Why did you choose to transform an old building to house a contemporary art gallery?
I’d like to show the community that old and new things can exist together. That’s why I’ve managed to merge edgy modern designs into this old wooden building. It costs a lot more but it’s important to move forward while retaining our history.

How?
We shouldn’t change the way the community lives. I’ve never changed what my grandfather and father have done; I just add new methods of ceramics to show there’s another way.

What’s the toughest part of trying to make Ratchaburi an art town?
I’m not doing this alone but more support from the government would really help. If they can spend B20 million on a two-day event in China Town, I think they can spend just B1 million on a project like mine that would educate people. Apart from this gallery, I’m trying to place sculptures and installations around town too.

Do locals see art as essential?
I know that art is not the center of life. But it’s part of it. Like a big jigsaw puzzle; it wouldn’t be perfect without a single piece. Art is like that. It compliments life.

How long for Ratchaburi to become a contemporary art town?
I think we need at least five to ten years. Or it can be a hundred years. But a hundred years will be a hundred and one years if we keep postponing it.

What keeps you working on this project?
Everything is for the next generation. We try to be a big tree that helps fertilize smaller plants so they can grow up to be big trees in the future.