Apinan Poshyananda honoured by French govt

Earlier this month, Apinan was honoured with the decoration -L'Officier des Arts et des Lettres (second class) by the French government, for his life-long contribution to international art and cultural activities. The ceremony took place at Thailand Cultural Centre's small hall in the presence of nearly 100 guests, among them Culture Minister Sukumol Kunplome.

For almost two decades, Prof. Apinan, has worked tirelessly in support of Thai arts and culture. He was among the first generation of curators to put Thailand on the map of the contemporary art world.

The Cornell University graduate has also penned several art books, among them "Modern Art in Thailand", "Western-style Painting and Sculpture in the Thai Royal Court" and "Behind Thai Smiles".

In 2003, he established the first Thai Pavilion at the 50th Venice Biennale, an event in which Thailand continues to participate. For his contribution, the Italian government made him Knight, Order of Solidarity in 2009.

He was also bestowed Knight, First Class of the Royal Order of the Polar Star by King Carl XVI Gustav of Sweden in 2003.

Jeremy Opritesco, Counsellor for Culture, Sciences and Development of the French Embassy in Thailand, presented the medal.

"Thai culture has problems in understanding the creative economy concept. How do we make Thais understand Thai culture, both contemporary and traditional? How can we bridge the two," Apinan said.

The French government also awarded the same decoration to Thai director Apichatpong Weerasethakul. He received the Chevalier Knight class two years ago.

To date, Her Royal Highness the late Princess Galyani Vadhana is the only Thai recipient of the Medal de Arts et des Lettres, Commander Class (first class).