"‘I have a big mouth’: Chalermchai quits National Artist post to speak freely

Renowned visual artist Chalermchai Kositpipat has announced that he has relinquished his title of National Artist, saying the position has restricted his ability to criticise the Culture Ministry.

He was named a National Artist by Thailand's National Culture Commission in 2011.

Chalermchai, widely known for being outspoken, said he submitted his resignation letter to the ministry last month.

Speaking on stage, during a contemporary art exhibition in Phuket, he explained that he no longer wished to hold the National Artist title, because it made it difficult for him to express critical views about the ministry.

“I have a big mouth. I can’t criticise the ministry freely if I am a National Artist,” he said.

Chalermchai was the first visual arts honouree of the inaugural Silpathorn Award, established in 2004 to recognise living Thai contemporary artists in mid-career.

Among his most famous works is the world-renowned Wat Rong Khun, an ornate white Buddhist temple under construction in his native Chiang Rai province.