Present for the opening were senior officials, diplomats, curators and artists from Thailand and abroad. Among those attending were Deputy Interior Minister Sasithorn Kittithornkul, Culture Ministry Permanent Secretary Prasop Riangngen and Office of Contemporary Art and Culture (OCAC) Director Kesorn Kamnerdpetch.
Also present were Phuket Governor Nirat Phongsitthaworn, Phuket Provincial Administrative Organisation (PPAO) President Rewat Areerob, and Phuket Art Association President Anchalee Vanich Thepbutr.
Minister Sabida said the Biennale reflects government policy to elevate Thai contemporary art on the world stage, expand cultural spaces in communities, and strengthen the “Thai Thai” identity while fostering international exchange.
Held for the fourth time and its first edition in Phuket, the Thailand Biennale 2025 runs from Nov 29, 2025 to Apr 30, 2026 under the theme ‘Eternity | Kalpa’. The theme invites audiences to explore concepts of time, technological change, and humanity’s relationship with nature through contemporary art.
The Biennale features works from 65 artists and collectives from 25 countries, exhibited across 19 venues throughout Phuket. Locations include the Pearl Theatre and former Pearl Cinema, Baan Phra Aram, the Phuket Contemporary Art Gallery, the 4,000-seat gymnasium, DC Phuket Town, Saphan Hin mangrove area, Laem Phromthep and Kathu Shrine.
Thirteen pavilion projects from Thai and international art organisations are also featured, including the Isan Ok Lay Pavilion, Yong Won Pavilion, Andaman Pavilion, Lanna Pavilion and Instant Kal Pavilion. Many are positioned in Phuket Old Town, key beaches and well-known attractions, allowing artworks to integrate directly into community spaces and lived environments.
Minister Sabida said the festival turns Phuket’s infrastructure limitations into creative opportunities by using real city spaces ‒ such as old cinemas, historical buildings and natural areas ‒ to form new dialogues between art, place and memory.
“This event will strengthen Thailand’s image as a regional hub for contemporary art and push Phuket towards becoming a World Art Tourism Destination,” she said.
‘BIAN FU’
Ahead of the opening, organisers held a ceremony at 4pm to present ‘Bian Fu’, the Thailand Biennale mascot, to major sponsors. Ten figurines and accompanying artworks by 10 leading Thai artists ‒ valued at more than B5 million in total ‒ were handed over at Saphan Hin by Ms Anchalee and Mr Rewat.
‘Bian Fu’, meaning “lucky bat”, symbolises good fortune and cultural harmony. Only 19 limited-edition figurines have been produced, and nine remain available through the Phuket Art Association.
The mascot, unveiled in July, was originally introduced as “Fufu – the bat of happiness”. Designed by Asst Prof Dr Phanuwat Sengiam of Phuket Rajabhat University, it draws from the Chinese concept of Wu Fu (five happinesses and pays homage to Phuket’s multicultural heritage. Sponsorship proceeds will support art activities, cultural communication and contemporary artists.
Ms Anchalee thanked sponsors, noting that “Bian Fu figurines are not just sculptures, but symbols of collaboration and belief in the value of art that truly impacts society.”
On Friday (Nov 28), the day before the Biennale launch, the ‘Sukho Pavilion, Sala 4 Regions’ opened at Sukho Wellness & Spa Resort with Permanent Secretary Prasop Riangngen presiding. The pavilion, one of 13 parallel Biennale venues, brings together artists from all four regions of Thailand to present works reflecting local identity and cultural heritage.
The Sukho Hall exhibition features more than 100 works under the theme ‘The Wheel of Eternal Happiness’, including pieces from national artists Dr Kamol Tasananchalee and Prof Thirapol Niyom, as well as leading regional and Phuket artists. Several works are being sold to raise funds for flood victims in the South, beginning with a B200,000 purchase by PPAO President Rewat Areerob.