National Artist Day In Thailand 2024

Explore the vibrant celebrations and talented artists on National Artist Day in Thailand. Discover the heart and soul of Thai artistry.

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QUICK FACTS:

• Date: February 24th
• Main Components: Recognition of notable Thai artists in various fields of art and culture
• Popularity: A prestigious and respected honor in Thailand
• Pairings: Exhibitions, performances, workshops and lectures by national artists
• Variations: Different categories of art and culture, such as literature, fine arts, visual arts, applied arts and performing arts

Introduction

Thailand is a country in Southeast Asia that is known for its rich and diverse culture and art. The Kingdom of Thailand (ราชอาณาจักรไทย) has a long and colorful history, influenced by various civilizations and religions, especially Buddhism. The country has a population of about 70 million people, who speak Thai (ภาษาไทย), the official language, written in the Thai script. Thailand’s motto is “Nation, Religion, King” (ชาติ ศาสนา พระมหากษัตริย์), reflecting the importance of these three pillars in Thai society. The coat of arms of Thailand is the Garuda (ครุฑ), a mythical bird that is the mount of Vishnu, a Hindu god. The emblem of Thailand is the flag, consisting of five horizontal stripes of red, white, blue, white and red. The capital of Thailand is Bangkok (กรุงเทพมหานคร), a bustling and modern metropolis that is also home to many historical and cultural attractions. Thailand is a member of several international organizations, such as ASEAN, UN, WTO, BIMSTEC and others. Thailand has a vibrant and influential art scene, featuring various forms of artistic expression, such as literature, music, dance, cinema, painting, sculpture, architecture, design and more. The country honors its outstanding artists every year on February 24, which is the National Artist Day in Thailand.

History

Thailand’s history can be divided into several periods, each with its own distinctive characteristics and contributions to the culture and art of the country. The main periods are:

• Ayutthaya (อยุธยา): The first Siamese capital, founded in 1350 and destroyed by the Burmese in 1767. Ayutthaya was a prosperous and powerful kingdom, that had extensive trade and diplomatic relations with other countries, such as China, India, Japan, Portugal, France and England. Ayutthaya was also a center of culture and art, especially in the fields of literature, architecture, painting and sculpture. Some of the famous works of art from this period include the Ramakien (รามเกียรติ์), the Thai version of the Ramayana epic, the Wat Phra Si Sanphet (วัดพระศรีสรรเพชญ์), the royal temple with three large stupas, and the Buddha head entwined in tree roots at Wat Mahathat (วัดมหาธาตุ).
• Thonburi (ธนบุรี): The second Siamese capital, established by King Taksin in 1768 and moved to Bangkok in 1782. Thonburi was a short-lived but important period, as it marked the revival of the Siamese state after the fall of Ayutthaya. King Taksin was a great warrior and leader, who unified the country and repelled the foreign invaders. He also patronized art and culture, especially in the fields of music, dance and drama. Some of the famous works of art from this period include the Wat Arun (วัดอรุณ), the temple of dawn with its distinctive prang (spire), the Khon (โขน), the masked dance drama based on the Ramakien, and the Phra Ratchaphithi Sip Song Duean (พระราชพิธีสิบสองเดือน), the twelve-month royal ceremonies.
• Rattanakosin (รัตนโกสินทร์): The current era of Thai history, marked by the reigns of the Chakri dynasty, from King Rama I to King Rama X. Rattanakosin is also known as the Bangkok period, as the capital was moved to the east bank of the Chao Phraya River in 1782. Rattanakosin witnessed the modernization and transformation of Thailand, as it faced the challenges and opportunities of the changing world. The country underwent several political, economic and social reforms, while maintaining its sovereignty and identity. Rattanakosin also saw the flourishing and diversification of culture and art, influenced by both Western and Eastern sources. Some of the famous works of art from this period include the Grand Palace (พระบรมมหาราชวัง), the royal residence and complex of buildings, the Wat Phra Kaew (วัดพระแก้ว), the temple of the Emerald Buddha, the national palladium, the National Anthem (เพลงชาติไทย), composed by Phra Jenduriyang (พระเจนดุริยางค์), the National Artist of Thailand in 1986, and the Supreme Artist Hall (หอศิลปินสูงสุด), the museum that exhibits the works of the national artists.
• Bhumibol Adulyadej (ภูมิพลอดุลยเดช): The longest-reigning monarch in Thai history, who ruled from 1946 to 2016 and was revered as the father of the nation. King Bhumibol was not only a constitutional monarch, but also a visionary and a humanitarian, who dedicated his life to the development and well-being of his people. He initiated and supported many projects in various fields, such as agriculture, education, health, environment, science and technology. He also had a keen interest and talent in art and culture, especially in the fields of music, photography and painting. He was an accomplished saxophonist, who composed many songs and played with many famous musicians, such as Benny Goodman, Lionel Hampton and Quincy Jones. He was also a skilled photographer, who captured many aspects of Thai life and nature. He was also a painter, who created many works of art, such as portraits, landscapes and abstracts. He was named the “Supreme Artist” in 1986, the highest honor in Thailand.

Culture

Thailand has a rich and diverse culture, that reflects the influences of various civilizations and religions, especially Buddhism. The main components of Thai culture are:

• Religion: Buddhism is the dominant religion, followed by about 95% of the population, mainly of the Theravada school. Buddhism is not only a faith, but also a way of life, that guides the moral and ethical principles of the Thai people. Buddhism also influences the art and architecture of Thailand, as seen in the temples, statues, paintings and sculptures of the Buddha and other deities. Buddhism also inspires the literature and philosophy of Thailand, as seen in the works of the Tipitaka (ติปิตก), the Pali canon, the Jataka (ชาดก), the stories of the Buddha’s previous lives, and the Traibhumikatha (ไตรภูมิกถา), the cosmology of the three worlds.
• Language: Thai (ภาษาไทย) is the official language, written in the Thai script, derived from the Khmer script and influenced by Sanskrit and Pali. Thai is a tonal and analytic language, that has five tones, a complex system of classifiers, and no inflection. Thai is also a polite and respectful language, that has different levels of formality, depending on the social status and relationship of the speakers. Thai also has many loanwords from other languages, such as Chinese, English, French and Malay. Thai also has many dialects, such as Isan, Lanna, Southern and Central Thai.
• Literature: Thailand has a rich and diverse literary tradition, influenced by Indian, Chinese and Western sources. Thai literature features various genres, such as poetry, prose, drama and folk tales. Some of the famous works of Thai literature include the Ramakien (รามเกียรติ์), the Thai version of the Ramayana epic, the Khlong (โคลง), the verse form of four lines with seven syllables each, the Niras (นิราศ), the free verse poetry, the Nithan (นิทาน), the folk tales and legends, and the Luk Isan (ลูกอีสาน), the songs and stories of the northeastern region. Some of the famous writers of Thai literature include Kukrit Pramoj (คึกฤทธิ์ ปราโมช), the National Artist of Thailand in 1985, who wrote the novel Four Reigns (สี่แผ่นดิน), Chart Korbjitti (ชาติ กอบจิตติ), the winner of the SEA Write Award, who wrote the novel The Judgment (คำพิพากษา), and Malai Choopinit (มาลัย ชูพินิจ), the first Thai woman to win the SEA Write Award, who wrote the novel The Adventures of Phra Apai Mani (พระอภัยมณี).
• Music: Thailand has a variety of musical genres, ranging from classical to folk to pop, using instruments such as the ranat (ระนาด), the khim (ขิม), the klong (กลอง) and the saw (ซอ). Thai music is often based on the pentatonic scale, with complex rhythms and melodies. Thai music is also influenced by the music of other countries, such as China, India, Indonesia and the West. Some of the famous works of Thai music include the Phleng Chat (เพลงชาติ), the national anthem, composed by Phra Jenduriyang (พระเจนดุริยางค์), the Phleng Luang (เพลงหลวง), the royal compositions, composed by King Bhumibol Adulyadej (ภูมิพลอดุลยเดช), the Phleng Luk Thung (เพลงลูกทุ่ง), the country songs, popularized by Suraphol Sombatcharoen (สุรพล สมบัติเจริญ) and Pumpuang Duangjan (พุ่มพวง ดวงจันทร์), and the Phleng Phuea Chiwit (เพลงเพื่อชีวิต), the songs for life, pioneered by Carabao (คาราบาว) and Asanee-Wasan (อัสนี-วสันต์).
• Dance: Thailand has a form of artistic expression, involving movement, sound, gesture and emotion, such as theatre, dance, music and puppetry. Thai dance is often accompanied by music and costumes, featuring styles such as khon (โขน), the masked dance drama based on the Ramakien, lakhon (ละคร), the unmasked dance drama based on various stories, fon (ฟ้อน), the folk dance of different regions and ethnic groups, and ram (รำ), the classical dance of the court. Some of the famous works of Thai dance include the Khon Ramakien (โขนรามเกียรติ์), the khon performance of the Ramakien, the Lakhon Nok (ละครนอก), the outdoor lakhon performance of comedy and satire, the Fon Thai (ฟ้อนไทย), the Thai folk dance of various styles, such as fon lep (ฟ้อนเล็บ), fon tian (ฟ้อนเทียน) and fon ngiew (ฟ้อนเหงี่ยว), and the Ram Thai (รำไทย), the Thai classical dance of various styles, such as ram klong yao (รำกลองยาว), ram ob khan (รำอบขัน) and ram chatri (รำจาตรี).
• Cinema: Thailand has a popular and influential medium of entertainment, with genres such as comedy, horror, action and romance. Thai cinema has a history of more than a century, starting from the silent films of the early 20th century, to the golden age of the 1960s and 1970s, to the contemporary era of the 21st century. Thai cinema has also produced many acclaimed and award-winning films, both nationally and internationally. Some of the famous works of Thai cinema include Santi-Vina (สันติ-วีณา), the first Thai film to win an international award, at the Cannes Film Festival in 1954, The Overture (โหมโรง), the biographical film of the Thai musician Luang Pradit Phairoh (หลวงประดิษฐ์ ไพโรห์), who revived the ranat ek (ระนาดเอก), the lead xylophone, in 2004, Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives (ลุงบุญมีระลึกชาติ), the surreal film by Apichatpong Weerasethakul (อภิชาติพงศ์ วีระเศรษฐกุล), who won the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival in 2010, and Bad Genius (ฉลาดเกมส์โกง), the thriller film by Nattawut Poonpiriya (ณัฐวุฒิ พูนพิริยะ), who broke the box office records in Thailand and abroad in 2017.

NATIONAL ARTIST DAY IN THAILAND WISHES, QUOTES, AND MESSAGES

TOP 20 NATIONAL ARTIST DAY IN THAILAND WISHES AND GREETINGS

Here are 20 unique National Artist Day wishes and greetings for Thailand:

1. Happy National Artist Day, Thailand! Your creativity and talent are an inspiration to us all.
2. Wishing all the artists in Thailand a day filled with colors, passion, and boundless imagination.
3. On National Artist Day, may your art continue to be a source of beauty and inspiration for our nation.
4. Celebrating the artists who bring culture, creativity, and a touch of magic to Thailand. Happy National Artist Day!
5. Let’s honor the talented artists who paint our world with their creativity. Happy National Artist Day, Thailand!
6. Artists, you are the true architects of culture and history. Happy National Artist Day to those who create and inspire.
7. May your artistic journey be filled with endless inspiration and the joy of sharing your unique talents. Happy Artist Day!
8. Happy National Artist Day to those who bring beauty and emotion to life through their art.
9. Thai artists, your work is the soul of our nation’s culture. Celebrate your passion on National Artist Day!
10. On this special day, we recognize and appreciate the creativity that enriches our lives. Happy National Artist Day, Thailand!
11. Artists, you have the unique ability to touch hearts and inspire minds. Happy National Artist Day!
12. Thai artists, your creativity knows no bounds. Keep painting your dreams on the canvas of life. Happy Artist Day!
13. Your art is a mirror reflecting the essence of our culture. Happy National Artist Day, Thailand!
14. On National Artist Day, let’s celebrate the artists who infuse our lives with creativity and meaning.
15. Thai artists, your passion shines through your work, making the world a more beautiful place. Happy National Artist Day!
16. May your artistic endeavors continue to flourish and inspire. Happy National Artist Day, Thailand!
17. Artists, you are the storytellers of our nation’s history and culture. Happy National Artist Day!
18. On this special day, we honor the artists who capture the essence of Thailand in their work. Happy Artist Day!
19. Your art is a gift that keeps on giving, touching the hearts of those who admire it. Happy National Artist Day, Thailand!
20. Celebrate the artists who bring the colors of imagination and the music of creativity to our world. Happy National Artist Day!

TOP 20 NATIONAL ARTIST DAY IN THAILAND QUOTES

Here are 20 unique quotes to celebrate National Artist Day in Thailand:

1. “Artists are the heart and soul of our culture, painting our stories and melodies on the canvas of time.”
2. “National Artist Day is a reminder of the profound impact that art has on our lives and the richness it brings to our culture.”
3. “Art has the power to unite, to inspire, and to transcend boundaries. Thai artists are the bearers of this beautiful gift.”
4. “Through their art, Thai artists preserve our heritage and ignite our imaginations. Happy National Artist Day!”
5. “Art is a language that transcends words, and Thai artists are its eloquent speakers.”
6. “On National Artist Day, we celebrate those who turn ordinary moments into extraordinary masterpieces.”
7. “Artists create the dreams that inspire us, the beauty that surrounds us, and the culture that defines us.”
8. “The canvas is their stage, the notes their lyrics. Thai artists paint the world with passion, color, and melody.”
9. “Thai artists are the custodians of our traditions and the visionaries of our future. Happy National Artist Day!”
10. “Art is not just what artists create; it’s who they are, a reflection of their soul and spirit.”
11. “Thai artists breathe life into our culture and heritage, making the past, present, and future come alive.”
12. “National Artist Day is a day to honor those who bring magic to our lives through their artistry.”
13. “Artists have the incredible ability to evoke emotions, provoke thoughts, and inspire change.”
14. “The art created by Thai artists is a treasure, an enduring legacy that enriches our nation.”
15. “Artists are the visionaries who craft the world as it could be, a place filled with beauty, imagination, and wonder.”
16. “On National Artist Day, we celebrate the creators who bring meaning and depth to our lives.”
17. “Artists are the dreamers who share their dreams with the world, inviting us to dream along with them.”
18. “Thai artists are the silent storytellers of our history, speaking through their art with grace and beauty.”
19. “Art is not just about aesthetics; it’s about the emotions it awakens and the culture it represents.”
20. “Artists are the creators of memories, the architects of beauty, and the keepers of our culture. Happy National Artist Day, Thailand!”

TOP 20 NATIONAL ARTIST DAY IN THAILAND MESSAGES/SMS

Here are 20 unique National Artist Day messages for Thailand:

1. “Happy National Artist Day to the creative souls who paint our world with colors of beauty, music, and inspiration. Your art is a gift to us all.”
2. “On National Artist Day, we honor the artists who capture the essence of Thailand’s culture and heritage in their magnificent creations. Thank you for enriching our lives.”
3. “Thai artists, your work is a masterpiece that speaks to our hearts and nourishes our spirits. Celebrate your passion and creativity on this special day!”
4. “May your artistic journey continue to flourish, and may you keep inspiring us with your incredible talent. Happy National Artist Day, Thailand!”
5. “Happy Artist Day! Your art transcends borders, languages, and time, connecting us through the beauty and creativity you bring into the world.”
6. “National Artist Day is a time to celebrate the artists who weave the threads of culture, history, and imagination into the rich tapestry of Thailand.”
7. “Thai artists, you are the keepers of our cultural treasures, the architects of our dreams, and the messengers of our emotions. Thank you for your incredible contributions.”
8. “On this special day, we acknowledge the artists who turn everyday life into extraordinary moments, filling our world with wonder.”
9. “Artists, you are the true architects of our culture and the heartbeats of our nation. Your creativity and talent are celebrated on National Artist Day.”
10. “Wishing you a National Artist Day filled with the same magic and enchantment that you bring to our lives through your art. Your work is truly awe-inspiring.”
11. “Your art is like a language that needs no translation, speaking directly to our souls. Happy Artist Day to the gifted creators of Thailand.”
12. “Artists, your work is the voice of our nation, expressing its thoughts, feelings, and aspirations. Happy National Artist Day to those who paint our story.”
13. “Happy National Artist Day to the artists who paint with passion, sing with soul, and inspire with every stroke of creativity.”
14. “Thai artists, you are the architects of culture, the poets of expression, and the visionaries of our dreams. Your contributions are invaluable.”
15. “On National Artist Day, we celebrate the creators who bring meaning, depth, and beauty to our lives. Your art touches our hearts and souls.”
16. “Artists have the incredible ability to make the world a better place through their creativity. Happy Artist Day to those who inspire and uplift.”
17. “May your artistic journey continue to shine brightly, illuminating our lives with the brilliance of your creativity. Happy National Artist Day!”
18. “Thai artists, your art is a reflection of our culture, history, and dreams. We salute your dedication to preserving and enriching our heritage.”
19. “Artists, your masterpieces are the timeless gifts that keep on giving, filling our hearts with joy and our minds with wonder. Happy National Artist Day, Thailand!”
20. “National Artist Day is a day to cherish and celebrate the incredible talents and artistic expressions that make our nation more beautiful and vibrant.”

Conclusion

Thailand celebrates its outstanding artists every year on February 24, which is the National Artist Day in Thailand. The National Artist Day was established in 1985, by the Office of the National Culture Commission, under the Ministry of Culture. The purpose of the National Artist Day is to recognize and honor the notable Thai artists in various fields of art and culture, who have made significant contributions to the nation and the world. The National Artist Day is also a way to promote and preserve the Thai culture and art, and to inspire the younger generations to appreciate and pursue their artistic talents.

The National Artist Day is celebrated with various activities and events, such as exhibitions, performances, workshops and lectures by the national artists and their works. The National Artist Day is also the occasion to announce the new national artists, who are selected by a committee of experts and approved by the Prime Minister. The national artists are awarded with a certificate, a medal, a monthly allowance and other privileges. The national artists are also entitled to use the title “Cine The National Artist” (ศิลปินแห่งชาติ สิเนห์), which means “the shining star of the nation”.

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The national artists are classified into different categories of art and culture, such as literature, fine arts, visual arts, applied arts and performing arts. Each category has its own criteria and standards, based on the originality, quality, impact and influence of the artists and their works. The national artists are also divided into two types: living and deceased. The living national artists are those who are still active and productive in their fields, while the deceased national artists are those who have passed away, but have left a legacy of their works. The number of national artists is not fixed, and depends on the availability and suitability of the candidates.

As of 2020, there are 198 national artists in Thailand, of whom 79 are living and 119 are deceased. Some of the famous national artists include:

• Literature: Kukrit Pramoj (คึกฤทธิ์ ปราโมช), the National Artist of Thailand in 1985, who wrote the novel Four Reigns (สี่แผ่นดิน), a historical saga of the Thai society under four kings of the Chakri dynasty, from King Rama V to King Rama VIII. He was also a politician, a journalist, a scholar and a prime minister of Thailand.
• Fine arts: Chalermchai Kositpipat (เฉลิมชัย โฆษิตพิพัฒน์), the National Artist of Thailand in 2011, who created the Wat Rong Khun (วัดร่องขุ่น), also known as the White Temple, a contemporary and unconventional temple in Chiang Rai, that combines Buddhist and Hindu elements with pop culture references. He is also a painter, a sculptor and a writer.
• Visual arts: Manit Sriwanichpoom (มานิต ศรีวานิชภูมิ), the National Artist of Thailand in 2019, who is known for his satirical and provocative photography, that critiques the social and political issues of Thailand and the world. He is also a curator, a publisher and a founder of the Kathmandu Photo Gallery in Bangkok.
• Applied arts: Mathar Bunnag (มาธา บุนนาค), the National Artist of Thailand in 2009, who is a master of the bencharong (เบญจรงค์), the five-colored porcelain, that was popular in the Ayutthaya period. He is also a teacher, a researcher and a collector of the bencharong.
• Performing arts: Ajin Panjapan (อจิน ปัญจพันธ์), the National Artist of Thailand in 1997, who is a pioneer of the modern Thai theatre, that combines the traditional and the contemporary elements of the Thai and the Western drama. He is also a director, a playwright, a actor and a professor of drama.

The National Artist Day in Thailand is a meaningful and important celebration, that reflects the pride and appreciation of the Thai people for their culture and art. The National Artist Day is also a way to honor and support the national artists, who have dedicated their lives and talents to the nation and the world. The National Artist Day is also a source of inspiration and motivation for the younger generations, who aspire to become the future national artists of Thailand.