Khun Khai Malihuana Teams Up with Academics and Artists to Advance Establishment of 'National Arts Council'
Thailand's arts sector leaders and academics are collaborating to establish a National Arts Council, viewing it as critical for supporting Thai artists and boosting the nation's creative industries globally.
A significant movement in Thailand's arts and culture sector is gaining momentum as Khun Khai Malihuana (Kladawut Thongthai) joins forces with academics and contemporary artist networks from the civil society to hold an important meeting on 'Advancing the Establishment of the National Arts Council' at the Royal Princess Hotel Larn Luang in Bangkok.
This represents a crucial gathering bringing together academics and arts activists from across the country. Dr. Sirivat Saemserm from Nakhon Pathom Rajabhat University, who is leading the project initiative, stated: 'This is an exceptional opportunity to have all the experts, specialists, and stakeholders from our arts community—spanning contemporary and grassroots artists and all related fields—come together to share ideas and recommendations to truly advance the establishment of Thailand's National Arts Council. We have now gathered momentum from every region across the country: the North in Chiang Mai, the South in Phuket, the Northeast in Khon Kaen, and Bangkok. This collective strength demonstrates that Thailand's National Arts Council can genuinely become a reality. This research will serve as the foundation, with the Contemporary Arts and Culture Office overseeing the project alongside the Ministry of Culture. We need the government's full support to make this happen.'
Prakrit Gop Kijwattana, a creative advertising professional and political campaign designer, shared: 'This is one of the first serious discussions about the National Arts Council, bringing together teachers and experts from various fields to brainstorm its establishment. This council will play a vital role in supporting state policies and advancing Thai artists, enabling Thai arts to gain prominence on the global stage. When we look at major countries—England, France, America, South Korea, Japan, and Singapore—they all recognize that arts and culture, from grassroots to contemporary art, film, theater, and music, require a central arts council to drive them forward. Though Thailand is establishing this late, we must do it now. The government should prioritize this issue. The longer we delay, the more we will fall behind in the creative industries competition. This is a good start that should happen regardless of which government is in power. Arts and culture could become a driver of Thailand's economic growth.'
Thawatchai Somkhong, a respected artist and skilled practitioner with significant influence in advancing Thai arts, and founder of Fine Art magazine, added: 'This is an important starting point where we unite our thinking toward a common goal. The council has long been a dream in our industry, filling the gaps that government agencies cannot address to elevate the arts sector and create economic impact. We are gathering people from all groups within the arts community to identify key issues and reach conclusions to move forward. This is only the first step, and we hope the network grows and that those in this field will collectively support the council's establishment to fulfill everyone's dream. We have involved lawmakers who recognize the importance of viewing arts not merely as cultural matters but as an economic driver.'
