Major Tawee Buranaket, National Artist in Visual Arts and pioneer of Buddha statue sculpting and casting, creator of the renowned Phra Buddha Chinnarat replica, passed away peacefully from old age at 94.
On 21 Sep 2026, it was reported that Songkhwae City, Phitsanulok Province, lost a revered figure in Thai Buddhist art, Major Tawee Buranaket, also known as Lieutenant Tawee Buranaket, National Artist in Visual Arts (Fine Arts, Sculpting, and Casting) and Thailand's first master artist. He pioneered Buddha statue sculpting and casting, especially the Phra Buddha Chinnarat replica, and died peacefully from old age at 12:19 p.m. on 21 Sep 2026 at age 94.
His family is preparing a funeral ceremony at Wat Tapakhao Hai, Hua Ro Subdistrict, Mueang Phitsanulok District, with a royal bathing ceremony scheduled for 22 Sep 2026.
Sergeant Major Dr. Tawee Buranaket was born on 9 Oct 1932 in Ban Klong Tao Hai, Hua Ro Subdistrict, Mueang Phitsanulok District, into a poor family with many siblings. He completed only up to grade 9 before helping his family earn a living. Driven by a thirst for knowledge, he continued learning throughout his life. In 1955, he enlisted in the military with the rank of Corporal, working as a draftsman in the 3rd Army Region in Phitsanulok. He later trained in metal casting at the Handicraft Division, Fine Arts Department, and studied art under Professor Silpa Bhirasri and expert craftsmen, gaining expertise in sculpting and metal casting.
After serving in the military until 1978, Major Tawee resigned to pursue Buddha statue sculpting and casting professionally. He established the Thai Restoration Foundry and founded the Tawee Folk Museum, sharing his knowledge with craftsmen and the public, especially through creating the Phra Buddha Chinnarat replica based on the original principal Buddha image at Wat Phra Sri Rattana Mahathat Woramahawihan in Phitsanulok. His replicas were beautifully proportioned and distinctive, earning acclaim for Phitsanulok's Buddha casting community.
Major Tawee's key legacy was not only his craftsmanship but also his transmission of skills to younger generations. Since 1978, numerous disciples learned Buddha statue sculpting and casting from him, later applying these skills professionally to open foundries and support their families. This created a network of Buddhist art craftsmen preserving this knowledge from generation to generation to this day.
For his works and contributions to art and culture, Major Tawee received many honors, including Outstanding Cultural Person in Skilled Crafts (Casting), an honorary Bachelor of Education in Art Education, "Master Artist of the Land" in 2017, the Phet Siam Award in 2021, and the "Servant of the Land" award for promoting religion and culture in 2021. The Ministry of Culture honored him as Thailand's first master artist in 2022.
On 2 Feb 2024, the Commander of the 3rd Army Region awarded Sergeant Major Tawee the rank insignia of Lieutenant at the 3rd Army Headquarters, Camp Somdet Phra Naresuan Maharaj, honoring his contributions to art and culture. On 26 Oct 2024, a ceremony was held to honor and pay tribute to him on the occasion of his recognition as National Artist in Visual Arts (Fine Arts, Sculpting, and Casting).
Throughout his career, Major Tawee held the principle that "those who create Buddha statues must have a good heart." He emphasized dedication to Buddhism, moral character, avoidance of harmful habits, and a commitment to preserving Buddhism. He urged youth to help conserve the nation's art, believing that instilling this from childhood would prevent the loss of local art and wisdom.
The passing of Major Tawee Buranaket marks a significant loss for Thai Buddhist art. He leaves behind invaluable artistic works and many generations of disciples who continue Buddha statue sculpting and casting, serving as a cultural heritage legacy that the "Master Artist of Songkhwae" entrusted to future generations.