What is Thai Art?

Traditional Thai paintings have elaborate and unique patterns inspired by beauty found in nature. 

Usually, what artists observe in real life, whether it be a human being, animal, object, house and tree are distorted and interpreted in form of art.  

All aspects of nature are developed into magnificent and elaborate patterns that highlight Thai uniqueness.

The uniqueness and elaboration are partly inspired by artists’ religious faiths. Artists paint artworks that serve the beliefs and functions as objects of worship. 

Paintings can be found in temples, temple and pagoda walls, the contents of which are mostly inspired by stories of the Lord Buddha and Buddhist religious beliefs.

Buddhism plays a central role in the Thai society with the majority of Thais being Buddhists. Temples serve as places where people meet to perform traditional religious and cultural rituals. Therefore, temples serve to unite all hearts in the Thai society. 

Thai traditions and culture are also  intertwined with Buddhism and Thai ways of life, highlighting agriculture, farming and harvesting.

Artists selectively portray these Thai ways of life and traditions in exquisite and animated artworks. 

Thai traditional costumes most clearly reflect the Thai uniqueness. For instance, Thai sarongs, woven from fibers from natural materials, are unique in terms of how to wear, colors and patterns. 

The sarongs are common garments among Thai females in local areas, even today. The weaving techniques, elaborate patterns and outstanding colors have not only been passed down from generation to generation, but also represent different regions in Thailand. 

The techniques of artworks have been passed down from generation to generation. This is a value contemporary artists recognize and carry through in their practice. 

Artists choose to retain fundamental aspects while adopting and mixing it with Western techniques and ideas. 

Many artists take as their inspiration from mural paintings on temple walls, combining them with traditional symbols and modern stories.

The result is a contemporary artistic creation with eye-catching, vivid colors. However, the works still retain some unique aspects of Thai traditional fine arts. 

Materials presently in use are diverse and varied, adopted by Thai artists in their artistic creations. For example, the technique of pearl inlay. 

Artists make use of the traditional technique but use modern materials to reflect modernity. 

Traditionally, artists lavishly inscribe beautiful patterns onto shells through elaborate techniques before decorating and adding lacquer with charcoal to secure the patterns.

Though Thai paintings have changed and been adapted to reflect temporal changes or have adopted or been inspired by western concepts, artists still retain some unique Thai aspects, including creation techniques and unique patterns having been passed down for many generations.

For these reasons, Thai artworks are part of Thai identity which holds irreplaceable value and deserve to be preserved.