Small independent films dominated big box-office movies as Thailand’s equivalent of the Oscars rolled out the red carpet in Pattaya.
“Tang Wong,” the story of a teenage boy who accidently becomes involved in dancing art, won the Best Picture trophy at the 23rd Subhanahongsa Thailand National Film Association Awards Feb. 23 at the Royal Cliff Hotel Group’s Pattaya Exhibition And Convention Hall. The film also won the best director prize for Kongdet Jathuranrassamee, best supporting actor for Nathasit Kothimanatwanit and best screenplay. Producer Kanyarath Jirarathchakij burst into tears after his film took the four Golden Swans.
The gala evening, themed “Star of the Ocean”, attracted a universe of Thai film stars to Pattaya, as well as caretaker Culture Minister Sonthaya Kunplome and Pattaya Mayor Itthiphol Kunplome. Among the celebrities strolling down the red carpet were Mai Davika, Saipan Apinya, Gypso Ramita, Nadech Kugimiya, Boy Pongsathorn, Mike Pirath, Aom Sushar, Joke So Cool, Hay Arpaporn, Ter Chantavit, Tono Pakin, Kao Jirayu, Kao Supassra and Pan Pan Supatta.
Event VIPs and guests of honor take to the stage with the award winners after the awards ceremony of the 23rd Suppanahongsa Awards at PEACH.
“We are excited and honored to be part of the 23rd Subhanahongsa Film Awards,” said Vitanart Vathanakul, executive director of Royal Cliff Hotels Group. “The Thai National Film Association has outdone itself in creating another unforgettable evening. The night was truly a success.”
The evening’s other big winner was another indie film, “Mary is Happy, Mary is Happy,” which won Golden Swans for Best Actress Patcha Poonpiriya, Best Supporting Actress Chonikarn Natejuiey, best cinematography and best film editing.
Award winners are brought up on stage.
Nadech Kugimiya won the best actor trophy for his role in “Khoo Kam” and the fan vote for favorite actor. Panpan Suthitha was voted the fans’ favorite actress. This year’s Supanahong trophy of honor was given to Jaruek Kanjaruek, the director of “Kantha.”
(Above) Mayor Itthiphol Kunplome presents the Golden Swan trophy to Nadej Khugimiya from the movie “Khoo Kam”, for winning “Best Actor” and the male popular vote.
“Ying” Ratha Phognam, popular and talented female actress joins the ceremony.
Maria Gequillana (right), Public Relations and Marketing Communications Manager of the Royal Cliff Hotels Group together with Sutheenuch Suangkhawathin (left), Assistant Public Relations and Communications Manager of the Royal Cliff Hotels Group warmly congratulate the winner of the Best Actress Award, Patcha Poonpiriya (center), for taking home the Golden Swan Trophy for her role in the movie “Mary is Happy, Mary is Happy”.
Popular movie directors and actors/actresses pose with their Golden Swan awards.
(L to R) Amarapat Julkasian Vathanakul, Vathanai Vathanakul, and Vitanart Vathanakul, congratulate “Tang Wong” Executive Producer, Kanyarat Jirarachakij, with a bouquet of flowers for winning the Best Picture Award at the 23rd Subhanahongsa Awards.
Ministry of Culture Sonthaya Kunplome (2nd right) and Mayor Itthiphol Kunplome (2nd left) take part in a question and answer format.
The night was full of celebrities and friends.
Suppanard “Tina” Jittaleela (in yellow) and Rucha “Devi” Meesaeng (in light blue) perform the soundtrack to teen movie “Tee Sam Khuen Sam 3D”, which they star in.
Hosts of the Supanahong Awards “Nu Maam” Surivipha and “Top” Daraneenuch perform a number on stage.
Akhra “Golf” Amartyakul (center), Chinaradi “Yaimai” Anungpongpichart (left), and Ariya “Peng” Thanawong, actor and actresses starred in the Thai haunted movie “Baan Khang Vinyan” (My House).
(L to R) Weerasak Kowsurat, the Secretary General of the National Federation of Motion Pictures and Content Association; Amarapat Julkasian Vathanakul, Vathanai Vathanakul, Minister of Culture Sonthaya Kunplome, Panga Vathanakul, Managing Director of Royal Cliff Hotels Group, Vitanart Vathanakul, Chan Vathanakul, and Antonello Passa pose the 23rd Suppanahongsa Awards at PEACH.
Local correspondents and various guests gather in the meeting room on the 4th floor of the Peach Exhibition and Convention Hall.
