Lanna 2026: Honoured and grateful

TWO CALLS from my good friend, senior artist Wattana Wattanpun, last month lifted my spirits to a crescendo. In the first, he told me excitedly that 92-year-old Inson Wongsam, one of Thailand’s National Artists, wanted to buy one of my Lanna prints and that he would personally visit Wattana Art Gallery to select it. It was an incomparable honour. In response, I quickly reciprocated by giving him another piece for free.

A week later, Wattana called again to say that Chiang Mai University’s Vice President, Prof Ekkachai Mahaek, would come personally to receive the two pieces I had decided to present to the university. Again, I was filled with pride and gratefulness. He received them at a small but meaningful ceremony at the Wattana Art Gallery, where he gave a speech (view here). I am eternally grateful to my friends, Wattana, Prof Pongdej Chaiyakut, sculptor Peerapong Doungkaew, architect and academic Virasak Boon-long, and others for making this happen and celebrating the moment.

I also presented two pieces to Wattana for hosting the exhibition and for so many memorable moments during my recent journeys to Lanna, like taking me to visit Inson’s Dharma Park in Lamphun, the gallery of Surasit Saokong and Sriwanna Saokong, and Wat Umong, among others.

I am also very thankful to my wife, Beng Hooi, for her support and for accompanying me to this pivotal exhibition, which culminated in my leaving a permanent mark on Chiang Mai’s art scene.

My thanks also go to Aranya, Kenneth and Doi for facilitating many of the activities.