CityNews – One of Thailand’s most esteemed artists, Thawan Duchanee, died yesterday aged 74.
Thawan was born in Chiang Rai province in 1939, and studied at the Poh Chang Arts and Crafts College, Silkaporn University and the Royal Academy of Visual Arts in the Netherlands. He was declared a national artist in 2001.
His paintings, which often drew on Buddhist themes, were widely acclaimed both in Thailand and abroad. Some of his work is on display at his Black House (baan dum) complex in Chiang Rai.
Thawan died from complications arising from hepatitis, the National News Bureau of Thailand reported. His funeral rites will be held at Wat Depsirin in Bangkok. Thawan is survived by four sons.