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Songdej Thipthong’s work reflects peace, brightness, and
serenity. His
creations draw
inspiration from nature
and Buddhism, which he
translates into
artistic designs and
constructions. His
works have been
developed through years
of practice, winning
awards from
competitions and
gaining opportunities
to collaborate with
renowned artists such
as National Artist
Thawan Duchanee,
Chalermchai Kositpipat,
and Prasong Luemuang.
These experiences have
allowed Songdej
Thipthong to showcase
top-tier skills in both
painting and sculpture
at various venues,
including international
exhibitions such as the
Biennale, and in art
galleries worldwide.
As his work gained
recognition, his
exquisite paintings
were chosen to decorate
the Mandarin Oriental
Hotel in Bangkok. More
than 300 pieces, both
original paintings and
prints, have been
featured. His artwork
also appeared in the TV
series White Lotus,
starring Lisa Lalisa
Manoban, with the piece
Gold Leaves on Canvas.
One of his monumental
projects is a 7-meter
artwork at Wat
Sutthiwararam in
Bangkok, which took
eight years to
complete. More
recently, he has
created guardian
deities for the Siam
Kempinski Hotel Bangkok.
At his residence, No.
68, Ban Mae Kham Sop
Poen, Mae Kham
Subdistrict, Mae Chan
District, Chiang Rai
Province, he has
maintained his own art
gallery for over ten
years. The gallery
houses his works,
including various
Buddha sculptures of
his own design. He has
said that every artist
wishes to have their
own art gallery.
Currently, he has
purchased an additional
six rai (approximately
2.4 acres) of land
surrounding his home to
expand the gallery into
a larger space.
Songdej Thipthong has a
daughter who graduated
in Cosmetic Science and
is pursuing a
Master’s degree
in Art Conservation,
and a son who is
studying Cinematography
at Silpakorn
University.
He also supports an adopted daughter.
At present, September
2025, some of his
installation works are
being showcased in
collaboration with
other artists at the
Chiangrai Contemporary
Art Museum.
JY.
You grew up in an environment closely connected to the
temple, especially during childhood when you lived with your
grandmother and spent time learning Dharma there. Could you
share what atmosphere or experience in your childhood inspired
your interest in art, particularly Buddhist art?
ST.
My attachment to Buddhism and my interest in art came
from growing up in a rural area of Chiang Rai, where traditional
customs and people’s faith in Buddhism were still very strong.
Buddhism was the spiritual center and the most important aspect
of life for the rural Lanna people.
In addition, I grew up in a large family with my great
-grandmother and grandmother, and I was raised by my
grandmother from as far back as I can remember. I was very close
to her and followed her everywhere, especially when she went to
make merit at the temple, which was a common practice among
the elderly in rural communities. On Buddhist holy days, she
always took me to the temple. During school breaks or weekends,
I would go with her to the temple in the morning, noon, and
evening. My responsibility was to help carry my great
-grandmother’s belongings when staying overnight at the temple.
Being immersed in such an atmosphere since childhood formed
the foundation of my deep bond with art and Buddhism.
JY.
You shifted from a general education program to an art
program (at Mae Chan Witthayakhom School), and later
submitted works for competitions, winning many awards—from
the Bua Luang Gold Medal to first prize. Could you explain that
journey, the steps, and the turning points?
ST.
There were two major turning points in my art competition
journey:
The first was when I was in Grade 9. I represented my school in a
competition and won a national-level award, which gave me the
determination to pursue art seriously.
The second was receiving the Bua Luang Gold Medal in
traditional Thai painting—the highest award for artists working in
this style. This recognition made my name widely known, my
works began to sell steadily, and I was invited to participate in
both solo and group exhibitions at the national level.
JY.
Studying for a Master’s degree at Silpakorn University and
the discovery of “emotion.” During that time, professors
emphasized creating from “feeling,” and your works were often
“torn apart” in critique. Could you share what challenges you
faced and what mindset or changes helped you overcome them?
ST.
The greatest challenge during my Master’s studies was
having to change my artistic style, even though at that time I had
already achieved some success, won awards, and gained
recognition. Yet, with determination to grow, along with trust in
my professors and their intensive teaching, I chose to let go of my
old self and follow their guidance with discipline.
What I learned was that an artwork must have a “purpose” in
expression—it must convey an authentic feeling that the viewer
can truly sense. Once I understood this, my style naturally began
to evolve. Since then, every creation has been aimed at
communicating emotions and the message I wish to share.
JY.
Your significant exhibition “Paying Respect to Teachers,
Paying Respect to the Past” and its meaning.
ST.
This exhibition was held in 2023 at Baan Singha Khrai,
Chiang Rai. It was my first solo show in 15 years and brought
together both old and new works. I dedicated it to honoring the
teachers who guided me, especially my first art teacher, Vichit
Namuangrak. He played a crucial role in personally bringing my
work from Chiang Rai to Bangkok for competition. That sacrifice
was a pivotal moment that set me firmly on the artistic path.
I also paid respect to other teachers, including:
Professor Chalermchai Kositpipat, who inspired me to pursue
being an artist.
Professor Prasong Luemuang, a role model whose life example
encouraged me to return to my hometown and establish an art
gallery in Chiang Rai.
Professor Thongchai Srisukprasert, who provided me with
shelter, knowledge, and financial support during my Master’s
studies in Bangkok.
I am also deeply grateful to others, such as Professor Surasit
Saokong, who fueled my determination; Professor Chaluud
Nimsamer, who helped me understand art at a profound level;
and Professor Thawan Duchanee, the great Chiang Rai artist, who
supported me behind the scenes, from finding distinguished
guests to open my exhibitions to seeking sponsors for my work.
JY.
Designing the Buddhist Art Curriculum and your role in
education. How do you see the relationship between “art and
marketing,” and how can artists live without losing artistic purity?
ST.
For me, “marketing” does not diminish the value of art—it is
an acknowledgment of today’s realities. Artists must know how to
develop themselves and adapt to society. If one creates art but
cannot sell it, one may not be able to fully live as an artist—unless
one has wealth or assets as support. Therefore, selling art is
essential. But true sales should come from creating the best
works possible and presenting them properly, because a good
artwork itself is the most powerful form of marketing.
The Buddhist Art Curriculum that I helped design aims to ensure
students understand “what art is” and “what good art should be.”
It also teaches how to present artworks, manage artistic projects,
and sustain an artist’s life with value and longevity.
Biography and Works: Songdej Thipthong
Personal Information
Name:
Mr. Songdej Thipthong
Date of Birth: January 5, 1969
Address:
68/1, Moo 1, Mae Kham Subdistrict, Mae Chan
District, Chiang Rai Province
Phone: 089-555-0758
Email:
songdej05@gmail.com
Education
1984: Mae Chan Wittayakom School, Chiang Rai
1990: Faculty of Fine Arts, Painting, Rajamangala Institute of
Technology, Payap Campus, Chiang Mai
1992: Bachelor of Fine Arts, Painting, Rajamangala University of
Technology Thanyaburi
1999: Master of Fine Arts, Thai Art, Silpakorn University,
Bangkok
Exhibitions
Solo Exhibitions
2001: The Appearance of Faith / Surapon Gallery, Bangkok
2004: The Night of Inspiration / 9 Art Gallery, Chiang Rai
2008: Under the Shade of Bliss / Number 1 Gallery, Bangkok
2011: Open House Songdej / Baan Songdej, Chiang Rai
2023: Homage to Teachers, Homage to the Past / Baan Singha
Khai, Modchana Phai Foundation, Chiang Rai
Group Exhibitions (Domestic – selected)
1992: Bua Luang Painting Exhibition, 15th, 17th, 18th, 20th, 21st,
22nd editions
1993: “Pankled Group” 1st Art Exhibition / Srinakornping Art
Gallery
1994: 40th National Art Exhibition / Silpakorn University Art
Gallery
2011: Silapatipata Exhibition / National Gallery, Bangkok
2016: Chiang Rai Artists Paint for the King / Art Bridge, Chiang
Rai
2017: Bua Luang Painting Exhibition in Remembrance of His
Majesty’s Grace / Queen Sirikit Art Gallery, Bangkok
2020: The Fire Desire / Art Bridge, Chiang Rai
2021: Scream Exhibition (work: Buranakhatta)
2022: Small Work, Great Artists – Thaithapve The Master
Minimal / Great Stars, Sukhumvit 26
2024: Multiple exhibitions including The Best of Lotus, 12th Art
Bridge Exhibition, Buddhist Art Exhibition at MFU, Art Plate
Exhibition, 13th Art Bridge Exhibition “Love in Form”, Thinking
of Painting (Alumni Exhibition), and Chiang Rai Great Flood
2024.
2025: Art for the Land: Encouragement to the Border, 10
Perspectives on Large Scale, Pa Kad: Art and Time, Small-scale
Art Exhibition, Chiang Rai Art for Earth, Chiang Dao Art Festival
2025, Awakening of the Spirit in Buddhist Art, Three Artists
Exhibition (Songdej, Pornchai, Anan).
Group Exhibitions (International)
1999: AJAC 25th New Art in Tokyo / Tokyo Metropolitan Art
Museum, Japan
2007: Mekong Sub-region Art Exhibition, China–Thailand / Yuxi
Normal University, China
2008: International Art Exchange Thailand–USA–Yunnan
2009: Contemporary Thai Art Exhibition / France
2010: Sawasdee: The Art and Culture of Thailand / USA
2010: Mekong Sub-region Art Exhibition: Xishuangbanna–Lanna
/ China
2013: Thai Art to ASEAN Community / Vietnam
2017: World Buddhist Art Exhibition / Bodh Gaya, India
2023: Thailand Biennale Chiang Rai 2023
2024: Invited to present on cultural heritage / University of
Tartu, Estonia
2025 (scheduled): Cheongju Craft Biennale 2025 / Cheongju,
South Korea
2025: Buddhist Art Exhibition, The 1st Asian Association for
Buddhist Student Conference / Chulalongkorn University,
Bangkok
Honors, Awards, and Significant Works
1990–2016: Received numerous art competition awards,
including Bronze (1994), Silver (1996), and Gold (2001) from the
Bua Luang Painting Exhibition, as well as prizes from Panasonic,
Kasikorn Bank, and the “Kanok Nakarat” Award (with Art Bridge
Association).
2017: Award of Honor “Good Person of Mae Chan” and
“Wattanakunathorn” from the Ministry of Culture.
2019: Research recognized as “Good Level” by
Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University.
2022–2023: Buddhist Art Exhibitions (short courses, MFU) at
ICONSIAM.
2023: Sala Silapa Exhibition (Tri-Bhumi Universe Buddhist Art)
at Mae Fah Luang University Chiang Rai.
2024: Certificate of Achievement in Buddhist Art / Chiang Rai
Buddhist College (MCU).
2024: Plaque of Honor for Contributions to the University / Mae
Fah Luang University.
2025: Royal Award “Sao Sema Dhammachakra” for contributions
to Buddhism.
2025: Petch Kanok Award for National Prestige / Association of
Film & Audio Producers.
2025: Selected as one of 29 artists to design the “Bianfu” mascot /
Thailand Biennale Phuket 2025.
2025: Permanent installation of Naga Buddha Sculpture at Wat
Pa Nakanimit, Sakon Nakhon.
Public Contributions and Key Roles
Art Bridge Association:
Co-founder and president, playing a major role in establishing
Chiang Rai as an “Art City” and organizing widely recognized
events, such as Painting for the King (2016).
Buddhist Art and Design Contributions:
Medal Design: Created commemorative medals for the annual
Hok Peng Festival – Doi Tung pilgrimage for seven consecutive
years (2017–2023), increasing recognition and participation in
the tradition.
Murals and Sculptures: Created mural paintings and sculptures
as Buddhist offerings in important temples such as Wat
Sutthiwararam (Bangkok), Wat Phutthayuan Doi Insee, Wat Phra
Singh (Chiang Rai), and designed the principal Buddha image
Phra Siddhattha Muni at Rai Cherntawan.
Educational Role:
Co-founder and designer of the “Buddhist Art” curriculum, both
at undergraduate level (Chiang Rai Buddhist College, MCU) and
short courses (Mae Fah Luang University), to pass on Buddhist
art knowledge to monks, novices, and interested individuals.
International Collaboration:
Collaborated with UNHCR on the Art for Refugees project.
Invited (2018) to study mural design at Wat Nawaminratchutis,
Boston, USA.
Contributed illustrations for films by Disney and National
Geographic.
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