Italthai Portrait Prize 2025 Returns! 

Committed to nurturing artists of all backgrounds, ages, and skill levels, the competition welcomes both Thai nationals and foreign residents in Thailand—be they seasoned professionals, passionate art enthusiasts, or students eager to make their mark. With four prestigious awards up for grabs, Italthai Portrait Prize 2025 seeks to uncover and celebrate artists brimming with talent, ambition, and vision.  

1. Portrait Prize  Cash prize of 500,000 THB – The grand award, selected by an esteemed panel of judges from business, government, and private sectors.
2. Packing Room Prize Cash prize of 200,000 THB – Handpicked by the River City Bangkok’s exhibition team, recognising a piece that captivates behind-the-scenes curators.
3. People’s Choice Prize  Cash prize of 100,000 THB – Determined by public vote, awarded to the artwork that resonates most with exhibition visitors.
4. Youth Prize  Cash prize of 100,000 THB – Dedicated to young talents aged 16 and under, celebrating the vision and creativity of the next generation. 

Recognised as one of Thailand’s most significant artistic platforms, this competition provides an unparalleled opportunity for artists—both emerging and established—to showcase their mastery. Beyond the cash prizes, winners will gain invaluable exposure, with their works exhibited at “Italthai Portrait Prize 2025” exhibition at River City Bangkok, offering them a chance to present their artistry to the wider public and the art community at large. 

To mark its fifth year, the Italthai Portrait Prize invites artists across the country to explore and interpret the essence of life through their brushstrokes under the theme: "LIFE: Growth, Dream, and Failure.". Life, after all, is a canvas painted with unique experiences—shaped by perspectives, circumstances, values, and cultures. Some lives are coloured by struggles, hardship, sorrow, and the relentless weight of societal expectations. Others are illuminated by joy, hope, dreams, freedom, love, and personal triumphs beyond words. Like strokes of colour on a blank canvas, each journey is distinct, whether bright and exuberant or dark and somber. Through this theme, artists are encouraged to express their personal interpretation of life’s journey—its aspirations, challenges, and transformations—through the profound medium of portraiture. 

In keeping with its tradition, all submitted artworks must be original live portraits—painted from live sittings rather than from photographs or other references. However, the subject need not be a family member or acquaintance; artists may also depict figures who have left a lasting impact on society or the nation. Moreover, Italthai Portrait Prize upholds artistic freedom by allowing participants to create their portraits using any medium of their choice, provided they adhere to the competition’s guidelines. By embracing diverse artistic expressions, this competition aspires to be a platform where creativity knows no bounds, and where artists can bring their vision to life in the most compelling and unrestricted manner. 

For the judging of the Italthai Portrait Prize 2025, we are honoured to welcome a distinguished panel of seven esteemed juries from the business, public, and private sectors. These thought leaders will play a pivotal role in selecting the finalists and winners of this prestigious competition. This year, we are delighted to introduce a new addition to the judging panel—Mrs. Valaithip Piriyawaraskul, Senior Vice President, Group Asset & Compliance, Italthai Group—who will bring fresh insights and perspectives to the selection process. 

Mrs. Valaithip Piriyawaraskul Senior Vice President, Group Asset & Compliance, Italthai Group

As a key patron of this prestigious national portrait competition—one that reaffirms our commitment to discovering and nurturing emerging artistic talent in Thailand—Khun Yuthachai Charanachitta, Group CEO of the Italthai Group, shared his thoughts on the initiative, stating: 

“The Italthai Portrait Prize is a stage rich with stories of success. Many artists who have participated in this competition have gone on to establish themselves in both the national and international art scenes. I take great pride in seeing the Italthai Portrait Prize—Thailand’s first portrait competition—flourish for more than half a decade. As we enter our fifth year, we have introduced a dedicated theme for the competition, offering artists an even greater opportunity to showcase their creative vision. I sincerely hope that this platform will continue to be a space where seasoned or amateur artists can express their talent, dedication, and the stories they wish to tell. I eagerly look forward to seeing the works from this year’s participants." 

The Italthai Portrait Prize 2025 judging panel consists of seven distinguished thought leaders from across business, government, and private sectors, including:  

1. Mrs. Valaithip Piriyawaraskul - Senior Vice President, Group Asset & Compliance, Italthai Group

2. Mrs. Pranapda Chirathivat - Founder of Dragonfly360 and President of Siam Music Yamaha Co., Ltd.

3. M.L. Kathathong Thongyai - Assistant Director-General, Department of International Trade Promotion, Ministry of Commerce

4. Mr. Tom Van Blarcom - Managing Director, Total Quality PR (Thailand) Co., Ltd.

5. Ms. Naphalai Areesorn - Editorial Consultant, Koktail and Thailand’s Favorite Restaurants

6. Ms. Adulaya Hoontrakul - Director, Bangkok Art & Culture Centre (BACC)

7. Mr. Voranai Vanijaka - Journalist & College Lecturer 

In addition to the seven esteemed judges, River City Bangkok, a long-standing supporter of the Italthai Portrait Prize, hopes that this competition will inspire and empower talented emerging artists by providing them with the opportunity to step into the national art scene. More than just a competition, the Italthai Portrait Prize serves as a launchpad—offering artists scholarships, commissioned opportunities, industry recognition, and a true pathway into the art world.  

Khun Linda Cheng, Managing Director of River City Bangkok, further shared: "What we hope to see is a portrait that reflects individuals who have made a positive impact on society, whether they are famous figures or ordinary people. Through these portraits, we aim to explore the perspectives, lifestyles, and social realities of Thailand, offering a nuanced and independent interpretation by the artists." 

Join us in celebrating the beauty and diversity of Thai art and culture through the Italthai Portrait Prize 2025. All participants are invited to learn more about the application process, submission details, and rules by visiting https://rivercitybangkok.com/italthai-portrait-prize-2025/. The submission period will run from April 1 to August 31, 2025. 

“Because within every stroke, a story unfolds.” 

Competition Timelines: Italthai Portrait Prize 2025 

• 1 April - 31 August 2025 

Submission Period – Artists interested in participating in the Italthai Portrait Prize 2025 can stay updated on the official submission process through River City Bangkok’s social media channels: 

1. 1. Facebook: River City Bangkok (https://www.facebook.com/RiverCityBangkok)

   2. Instagram: @rivercitycontemporary (https://www.instagram.com/rivercitycontemporary) 

• 16 October 2025 

Finalists Announcement – The list of shortlisted artists will be announced via email, using the contact information provided in their application submissions.  

• 18 November 2025 

Award Ceremony – Winners of the Portrait Prize, Packing Room Prize, and Youth Prize will be revealed in an exclusive event attended by media representatives, judges panel, and the Governor of Bangkok, held at River City Bangkok.  

• 19 November - 16 December 2025 

Exhibition Period – the works of finalists will be showcased in the prestigious “Italthai Portrait Prize 2025” exhibition 

• 17 December 2025 

People’s Choice Prize Announcement – The winner, selected by the public vote, will be revealed on River City Bangkok’s social media channels.  

#ItalthaiPortraitPrize2025 #ItalthaiGroup 

#RiverCityBangkok #RiverCityContemporary