The Culture Ministry yesterday announced 12 artists who will be conferred with national artist awards for 2014.
Five artists were awarded in the field of visual arts: Charun Angsavanond (interior architecture), Chaovalit Sermprungsuk (painting), Nij Hincheeranan (city planning design), Boonchuay Hiranwit (fine arts) and Panya Vijinthanasarn (painting).
Six artists were awarded in the field of performing arts, covering Narong Chanphum (nang talung, or shadow play), Dusadee Boonthasanakul (Western music), Pongsak Chantaruka (folk songs), Patravadi Meechuton (stage plays and film art), Sa-Ard Piempongsan (television and film art) and Sirichaichan Fakjamroon (Thai traditional music).
In addition, Chamaiporn Bangkombang was awarded in the field of literature.
The announcement was made by Culture Minister Vira Rojpojchanarat after a meeting of the National Culture Commission yesterday.
The 12 distinguished artists will receive honorary medals and insignia from His Majesty the King or his representative on Feb 24 to mark National Artist Day at the Thailand Cultural Centre, he said. Activities and exhibitions to depict their works will also be held at the event.
National artists will receive a monthly salary of 20,000 baht and a healthcare allowance of up to 100,000 baht throughout their lives.