Ms Sabida was joined by senior Ministry of Culture officials, including Permanent Secretary Prasop Riangngen, Office of Contemporary Art and Culture (OCAC) Director Kesorn Kamnerdpetch and Phuket Provincial Cultural Officer Puangphaka Chaowai as the delegation inspected venues and checked on the progress of artworks being installed across the island.
The minister said the Thailand Biennale forms a key part of the government’s push to promote new cultural tourism spaces and highlight the value and identity of Thai communities, said an official report of the visit.
The initiative, she noted, aligns with the ‘Thai Thai’ policy to elevate Thai arts, culture and creativity onto the international stage while building sustainable opportunities at the community level, the report added.
“The Thailand Biennale is Thailand’s first international contemporary art festival and an important driver of the creative economy,” Ms Sabida said. “Phuket 2025 will showcase Thai and international artists and strengthen Thailand’s cultural image globally.”
The fourth edition of the event will run from Nov 29, 2025, to Apr 30, 2026, across the three districts of Mueang, Kathu and Thalang. This year’s theme, ‘Eternal Kalpa’.(’Eternal Eternity’), explores the idea of enduring love and the fragility of life amid rapid consumption, technological change and environmental pressures.
A total of 65 artists from 25 countries will present works, alongside extensive parallel exhibitions and pavilion programmes scheduled over five months.
OCAC is coordinating the opening ceremony in partnership with Phuket Provincial Office, the Phuket Provincial Administrative Organisation (PPAO), the Phuket Art Association, local government agencies and private-sector networks.
The ceremony will be held at Saphan Hin and will include a tribute expressing condolences for Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, The Queen Mother.
As part of early parallel events, more than 1,700 Thai and international visitors have already viewed two major installations: ‘Richest Roller’ (Eternal Wealth) by National Artist Dr Kamol Tassananchalee, and ‘DHEVEENA’ by Professor Aree Kongpol.
The pieces were jointly funded through contributions from public and private organisations in Phuket, which Ms Sabida said reflected the province’s unity and commitment to driving cultural development.
The minister also inspected the main exhibition sites, confirming that installation work is now more than 70% complete and on track for the opening. Additional Ministry of Culture sub-activities will continue throughout the festival period to raise public engagement, she added.
“The Thailand Biennale, Phuket 2025 uses distinctive and unique arts and culture to promote Thailand’s positive image and create added economic value,” Ms Sabida said. “It will help Phuket grow as a city of art and a global tourism destination, creating jobs and generating sustainable income for local communities.”
Authorities expect the Biennale to attract at least 3 million visitors and generate up to B30 billion in economic activity for Phuket and surrounding areas.
More information is available at thailandbiennale.org, the Thailand Biennale Facebook page, the OCAC Facebook page, or via the 1765 cultural hotline.