Prime Minister Supajee stated that a letter will be prepared to respectfully request a royal audience for the 12 National Artists of 2025 to be presented to His Majesty the King and Her Majesty the Queen to receive plaques and honorary pins on a date and time as Their Majesties graciously deem appropriate.