Sixteen outstanding artists have been honoured as 2012 National Artists in three categories _ visual arts, literature and performing arts.
Culture Minister Sonthaya Khunploem yesterday announced the names of 16 people honoured as national artists in the three categories.
The visual arts artists recognised for 2012 are Khemrat Kongsuk (sculpture), Nueng Faengseekham (craftsmanship of gold ornaments), Vichok Mukdamanee (mixed media) and Aree Suthipan (painting).
In the literature category, the award winners are Nongchanai Prinyathawat, Khunying Kulasap Ketmenkit, Khunying Wimol Siripaiboon (whose pen name is Tommayanti) and Makut Ornreudee.
In the performing arts category, the recipients are Buasorn Thanomboon (folk music), Dokdin Kanyamarn (movies), Somsuan Promsawang, better known as Ploen Promdaen (folk song singer), Manas Pitisan (Thai classical music), Lt Col Sanoh Luangsunthorn (Thai music), Lt Col Vichit Horthai (marching band), Khlaonoi Rojchanamethakul (shadow plays) and Thassanee Khunthong (musical arts).
Khunying Kulasap yesterday said she was delighted and honoured to be chosen as a national artist. She has worked in literature for over 60 years and said she was most proud of her work honouring Their Majesties the King and the Queen and members of the royal family.
Those who have been honoured will receive a monthly allowance of 20,000 baht, medical welfare, disaster relief and financial aid for funerals and the publication of memorial books.