Thailand Names 12 National Artists for 2025
Thailand has honored 12 National Artists for 2025, including sculptor Peerapong Duangkaew and writer Maitri Limpichat, selected from 595 nominees for their significant contributions to visual arts, literature, and performing arts. Recipient
The Culture Ministry has announced 12 National Artists for 2025, including Phontham Thamwimol, who donated work to the Meru Mas Ordination Hall, and acclaimed writer Maitri Limpichat.
On September 7, 2025, at the Culture Ministry, Deputy Prime Minister Suphajee Suthammaphand, who heads the National Culture Committee, along with Culture Ministry Secretary-General Prasop Riang-ngoen and Arts Promotion Department Director Chotika Akkijsopha, announced the 2025 selections.
Suphajee explained that the National Culture Committee annually selects individuals who have created valuable artistic works benefiting society and the nation, honoring them across three categories: visual arts, literature, and performing arts.
For 2025, 595 individuals were nominated, and 12 were selected as follows:
Visual Arts: Peerapong Duangkaew (sculpture), Chairojn Mahadamrongkul (photography), Phontham Thamwimol (architectural heritage), and Veertham Trakoolngernjai (decorative arts design).
Literature: Associate Professor Siwakant Pathumsuti and Maitri Limpichat.
Performing Arts: Somsak Thad-ti (Thai classical dance-khon), Truk Plodrit (likay), Angkanang Sirimani (mor lam-lam phloen), Wichai Punyanont (international Thai music), Nat Yantaraksa (Western music), and Professor Emeritus Surphon Virulraksa (film and drama).
National Artists receive 25,000 baht monthly for life, healthcare coverage up to 100,000 baht annually, disaster assistance up to 50,000 baht per incident, and condolence visits up to 3,000 baht per occasion. Upon death, they receive 20,000 baht for funeral merit-making and up to 150,000 baht to publish their collected works.
The Culture Ministry will request a royal audience for the 2025 National Artists to receive commemorative shields and pins from the King and Queen. Since 1985, 1,389 individuals have been honored as National Artists across all three categories.
