Pattaya Freelance Artists Host First Art Exhibition in Honor of His Majesty the King

Mr. Mana Yaprakum, President of the Pattaya Freelance Artists and Chairman of the event said, “The exhibition represented a collaboration of talented freelance artists in Pattaya, who have come together to show loyalty and sense of divine grace upon His Majesty the King Bhumibol Adulyadej Maharaj, as well as to show the spirit and benefit the society. Over 150 independent famous artists in Pattaya and across Thailand sent in totally more than 300 paintings to be displayed and sold. Her Royal Highness Princess Somsawalee came to preside over the opening ceremony and awarded the organizers, donators and supporters with honorable trophies, and also took time to look at all of the marvelous paintings,which pleased all participating artists.

“Proceeds from the event was divided into parts; 40% will be donated to the Friends in Need (of “Pa”) Volunteers Foundation Thai Red Cross, 20% will be given to Pattaya City to use for public services and the other 40% will be given to the artists themselves,” added Mr. Mana.


From left: Saran Tantijamnan, General Manager of Central Festival Pattaya Beach, Samarn Klangjaturat, Mana Yaprakum.

Mr. Samarn Klangjaturat, Teacher of the Oil Painting Art at The Foundation of the Promotion of Supplementary Occupations and Related Techniques of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit of Thailand (SUPPORT) and also the Honorary Advisor to the event said, “I have been hosting many fine art exhibitions in honor of the Royal family which raises money for the Foundation Thai Red Cross for over 15 years. Mr. Mana is a young talented artist
who has been sending in his amazing artwork to be displayed every year in Bangkok. He is a creative artist who is always looking for opportunities for free lance artists in Pattaya to show their works to the society and this is why I give support him to the fullest extent.”

Mr. Samarn continued, “About 20-30 years ago, Pattaya was very famous for art. It was considered as oneof the places to go to if you want to buy beautiful paintings. There were many talented artists in Pattaya back then who made Pattaya a renowned art destination in Asia. In those years there were many art galleries and painting stores along Beach road in Pattaya, but now they are rarely seen because of the changing lifestyles. Back then I made a living out of my paintings by sending them to Pattaya to be sold. There were many artists who became really successful this way too. This was such a glorious time for art in Pattaya.”

The stunning art works were neatly displayed for the guests to witness.

“The ability for artists to survive is crucial to the growth of art because if artists cannot survive then nobody would want to study art, therefore art cannot not grow at all. If there are events constantly being held to support these artists, people will be willing to study art and art will be taught from generation to generation with adjustments along the way to improve to the work. Apart from Pattaya, I wish that art exhibitions like this will be held in every region all over Thailand to support talented artists with a good heart, being as the stage for them to show their talent and also their service mind to society” added Mr. Samarn.

“The 17-day exhibition raised 408, 400 baht. I would like to thank Central Festival Pattaya Beach, Pattaya City, artists, sponsors, and everyone who helped to make this exhibition possible. There were many foreigners who were interested and touched by our paintings which reflects our His Majesty the King’s work. Many people bought the paintings with full pleasure when they were told it was for a good cause. This is the first time that the Art Exhibition in Honor of His Majesty the King was ever held in Pattaya, so some people may not have heard about it before and missed out. I hope that second exhibition will just as more successful and that more artists will join and more money will be raised for the Thai Red Cross,” Mr. Mana revealed after the last day of exhibition.