Sulak Sivaraksa

Winner of the 1994 Sriburapa Award

The objective of the Sriburapha Fund is to provide pensions to Thai writers who have contributed to society, and to hold activities to remember the works of literary masters. The Fund also honors prominent literary figures with its annual Sriburapha Award.

The Sriburapha Award is given, to Thai writers who have written articles, features, or short stories that serve society and humanity. The recipient must have been a writer for more than 30 years and still be living.

This year, the outspoken writer and social critic Sulak Sivaraksa was the recipient of the prestigious award.

The announcement was made by Suwat Woradilok, Chairman of the Committee for the Sriburapha Fund, as follows:

"Sulak Sivaraksa is an important social critic, thinker, and writer for Thailand , who has continued to contribute to the world of literature since 1957. During the periods that Thailand has been under the control of dictatorial regimes, and the free-flowing of intellectual ideas subsequently suppressed, Sulak Sivaraksa has managed to present works of literature, and articles which inspire the youth to search for new paradigms and ideas for dealing with society. Sulak was also the editor of the Social Science Review which was central to the type of thinking and searching occurring during that period. It was fundamental to the process of fighting for democracy and justice in society, which stimulated the formation of democracy movements such as the student demonstration of October 14th, 1973 and other significant events thereafter.

For several decades, Sulak has produced literature and articles on many subjects. He is able to link Western and Eastern philosophy. He also brings to the fore and joins the best aspects of both past and present Thai culture. Most importantly, he has been able to utilize Buddhist philosophy and wisdom in a way that is applicable to the modem era.

In addition, he is a social activist who stimulates NGOs to participate in social development. This has lead to the creation of various kinds of NGOs involved in a variety of alternative issues. Because his ideas and sincerity towards his work have made him into an astute and discerning critic with a tendency for outspokenness, he is sometimes disliked by the authorities and has often been threatened.

In his role as thinker, writer and pragmatist, and as one who is honest, serious, and sincere in his creative work, he is an outstanding contributor to the literary world. The Sriburapha Fund would therefore like to give the 1994 award to Sulak Sivaraksa."

5 May 1994

This article is pasted on https://www.sulak-sivaraksa.org on : 2005-08-08

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