Sulak Sivaraksa

Activist Type

Peace

Sulak Sivaraksa is the initiator of several Thai social, humanitarian, ecological, and spiritual movements and organizations. He established the International Network of Engaged Buddhists along with the Maha Ghosananda, Thích Nhất Hạnh, and the 14th Dalai Lama.

Sivaraksa promotes nonviolence as a call for action against social injustice and defined the strategy of bringing long-term world peace through peacemaking, peacekeeping, and peacebuilding. He achieved worldwide acclaim in 1995 as the recipient of the Right Livelihood Award for his vision, activism, and spiritual commitment in the quest for a development process that is rooted in democracy, justice, and cultural integrity.

Artwork by

Albert Chang

Traditional Thai art is mostly comprised of narrative book illustrations, ornamentation of palaces and temples, and sculptures depicting the image of the Buddha. Most often, the subjects of paintings use the application of gold leaf on lacquer. Sulak Sivaraksa’s portrait seeks to capture this skillful technique and medium, while also paying homage to the decorative background prevalent in many of Thailand’s temples.

Thailand

Capital

Bangkok

Founded

April 6, 1782

Demonym

Thai