Culture Minister Khunying Khaisri Sri-aroon said yesterday that the National Culture Commission had been unanimous in its selections.

In the Visual Art field Professor Kiettisak Chanonnart was selected for painting, Nonthiwan Chantanaphalin for sculpture, Professor Emeritus Decha Boonkham for landscape architecture and Associate Professor Somthavil Urassayanan for industrial design.

Professor Emeritus Manee Payomyong and Professor Emeritus Rawee Pawilai were also selected for literature, while the Performing Arts awardees were Police Sub Lieutenant Kalong Peunghongkham (traditional music), Kiettipong Kanchanaphee (contemporary music) and Suchart Subsin (folk performance).

The award ceremony will be held in Chitlada Palace's Chaipattana Building on National Artist Day, February 24. HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn will present National Artist pins and plaques of honour to the winners.

Rawee, 81, said it was an honour to be able to spread knowledge through simple, straightforward and entertaining writing. Vowing to keep working on philosophy and religion, Rawee said he would be content if his past works were to republished for society's benefits.

Kiettipong - known as Sunthreeya na Wiangkan - said he was delighted and had never expected the award.

Professor Kiettisak, who won a gold medal at the 41st National Artist Exhibition in 1995, and the President of Thai Sculpture Association, Nonthiwan Chantanaphalin, who created HM the King's "Phra Mahachanok" prototype coin, said they were both overjoyed to receive such an honour.

Since the National Artist Award started in 1985, 181 people have been bestowed with the title.

National Artists receive a monthly salary of Bt12,000 as well as medical welfare and funeral expenses.