Phuket: Sabida Thaiset, the Minister of Culture, has officially inaugurated the Thailand Biennale, Phuket 2025, an international contemporary art festival that honors Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother. The event invites students, the public, and international tourists to explore contemporary art by 65 artists from around the globe across 19 locations in Phuket. The festival, running from November 29, 2025, to April 30, 2026, is projected to attract 3 million visitors and generate 30 billion baht, significantly benefiting the national economy.
According to Thai News Agency, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul assigned Culture Minister Sabida to preside over the opening ceremony held at Saphan Hin Public Park in Mueang Phuket District. The event featured prominent attendees, including Mr. Prasop Riengngen, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, Mr. Nirat Phongsitthaworn, Governor of Phuket Province, and other distinguished figures from the art and cultural sectors.
Ms. Sabida highlighted the government's policy to open new cultural tourism areas, promoting Thai identity, and facilitating access to cultural spaces through contemporary art. This initiative aims to enhance community value, expand nationally, and compete globally, ensuring the preservation and sustainable development of Thai culture.
The Thailand Biennale, Phuket 2025, aims to contribute to Thailand's creative economy by showcasing contemporary art under the theme "Eternal Eternity." The theme serves as a metaphor for enduring love and the delicate balance of life on Earth, encouraging preservation of nature as a symbol of eternity. The festival spans three districts in Phuket and features works by artists from 25 countries.
Parallel activities and 13 pavilions, showcasing works by artists and art organizations from Thailand and overseas, are set throughout Phuket. The event aims to utilize arts and culture to promote Thailand's positive image, generate economic value, and position Phuket as an art city and global tourist destination, while also paying homage to Her Majesty Queen Sirikit.
Governor Nirat Phongsitthaworn emphasized the collaboration between Phuket Province and the Ministry of Culture, aiming to establish Phuket as an art city and enhance its image through cultural tourism. This initiative is expected to generate jobs and income for local communities and surrounding provinces.
Artistic Director Mr. Arin Rungjang noted the challenge of organizing the event without existing contemporary art spaces in Phuket. The strategy involves integrating art into existing spaces, using art as a mechanism to connect elements of memory, space, and community, and offering a comprehensive experience of Phuket's historical and cultural landscape.