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Journal of Thai Traditional & Alternative Medicine Vol. 5 No. 2 May - August 2007 Ò¯˘

Abstract
Evolution of Art Therapy in Thailand
Lertsiri Bovornkitti
Faculty of Fine and Applied Arts, Burapha University, Chon Buri
1
It was noted that there have been publications on art therapy in Thailand since 1986. Most of the credit
for this is rightly bestowed on Burapha University, especially the Faculty of Fine and Applied Arts, as the
initiator in this particular science for Thailand, as historically recorded in the article, the “Birth of Art Therapy
at Burapha University.” 2,3
The “Introductory Course on Art Therapy” meeting in March 2006 was unquestionably a milestone of
the “Art Therapy Movement” in Thailand. The meeting was graciously presided over by Her Royal Highness
Princess Ubol Ratana. Such high-level recognition in tandem with the impact of outstanding Thai and inter-
national art therapy specialists have certainly aroused interest among Thai scholars in this field. Details of the
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event may be found in the Program and Abstracts Book of the meeting .
As is the Thai habit, activities tend to quickly wane in popularity after a performance. It was fortunate
however that the Faculty of Public Health and the Faculty of Nursing decided to establish art therapy in
Burapha University. With their energetic fast-working team, the Faculty of Nursing made a rapid start for
the project of art therapy for the University, and succeeded in establishing the Asia-Pacific Art Therapy Cen-
ter in Burapha University, supported by the University Administration and the US Advisory Board Commit-
tee, comprising specialists from New York University, Emporia State University, Adler School of Professional
Psychology, and Chartaids. The author was among the leaders driving this success. Of note, the author is
apparently the person who uninterruptedly carried on art therapy work since the initial inspiration by the
Lantern of East-Los Angeles, an organization in the United States that used art therapy for victims of the 2004
tsunami disaster. The author has kept on corresponding intimately with overseas art therapists. Up to this
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point, there have been a series of published articles, including translated and edited articles from an out-
standing American book, 8-17 and a couple of concise research articles. 18-19
Key words: evolution, art therapy, Burapha University