Bangkok: The Office of the Vocational Education Commission (OVEC) has revealed the third group of artists participating in the Thailand Biennale, Phuket 2025. The event will feature 15 Thai and international artists and artist groups and is scheduled to run from November 2025 to April 2026. This initiative is part of a broader effort to establish Phuket as a prominent art city, enhance its appeal as a global tourist destination, and leverage Thailand's cultural capital to boost the economy and international image.
According to Thai News Agency, the announcement was made at a press conference presided over by Ms. Chotika Akarakitsopakul, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, representing Ms. Paethongtarn Shinawatra, Minister of Culture. The event, held at RCB Artery, River City Bangkok, was attended by Mr. Samawit Suphanphai, Deputy Governor of Phuket Province, Ms. Kesorn Kamnerdpetch, Director of the Office of Contemporary Art and Culture, and other key figures from the Ministry of Culture, alongside artists and representatives from various sectors.
A committee of experts has curated seven pavilions for the Biennale, showcasing a range of exhibitions by artist groups and art organizations. These include Pavilion 4 Kor Artland by the 4 Kor Artland group, SALA Youngwon by the Gwangju Biennale group, and Instant Kalpa(s) by Juan Pablo Garca Sossa Group, among others. In total, the event will feature 13 pavilions, with contributions from both domestic and international sources, as well as local presentations from Phuket and other regions.
Mr. Samawit Suphanphai emphasized the collaborative efforts between the Ministry of Culture, the Office of Contemporary Art and Culture Promotion, government agencies, the private sector, and local communities in organizing the Biennale. The initiative aims to establish Phuket as a continuous hub for contemporary art activities, enhancing both the cultural and economic landscape of the region. The event is expected to promote arts and culture tourism alongside nature tourism, creating jobs and generating income for Phuket residents.
Mr. Arin Rungjang, Artistic Director of the Thailand Biennale, Phuket 2025, noted that the exhibition design and contemporary art drafts by participating artists are in progress. The works are intended to reflect the unique local context of Phuket, incorporating its history, lifestyle, and community into the artistic concepts. In addition to the main exhibition, collateral events will be organized in collaboration with artists and organizations from Thailand and abroad. For further details, interested parties can visit the official website or contact the Culture Hotline for more information.