National Artist La-orn Up-in Dies at 81
Thai National Artist La-orn Up-in, celebrated for her royal portraits and contributions to art education, has died at 81. The first female graduate of Silpakorn University, she was honored with royal commissions and the Manas Siasing 'Daeng' award for her work promoting peace and democracy. Her passing marks the loss of a pivotal figure in Thailand's modern art history.
The Thai art community is in mourning following the death of distinguished female artist and teacher, Professor La-orn Up-in, National Artist in Visual Arts (Painting) 2016, who passed away peacefully on 3 November 2026 (1928–2026). Professor La-orn created works with profound artistic insight, excelling particularly in portraiture. Her subjects included Pridi Phanomyong, Puey Ungphakorn, Karuna Kusalasai, Chatraphan Posayakrit, and many others. She was honored with a royal commission from His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX) to paint official portraits of the King and members of the royal family. Beyond her studio practice, she was a dedicated educator who shared art knowledge with the public through television painting lessons, art programs, and newspaper columns. She received the Honorary Artist Award for Outstanding Visual Arts in Peace, Democracy, and Justice (the Manas Siasing 'Daeng' Award). Born La-orn Daorai on 12 January 1935, she studied under Professor Silp Peerasri, the father of modern Thai art. She earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts (Painting) from the Faculty of Painting, Sculpture, and Graphic Arts at Silpakorn University, becoming the university's first female graduate. She taught at the Faculty of Painting before moving to the Faculty of Decorative Arts, where she remained until her retirement.
