It is with such a heavy hearts that we share that our host, guide, guardian, visionary, activist, artist, and very dear friend, Shukit Panmongkol has passed away.
Shukit Panmongkol brought Thailand to life for us and for all the students who traveled with the Handshouse Toys for Elephants/ Thailand Travel Program over the past two years. We have been optimistically looking forward to continuing and expanding our ideas and future work together with Shukit and the many Thai artists, crafts people, and friends that he so graciously shared with us. And we are heart-broken to hear of his passing.
Shukit, who was a true lover of art and a vibrant and joyful person. He brought his vision for bringing International artists together with Thai artists to life by creating the Artist-in-Residence center, Ne'Na Contemporary Art Space, in Mae Rim, a natural paradise north of Chiang Mai, in northern Thailand.
Shukit also introduced us to architect Ramphad Kothkaew, who created Ne'Na with Shukit as well as the remarkable Monfai Culture House in Chiang Mai. Our travel groups were welcomed at both these centers like we were family.
Shukit, beloved by the international community of artists and guests he brought to Ne'Na, was very sociable and warm. He took us to galleries, and traditional Thai cultural sites, introduced us to many Thai artists, both contemporary and traditional crafts people. And he always was eager to bring us to new places to share in his favorite Thai cuisine!
Shukit had a love of creativity, passion for contemporary art, and a unique skill for creating exchange and connections. Shukit was also a youthful spirit, quick to smile and laugh, talk about his knowledgeable perspective of the world, or endeared everyone around him with his sense of humor and love of life. Some of the most memorable moments I will always carry of Shukit were singing together; singing rock music with everyone in his car as we drove across the countryside, laughing until our cheeks hurt as we all stepped up to the Karaoke stage, and spending the whole night singing with all our new Thai friends with just our guitars around the fire. Shukit made a place on the other side of planet from here feel like home in ways that we will never forget.
Speaking for all the participants of Handshouse Studio Toys for Elephants/Thailand Travel Programs, we will be forever grateful for having the opportunity to have met and shared time with Shukit Panmongkol.
Our hearts go out to all the people who knew and loved him. We sincerely hope to return to Thailand to Monfai and Nena to see all our dear friends again soon and to share our memories and love of Shukit together.
