Kukrit's legacy lives on
In memory of former Prime Minister and talented writer MR Kukrit Pramoj, the Kukrit Institute presented its Kukrit Artist Awards on April 20, his birthday, to four respected masters of the Thai arts.
The award for the theatrical arts went to Rattiya Wiksitpong, while Pongpis Charujinda earned the Khon Master Award. The Thai Music Award went to Dr Sirichaicharn Fukchamroon and the Performance Art Award to MR Thanadsri Svasti.
“Every year the institute forms a committee to present these awards to respected senior masters of the Thai traditional arts and to those who used to create performances with MR Kukrit,” said MR Pridiyathorn Devakula, chairperson of the institute.
“So far we have recognised 12 masters of the Thai arts with these awards.”
The presentation ceremony included khon performances – the classical masked dance – by Chatuporn Ratanawaraha, Prasith Pinkaew, Sudjit Pansang and Paitool Khemkheng. They earned loud applause from the audience, which was also videotaped as a learning resource for young enthusiasts.
