Published on January 31, 2006

The Culture Ministry yesterday unveiled the 2005 National Artists, including self-taught artist Pratuang Emjaroen and another eight from the fine arts, literature and performing arts.

Apart from Pratuang, wood-crafting artist Tawee Rujaneekorn was named a national artist in the fine arts category.

Prayom Songthong and Sathaporn Srisatjang won the prestigious title in the literature category.

Chalard Songserm, Wichien Kamcharoen, Suphachai Jansuwan, Manop Yarana and Samran Kerdpon are 2005 National Artists in the performing arts field.

HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn will present honorary awards to all national artists on February 24 at the Thailand Cultural Centre, where there will be an exhibition of the national artists’ works.

There will also be a gala reception to celebrate their honour.

Culture Minister Uraiwan Thienthong, who chairs the National Culture Committee, yesterday called a press conference to announce the nine artists from all fields.

She said the national artists would receive a monthly salary of Bt12,000 each and other services to the standard of civil servants, a Bt15,000 donation for their funeral, as well as Bt120,000 financial assistance for a memorial book honouring their life’s work.

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