The journey of Thai artists onto the international stage is not merely a matter of fate, but a result of nurturing inspiration and seizing the right opportunities. On the occasion of the 17th UOB Painting of the Year (POY) in Thailand, UOB Thailand held a special event to launch the 2026 competition. Three artists from different generations, each a winner of past competitions, shared their personal journeys, challenges, and the pivotal moments that led their work to be recognized regionally and globally through the UOB Artist Alumni Network.
Pannaphan Yodmanee: From Local Beginnings to Artist Residency in Paris
Ms. Pannaphan Yodmanee, winner of the inaugural UOB POY (Thailand) in 2010, reflects on her beginnings. She decided to enter the competition while in her third year of university, drawn by the long-standing international reputation of the UOB platform. Winning served as a springboard, sparking her dream to become a professional artist and providing her the opportunity to visit the Singapore Art Museum (SAM), which inspired her to evolve her technique from traditional Thai mural painting into contemporary mixed media and large-scale installations.
Pannaphan’s work is distinguished by its “cultural DNA,” blending Thai identity with global discourse. This unique approach led her to win the prestigious Benesse Prize at the Singapore Biennale 2016. Most recently, she was selected for a UOB-sponsored artist residency at the Cité Internationale des Arts in Paris in 2025. She describes this as a transformative experience that broadened her horizons, from researching mural techniques in French churches to engaging in cultural exchanges with artists worldwide.
She views the UOB award not as an end point, but as a vital connection. “Winning is an opportunity and a connection. It’s about how you take that award and continue to develop yourself rather than staying in the same place,” she noted, emphasizing the importance of long-term support for female and emerging artists.
Jamilah Haji: The Power of “Dua” and Healing Through Art
For Ms. Jamilah Haji, winner of both the UOB POY (Thailand) and the UOB Southeast Asian Painting of the Year 2025, the path has been one of proving herself through trials. She shared that her family initially did not support her pursuing art due to concerns over career stability. Despite an earlier attempt ten years ago where her work was not selected, her unwavering belief that art is a powerful form of healing led her to eventually win the top regional prize with her piece titled Dua (Pray for a Blessing).
Dua features a mixed-media technique using embroidery and lace—skills she learned from her family in Narathiwat—to symbolize hope, peace, and human narratives. Representing the artist in prayer, the work seeks to communicate a universal desire for global harmony. This piece was showcased at Art Central 2026 in Hong Kong, where its distinct identity resonated with an international audience. Today, she is a full-time artist and has used her winnings to renovate a house in Narathiwat into an art studio for local youth.
Jamilah emphasized that Thai artists possess world-class capabilities but often lack long-term pathways. “UOB POY plays a crucial role in opening doors, enabling international exposure and helping artists develop with confidence over time,” she stated, reflecting on how the platform has helped her amplify the beauty of her culture through a new lens.
Tanyapat Manasarakul: A Young Artist Questioning the Technological World
Representing the new generation, Ms. Tanyapat Manasarakul, recipient of the Most Promising Artist of the Year 2025 (Thailand) award, has shown that young talent can make a significant impact. Her painting, Ctrl + Alt + Destruct, which was also presented at Art Central 2026 in Hong Kong, uses symbols of explosives and keyboard keys to critique society’s reliance on technology and Artificial Intelligence. She views AI as a “double-edged sword” that can be both beneficial and a threat if misused.
Despite being a student at Chulalongkorn University at the time of her win, Tanyapat created a powerful work that garnered international attention. She noted that her inspiration came from seeing UOB POY winning works in galleries during high school, which made her dream of one day exhibiting her own art. When the opportunity arrived, she poured her efforts into a piece that reflects innovation and global relevance.
“Art is about the courage to play, think, and experiment with new things to find new flavors for life and the world,” Tanyapat said. The UOB Artist Alumni Network has provided her with connections to peers across ASEAN and professional opportunities that support her future as an independent artist.
UOB’s Commitment: Building a Sustainable Art Ecosystem
In addition to the insights from these three artists, UOB Thailand reiterated its vision of art as a vital connector. The bank is committed to supporting artists throughout their careers via the UOB Artist Alumni Network, which facilitates international residencies, regional exhibitions, and commercial commissions.
The 17th UOB Painting of the Year competition in 2026 introduces updated eligibility, requiring applicants to be at least 16 years old to focus on those seriously pursuing professional development. Submissions are open online from now until August 3, 2026. Interested artists are invited to follow the details and submit their original work to join this regional platform.
“We believe art is not only a form of creative expression, but as a powerful connector – one that bridges perspectives, fosters dialogue and brings communities together.” — Ms. Dhornratana Olanhankij, Country Head of Brand, Media and Communications, UOB Thailand.
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