Twelve outstanding people have been named national artists for the year 2020, Culture Minister Ittipol Khunpluem announced on Wednesday.
There are four categories of national artists - visual arts, literature and performing arts.
In visual arts, the new national artists are:
- Professor Emertius Kamchorn Soonpongsri (painting)
- Amarit Chusuwan (painting - mixed media)
- Prapakorn Watanayakul (contemporary architecture)
- Samroeng Daengnaewnoy (exquisite art - wood carving)
In literature, the new national artists are:
- Anek Nawikmul
- Orasom Sutthisakhon
In performing arts, the new national artists are:
- Prateep Suksopha (folk song)
- Pramet Boonyachai (dramatic arts - khon)
- Peeb Konglaithong (Thai music)
- Suda Chuenbaan (Thai music - singing)
- Roongrudee Pengcharoen (Thai music - singing)
- Pong Assawinikul (sound system director - film recording)
Mr Ittipol said national artists are entitled to a monthly allowance of 25,000 baht for life and other welfare benefits.
Their biographies and information about their works can be found on www.culture.go.th, www.facebook.com/DCP.culture and line@วัฒนธรรม.
