"Mae Khamson Sarathong" , The 87-year-old art teacher of Praewa silk cloth and National Artist in the visual arts category was rushed to hospital late at night after experiencing severe abdominal pain. Doctors initially diagnosed gallstones in her gallbladder but surgery could not be performed due to her frail health and advanced age.
On 28 Apr 2026 GMT+7, reporters reported that relatives took 87-year-old Mae Khamson Sarathong, a resident of Ban Phon, Phon Subdistrict, Kham Muang District, Kalasin Province, and a National Artist in Visual Arts (Fine Arts - Silk Weaving) in 2016, to Kham Muang District Hospital for treatment late at night. Around 04:00 GMT+7, hospital staff and relatives transferred Mae Khamson to Kalasin Hospital, the provincial hospital, due to severe abdominal pain. Under the care of Dr. Jaruphan Manositthasak, director of Kalasin Hospital, a medical team immediately examined her health.
Doctors initially diagnosed that her condition was caused by gallstones but surgery could not be performed because her body was weak due to old age. She was given intravenous fluids to improve her condition before further treatment. This situation has caused concern among Praewa silk weaving students, as Mae Khamson Sarathong was selected as a National Artist in Visual Arts (Fine Arts - Silk Weaving) in 2016, a source of pride for Kalasin residents. Praewa silk, a handwoven fabric with unique pieces, is renowned for its exquisite beauty and is honored as one of the "Queens of Thai Silk."
Regarding her background, Mae Khamson Sarathong, now 87, completed Grade 4 primary education. Through perseverance and interest in weaving, she has practiced Praewa silk weaving since age 19. She led the Thai group in Ban Phon to collectively weave and control quality. The first Praewa pattern woven was the Naga pattern, learned from her mother-in-law, Grandma Beng Sarathong, the first teacher, with ongoing learning. She received guidance from the royal patronage of Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother, and was once granted 40,000 baht by the queen as funding to serve as an instructor teaching Praewa silk weaving techniques to members. She has received the Golden Phra That Nadun Award for outstanding achievement in visual arts (Praewa silk weaving), was selected as an outstanding national mother, a distinguished person of Kalasin, and a Thai wisdom teacher.
Additionally, Kalasin Rajabhat University awarded her an honorary master's degree, which she received from His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun in 2014.
Mae Khamson Sarathong is recognized for her creativity in Praewa silk weaving, inventing patterns such as "Khao Lai" or "Takrao Lai." She also serves as a teacher and instructor, passing on knowledge and is regarded as the master teacher of the Praewa silk weaving community.