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I'm
not quite sure when I
first became acquainted
with the artist
Suwatchai Thubthim. It
may have been last
year, when he posted
images and videos of
himself on social media
as he described the
atmosphere at the
Louvre Museum in
France, and I had the
opportunity to say
hello. Since then, I've
been following his work
consistently. I later
found out that he
creates Thai art for
various
places—both
paintings and
sculptures—and
that he is an
independent artist.
From my observations,
his language in
storytelling or
describing his work is
engaging, and his art
is contemporary. You
can find his work at
Suvarnabhumi Airport in
Thailand, and some of
his sculptures stand
prominently in
Singapore.
What I truly hoped for was the chance to interview him one day.
His art has a distinctive, modern design with a sense of motion,
and his explanations of his work are often lively and entertaining.
I once assumed he might be a university lecturer in Thailand
somewhere, but I later found out he is not teaching anywhere. He
is a full-time, independent artist in every sense.
Here was the interview.
JY.
Please tell us where you were born and how that place has
influenced your thoughts or inspired your artistic work.
ST.
I was born in Samut Prakan Province, in the village of Sakhla,
located near the mouth of the Chao Phraya River. It's a natural,
fertile area with mangrove forests, trees like Kongkang, Same,
Taboon, and Lamphu, and marine life such as mud crabs, blue
crabs, cockles, and mussels. The canals are still clean, and nature
is well preserved.
My village dates back to the early Rattanakosin era. At the local
temple stands a significant piece of Thai art—the leaning prang of
Wat Sakhla—decorated with stucco patterns and Benjarong
porcelain. I passed by it every day on my way to school. I was
impressed and started practicing drawing from these stucco
patterns and porcelain designs. Later, I adopted the technique of
outlining colors inspired by old Benjarong ceramics, which has
become a signature of my work today. This environment, rich in
nature and cultural heritage, made me fall in love with Thai art
from an early age and absorb its essence naturally.
JY.
Where did you study, and who were your inspirations during
your learning journey? How long have you been a professional
artist?
ST.
I've loved and respected art since childhood and dreamed of
becoming a professional artist. I was fortunate to attend Wat
Sakhla Community School in primary school, where the teacher
Phedet Jaemnuch established a small but dedicated art club. He
taught us coloring, outlining, and various techniques, which
helped me win many art contests locally, nationally, and
internationally. This encouragement helped me see that I truly
loved art and wanted to pursue it professionally.
Later, I studied at Samut Prakan Technical College at the
vocational level, where I gained knowledge and skills in
traditional Thai patterns. It marked the start of serious art
education—learning about Thai motifs, mythical figures, design
techniques, and the laai rod nam (gilded lacquer) technique. I
became familiar with legendary Thai artists and masterpieces like
those at Wat Suwannaram and Phra Nakhon.
Afterward, I enrolled at Poh-Chang Academy of Arts in the Thai
painting department. I knew that if I wanted to excel in Thai
traditional painting, this was the place. I learned from top masters
including Ajarn Sompong Akarawong, Ajarn Wuttichai
Phrommala, and others. They helped me understand ancient
techniques and develop my own unique style.
By my third year, I started creating contemporary Thai artworks
based on daily life and traditions in my hometown, Samut Prakan,
such as the Ramman tradition, Songkran Festival, and Hongs
Parade. I brought everyday villagers—usually minor elements in
Thai art—to the forefront of my compositions. This gave my work
a fresh and joyful feeling, while still rooted in Thai traditional
beauty.
Later, I taught art and created my own pieces, then pursued a
Master's degree in Thai Art at Silpakorn University. I wanted to
learn how top Thai artists think, create, and live. I studied under
Ajarn Chalood Nimsamer, Ajarn Preecha Thaothong, and others,
which shaped my direction in creating new forms of Thai art. My
notable works include the "Khun Samut" and "Purification of
Defilements" series.
I'm forever grateful to all my teachers from every institution,
whose teachings I use every day as a professional artist.
JY.
What are you currently working on? We heard you're a
freelance artist. Apart from Thai paintings, do you create other
kinds of work? Do you sell your art or work on-site?
ST.
My main focus is contemporary Thai art—extending
traditional styles into the modern era to create my own identity.
My goal is to develop a unique form of Thai painting, pattern
design, and sculpture for today's world. My standout works
include detailed Thai-style paintings and pattern designs, and I've
transformed some of these into Thai sculptures.
Major works of mine are installed at Bangkok Bank,
Suvarnabhumi Airport, Asia Plus, and a large-scale sculpture of
the deity Aiyara (Elephant) is permanently exhibited in Singapore
. Many of my works are also part of private art collections.
I manage and sell my works under the Suwatchaitubtim
Collection, which handles both originals and copyright/licensing
for various formats.
JY.
How do you make Thai art more accessible and
understandable to the younger generation?
ST.
Thai art belongs to every Thai. We grow up surrounded by it.
It's embedded in our hearts, but the challenge is how to make
people appreciate and understand its value and benefits.
I regularly conduct Thai art workshops for youth, students, and
the general public—serving as social contributions. These
workshops highlight both ancient and creative Thai art processes.
I also offer scholarships for talented Thai art students. I share my
work and creative techniques online via platforms like my
Facebook fan page Suwatchaitubtim สุวัฒน์ชัยทับทิม, making it easier
for people to see, learn, and connect with Thai art.
Such efforts take time and require collaboration to foster
appreciation of Thai art and help youth and the public use it
beneficially and feel proud of our culture.
JY.
In your view, what is the significance of traditional Thai art in
today's Thai society, and what would you like the younger
generation to feel when they see your work?
ST.
Thai art is a vital part of our national identity—a powerful
cultural foundation. The problem is the lack of teaching that helps
youth and even adults see its value and know how to apply it.
We can learn from countries with strong cultural identities who
have turned their national art into economic value. I believe we
must make students and the public proud of Thai art and show
that it can generate economic benefit when adapted and
modernized.
We have a strong cultural foundation—we must preserve and
develop it further. A positive attitude is key.
Exhibition Resume and Awards
Solo Exhibitions:
"Drawing Ayutthaya" Exhibition at Sala Ayutthaya Hotel, Phra
Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province
"Thai Art by Suwatchai Tubtim" Exhibition at the National Gallery
(Chao Fah), Bangkok
"Khun Samut" Exhibition at Central Airport Plaza Chiang Mai
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