Mr Nirat started work yesterday (Nov 17) at a meeting with the Permanent Secretary of Culture. He has been based in Bangkok for several years as Director-General of the Department of Provincial Administration (DOPA).
A local government report said he “immediately began” work on Thailand Biennale, Phuket 2025. The report said the meeting highlighted preparations for the major contemporary art festival. It did not mention that the meeting took place in Bangkok. Traditionally, incoming Phuket Governors start their first day on the island.
The report stated that Mr Nirat met Culture Ministry Permanent Secretary Prasop Riangngen to review progress on the Biennale. OCAC Director Kesorn Kamnerdpetch also joined the briefing.
According to the report, the Governor confirmed that Phuket is preparing across all fronts ‒ venues, staff, communications, and visitor facilitation. The province will soon present an updated readiness report to Culture Minister Sabida Thaiset. Mr Nirat will inspect venues and preparations himself on Nov 21, the report said.
The Ministry of Culture noted that the 2025 Biennale is progressing according to plan, with works by 65 Thai and international artists now under development.
Thirteen “activity pavilions” are being prepared as core exhibition sites, alongside parallel events expected to run throughout the five-month festival. Both sides also discussed plans for the opening ceremony on Nov 29, which will be held in a tone of mourning and gratitude for Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother.
Mr Nirat’s transfer to Phuket was confirmed last week through the Royal Gazette after an unusually long delay, despite Cabinet approval on Oct 14.
Originally from Bangkok, he previously served as Governor of Chiang Mai, Bueng Kan and Udon Thani before moving to DOPA headquarters. He was later appointed DOPA Director-General during the short-lived acting premiership of Phumtham Wechayachai. His recent promotions have come during the tenure of Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul.
He replaces Saransak Srikruanetra, who ended his duties on Nov 12 after just 42 days in office ‒ the shortest term of any Phuket Governor. Mr Saransak begins his new posting as Governor of Nong Khai on Monday. He told The Phuket News he was sad to leave, saying he enjoyed working with the people of Phuket despite the challenges.
Phuket Vice Governor Samawit Suphanphai has also been transferred, appointed Vice Governor of Nakhon Pathom effective Nov 11. His replacement has not yet been announced.