Bangkok, 3 January 2026 — A new art exhibition opened at the Ratchadamnoen Contemporary Art Centre in Bangkok to pay tribute to Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother. The opening ceremony was presided over by Mr Prasop Riang-ngern, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, and attended by senior officials, national artists and students.
The event, titled the Art Project in Tribute to Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, was organised by the Office of Contemporary Art and Culture in partnership with the Alumni Association of the Faculty of Painting, Sculpture and Graphic Arts at Silpakorn University, government agencies and private-sector supporters. Representatives from ThaiBev and other cultural institutions joined artists and educators at the launch.
Thailand art exhibition features 93 paintings by volunteer artists
More than 200 volunteer artists took part in the project. They produced a total of 93 paintings that are now on display. The works span a variety of styles and approaches, united by the purpose of expressing loyalty, remembrance and gratitude for the Queen Mother’s long service to the nation.
The exhibition offers visitors a close view of contemporary responses to national mourning and respect. It exists both as a public act of commemoration and as an educational opportunity for current students and alumni from Silpakorn University and the Poh Chang Academy of Arts. Pupils from the Demonstration School of Silpakorn University, Sanam Chandra Palace Campus, also contributed to the programme.
Opening hours run from 10:00 until 19:00 every day, with the gallery closed on Mondays. Admission is free, reflecting the organisers’ intention to make the tribute accessible to all members of the public during the display period from 30 December 2025 until 28 January 2026.
Speakers at the opening highlighted the collaborative nature of the project. They noted that contributions from established national artists and younger practitioners demonstrate the depth of Thailand’s artistic community and its capacity to respond to national events through creative practice. Private sponsors provided logistical and cultural support, enabling a wider range of submissions and a more comprehensive exhibition layout.
For many visitors the exhibition will be more than a collection of paintings. It will serve as a communal space to reflect on the Queen Mother’s role and to express personal and collective sentiments. The show also creates a platform for emerging artists to present work alongside recognised figures in the field, promoting dialogue between generations of practitioners.
Curators have arranged the gallery to allow viewers to move through thematic clusters, encouraging engagement with both individual pieces and the broader purpose of the exhibition. Educational materials and guided tours are expected to accompany the display on selected days, helping school groups and members of the public to understand the artistic choices and cultural significance behind the works.
Organisers said they hope the exhibition will foster unity and a deeper appreciation of Thailand’s contemporary art scene while providing a respectful tribute to Her Majesty Queen Sirikit. The free admission policy aims to ensure that the exhibition remains open to everyone who wishes to pay their respects and experience the artworks.
Key Takeaways:
- Thailand art exhibition in Bangkok features 93 paintings created by more than 200 volunteer artists as a tribute to Queen Mother Sirikit.
- The exhibition opened on 3 January at the Ratchadamnoen Contemporary Art Centre and is free to the public until 28 January 2026.
- Organisers include the Office of Contemporary Art and Culture, Silpakorn University alumni and partners from government and private sector bodies.
