Petchara, Prapas among 12 National Artists of 2018

BANGKOK, Feb 22 – The National Culture Commission announced 12 national artists of 2018 including former actress Petchara Chaowarat and songwriter Prapas Cholsaranon. Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam, as the chairman of the commission, said the 12 national artists were in visual arts, literature and performing arts. Four of them are in visual arts. One is Chin Prasong who created the sculpture models of Khun Thong Daeng and Khun Jocho, pet dogs of King Bhumibol Adulyadej. Others are painter Parinya Tantisuk, Khampun Srisai who established a museum of ancient cloth in Ubol Ratchathani province, and Kongsak Yuktasevi who designed a vacation house for Russian President Vladimir Putin and the palace of the Malaysian sultan. Two national artists are in literature: Chamlong Fungcholjitr and Saneh Sangsuk. Six are in performing arts, namely former actress Phetchara Chaowarat, Somsook Kaljaruek (TV and radio drama), Wirote Weerawatanananont (Likay folk theater performer), Kan Chaowapong (Nora dancer), songwriters Sukhon Pornpiroon and Prapas Cholsaranon. The national artists will receive honorary pins and plaques from HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn on Feb 24, the National Artist Day. The National Artist project started in 1984. Since then there have been 307 national artists. They are entitled to a monthly allowance of 25,000 baht and other allowances including medical allowances for the rest of their life. (TNA)