Angkarn Kalayanapong, renowned poet & National Artist, passes away at 86

[News Bandit]

BANGKOK, Aug 25 -- Angkarn Kalayanapong, renowned poet and National Artist, passed away early this morning at the age of 86 after suffering from long-term heart disease, diabetes, and senility.

The Culture Ministry's Department of Cultural Promotion director-general Prisna Pongtadsirikul told reporters that Mr Angkarn, the National Artist in the category of literature has passed away at 12:30 am this morning at Samitivej Hospital. He was 86 years old.

Born in the southern province of Nakhon Si Thammarat on February 13, 1926, Angkarn graduated from the faculty of painting, sculpture and graphic arts, Silpakorn University.

Angkarn was a leading contemporary poet. He was named a National Artist in 1989 (Literature) and won the SEA Write Awards for "Panithan Kawee" (The Poet's Pledge) in 1986.

He began writing in the late 1950s and was initially criticised for his transgressions of poetic conventions and use of vulgar language.

However, in 1989, Angkhan was finally honoured as a National Artist.

Angkarn was also famous as painter. He created priceless drawings and paintings through his career including "Prints of Himmapan."  (MCOT online news)

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