The Ministry of Culture of Thailand, through the Office of Contemporary Art and Culture (OCAC), unveils the third group of 15 participating artists and collectives for the upcoming Thailand Biennale, Phuket 2025, scheduled to take place from November 2025 to April 2026. The Thailand Biennale, Phuket 2025, will transform the island into a global platform for contemporary art. The event is a core initiative in advancing Thailand’s Soft Power strategy, aiming to position Phuket as a thriving hub for art and culture, while enhancing the nation’s image and economic potential on the world stage.
On Friday, 15 August 2025, Ms. Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Minister of Culture, appointed Mrs. Chotika Akkrakitsophakul, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, to preside over the press conference launching the third group of participating artists and collectives. The event was held at RCB Artery, 1st Floor, River City Bangkok, and attended by Mr. Samawit Supanphai, Deputy Governor of Phuket (representing the Governor of Phuket), Ms. Kasorn Kumnerdpech, Director–General of the Office of Contemporary Art and Culture, Ministry Executives, Mr. Arin Rungjang, Artistic Director of the Biennale, Ms. Marisa Phandharakrajadej, the project’s curator, participating artists, representatives from the public and private sectors, cultural networks, and members of the media.
Mrs. Chotika Akkrakitsophakul stated that the Thailand Biennale, Phuket 2025 is organized by the Ministry of Culture, through the Office of Contemporary Art and Culture (OCAC), in collaboration with the Province of Phuket, local administrative organizations, the Phuket Provincial Administrative Organization, the Phuket Art Association, public and private agencies, as well as networks of local and national contemporary artists. Thailand Biennale, Phuket 2025 seeks to foster artistic exchange and learning between Thai and international artists, build capacity within the local arts ecosystem, and inspire young and emerging artists.
Crucially, the event serves as a strategic platform to promote Thailand’s Soft Power by showcasing the country’s contemporary art on an international level, with the long-term vision of establishing Thailand as a significant global hub for contemporary art. The Biennale also strengthens the cultural and artistic capacities of host provinces, broadens public understanding and appreciation of the art, enhances accessibility to art experiences, and contributes meaningfully to local economic development.
The Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Culture further stated that the Thailand Biennale, Phuket 2025 will be held from November 2025 to April 2026 under the overarching theme “Eternal Kalpa”, a concept that symbolises steadfast love that may only last for a moment, yet the awareness of decay is essential. This theme resonates with the importance of conservation and sustainability, particularly in relation to nature, which is portrayed as a symbol of eternity. Through a diverse range of artistic disciplines, the Biennale invites reflection on the enduring relationship between humanity and the natural world, reinforcing Phuket’s aspiration to become a sustainable, creative city of the art.
The exhibition and related activities will take place across all three districts of Phuket Province: Mueang, Kathu, and Thalang. The selection process for participating artists has now been completed, with a total of 65 artists and artist collectives from Thailand and around the world confirmed. Previously, the first and second groups—comprising 45 artists and artist collectives were officially announced. Today, the third group of 15 artists and collectives has been introduced, including 8 from Thailand and 7 international participants:
1. Ampannee Satoh
2. Anuwat Apimukmongkon
3. Araya Rasdjarmrearnsook
4. Ariane Sutthavong
5. Chatpong Chuenrudeemol & Eakapob Huangthanapan
6. Doloh Chetae
7. Kite
8. Minnette de Silva
9. Mochu & Merve Ertufan
10. Noémie Goudal
11. Ryue Nishizawa
12. Speedy Grandma
13. Tun Win Aung & Wah Nu
14. Woraphob Tantinantakul และ
15. Wu Tsang
In addition, the Thailand Biennale, Phuket 2025 will feature a series of “Sala”, developed by networks of artists and art organizations from both Thailand and abroad, selected through an open call process. The Office of Contemporary Art and Culture (OCAC) oversaw the application process, with the final selection made by a panel of distinguished experts. A total of seven Sala has been selected as follows:
1. SALA “SEAGO Artland: Harmony – Embracing Sky, Embracing Earth, Creating Art, Cultivating Time” by the SEAGO Artland Collective
2. SALA “SALA Youngwon – Vernacular Horizon: Where Regions Unfold” by the Gwangju Biennale Group
3. SALA “IN NOBODY’S SERVICE / IM DIENST VON NIEMANDEM” by the un.thai.tled Collective
4. SALA “Tua Baang – Kor Jan” by Atta Studio Co., Ltd.
5. SALA “The Living Commons” by Forum Co., Ltd.
6. SALA “Sea Sand Sun SALA” by Ctrl+R Collective
7. SALA “Instant Kalpa(s)” by Juan Pablo García Sossa. These Sala will be exhibited throughout the five – month duration of the Biennale, providing platforms for exhibitions by participating artists and organizations.
In total, there will be 13 Sala — 7 selected through the open call (domestic and international), and 6 initiated by Phuket Province and other regional contributors. Mr. Samawit Supanphai, Deputy Governor of Phuket, emphasized that the Province of Phuket is working in close collaboration with the Ministry of Culture—through OCAC—as well as public and private sectors, local administrative bodies, communities, and artist networks from Phuket and neighboring provinces to ensure the success of the Thailand Biennale, Phuket 2 0 2 5 . This cooperation spans across venue preparation, the creation of permanent public artworks, community-based programs, and extensive public engagement and communications efforts across all three districts of Phuket. He stated that this event will foster national and international collaboration in contemporary art, positioning Phuket as a sustainable city of the art and a continuous center for contemporary cultural activity.
The initiative is expected to deliver significant social, economic, and cultural benefits, strengthening the image of both Phuket and Thailand on the global stage. Moreover, it aims to establish Phuket as a must-visit destination for international travelers, promoting cultural and eco-tourism in tandem. The Biennale will also contribute to job creation and income generation for local residents and communities. The Deputy Governor of Phuket invites the Thais and the people of Phuket, as hosts of this significant event to welcome the international visitors and art lovers from across the world who will travel to Phuket to enjoy this exceptional exhibition.
Mr. Arin Rungjang, Artistic Director of the Thailand Biennale, Phuket 2025 , stated that preparations are currently underway for the design and development of contemporary art installations by both Thai and international artists. The artworks will be deeply informed by the local context—drawing inspiration from Phuket’s history, way of life, and communities. In addition to the main exhibitions, a range of collateral events will be organized throughout the six-month period, in collaboration with artists, government agencies, private sector partners, and art networks from Thailand and abroad.
The Thailand Biennale, Phuket 2025 will run from November 2025 to April 2026. Those interested in learning more can visit:
🌐 www.thailandbiennale.org
📘 Facebook: facebook.com/thailandbiennale
📞 Ministry of Culture Hotline: 1765
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