Suan Son Silp (Secret Art Garden) Khao Yai

Upon learning the history of "Lung Noi" - Surin Sonthirati, an international watercolor artist from Suan Son Silp (Secret Art Garden), one feels he is quite a remarkable person. This is because, in his early life, Lung Noi had almost no connection to art.

Lung Noi graduated with a law degree. He began working in B.E. 2523 (1980) with Betagro Company, located in Pak Chong District. This continued until his eldest son, who was at a curious learning age, frequently asked questions about art. This made the lawyer, who had zero knowledge of art, find it necessary to go and study with his son. Meanwhile, the mother and the other 3 children would wait. Eventually, they invited the teacher to teach at their home. From just two students, it grew until all 6 family members were learning together.

This might have been the first turning point in his life that Lung Noi had not anticipated.

"I started learning watercolor painting when I was 40 years old. I went to paint as a companion for my son because I wanted to be able to talk to him about it. He asked me to teach him, but I didn't know how. So, I went to learn so I could talk to him, starting from zero. Today, this father has become a Watercolor Master, exhibiting works around the world."

The Origin of Suan Son Silp

"I dreamed of having a house in the forest," Lung Noi says, speaking of the beginning of everything he has today.

From that dream, the young man who believed nothing was impossible began to take action. By studying trees and planted forests, he began building this house in B.E. 2529 (1986). From land that was a cornfield, a monoculture, it transformed into a forest by B.E. 2549 (2006). There are over 10,000 trees on 120 rai of land. Various creatures came to live, creating a balance, and it became a large, abundant forest.

"The atmosphere here is wonderful. It’s a 100% man-made forest. It's one of the stories I am always proud to present. Just this morning, I heard hornbills singing joyfully, echoing through the forest. I managed to record a video, but you can only hear them because they stay at the treetops." The speaker said with a happy tone, while playing the clip.

Suan Son Silp is currently located in Klang Dong Sub-district, Pak Chong District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province. It has now been developed into a comprehensive tourist destination that visitors to Khao Yai should not miss. It includes accommodation, a restaurant-in-the-forest, a café, beautiful gardens, and a gallery, along with many art activities to come and enjoy.

"Our gallery features paintings by myself and my family, as well as works from Thai and international artist friends who send them to be displayed. We have many rooms spread out. For those interested, we charge an admission fee of only 100 Baht, which includes entry to both the garden and the gallery. And if anyone comes for an activity, like parents bringing their children for art activities, they can use that 100 Baht ticket as a discount."

For those who want to visit, Suan Son Silp is open every Friday to Monday, and closed on Tuesday to Thursday. Normally, there are various activities available, such as watercolor painting, acrylic painting, eco-printing, painting on tote bags, and painting on canvas. These are activities you can walk in for. Except for watercolor classes with Lung Noi, which require an advance booking.

"I teach here regularly, every Friday to Monday. We have a collaborative project ('x') with GranMonte Vineyard and Winery. People who buy the accommodation and tour package at GranMonte will also get to take a painting class with Lung Noi."

Special Workshop: Suan Son Silp X World-Class Artists

In one year, Suan Son Silp invites world-class artists for special joint activities about 3-4 times. The first one this year was an artist from Switzerland, who is the president of the watercolor society of Switzerland. The next was a Polish artist. Most recently, we invited Mr. Igli Arapi, an Italian watercolor artist who is very outstanding in painting landscapes and architecture. Many interested people from various professions joined.

"As an artist who has had the opportunity to exhibit in many countries, I meet many artist friends. Once a year, I invite international artists to visit, and we take the opportunity to have them open a workshop. This way, Thai people can learn techniques from world-class artists. It's a course anyone can take, whether they have a background [in art] or not. This is because I have one belief that I teach myself and my children: Nothing is impossible."

To get to this day, Lung Noi, at 70 years old, has always lived his life according to his own belief: That is, nothing is impossible. Courage will lead to success. People must have dreams, but don't just daydream. You must seek knowledge. It is all about diligence (phon sa-waeng), not innate talent (phon sa-wan).

"In my life, I have no innate talent. I only use diligence. You must take action; don't just go through the motions. Dare to confront mistakes. Find the errors and fix them. And finally, don't be narcissistic."

Art Builds Concentration: An Activity Families Should Encourage

"Phisit Phuangmaliwan," 75, a retired civil servant from Nakhon Ratchasima Rajabhat University and one of the participants in this special workshop, shared that he came to the workshop as a companion for his daughter. His daughter, who is a dentist, loves to paint, and he also enjoys painting.

"I had my daughter study art since she was young. It makes her happy and focused; she can do it all day. I used to buy her coloring books with line art, and she was very happy. I like it too. I don't draw beautifully, but I find joy in drawing. Today, my daughter invited me to join her as a companion, so we got to learn together."

The former lecturer added that he sees painting as a way to use the brain and creativity, which aligns with a quote from Einstein that has always impressed him: Intellect is one thing, but what is superior to intellect is creativity.

"I had been here a long time ago, but I never knew they taught painting. This time, my daughter heard the news, so she contacted them. This is my first time learning with an international artist. I feel it’s a good experience, allowing me to revive my painting skills at this age. It keeps me from being bored."

Being surrounded by nature is already a wonderful thing. Bringing art into an atmosphere enveloped by nature at Suan Son Silp is like traveling back to the home of the heart, allowing one to truly touch inner peace and beauty.

© 2025 Khaoyai Connect. All rights reserved.

No part of this content may be copied, modified, or distributed in any form without prior written permission.