Bangkok--28 Aug--Bangkok Bank Bangkok Bank Foundation Chairman Chatri Sophonpanich (third from right) awards study tours to Mr. Siroj Phuangbubpha, winner of the first prize in the 29th Bualuang Painting Competition in the Traditional Thai painting category; and Mr. Thanongsak Pakwan, the first-prize winner in the Semi-traditional Thai painting category. The two-week study tour will take both artists to exhibitions in Germany and to an international contemporary art exposition in Italy. Mr. Weeradej Phanonwan Na Ayutthaya (right), assistant secretary of the Bualuang Painting Committee, will accompany the artists. Also present at the prize presentation ceremony were Bangkok Bank Managing Director Singh Tangtatswas (second from left) and Bangkok Bank Directors Vira Ramyarupa (left), M.C. Mongkolchaleam Yugala (third from left), and Thamnoon Laukaikul (fourth from left). The Bualuang Painting Competition received 199 entries from 133 artists with winning paintings selected by a judging panel comprised of national artists and knowledgeable academics. Seventy-eight short-listed paintings are now on view at an exhibition at the Queen Sirikit Gallery on Ratchadamnoen Klang Road which will run from today until October 9, 2007. The exhibition is open from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. every day except Wednesdays. Click for photo release at www.thaipr.net