ไทย
Phuket – On August 16, 2025, at the Dragon Plaza – Chartered Bank Intersection, Phuket Province, together with the Ministry of Culture, Phuket Provincial Administrative Organization, Phuket Arts Association, Phuket City Municipality, and more than 20 public and private sector partners, hosted the spectacular “Welcome Opening – Thailand Biennale, Phuket 2025.” The event was held under the theme “My Phuket Island of Arts” to celebrate world-class art amidst Phuket’s unique atmosphere and cultural identity.
The program began with a vibrant art parade reflecting the cultural diversity of Phuket, followed by the stage performance “Home of Peranakan” and a video presentation introducing over 65 international artists.
The opening ceremony was presided over by Mr. Sophon Suwannarat, Governor of Phuket, with a welcome speech by Mr. Supachoke La-ongpetch, Mayor of Phuket City, and honored by Mr. Rewat Areerob, President of Phuket Provincial Administrative Organization. Highlights included special art performances: “The Journey of Andaman” and “Island Opera (Viva La Vida).” The ceremony also introduced 22 international artists, led by Phuket youth in Peranakan costumes.
A symbolic “Key to the City” was then presented to the artists by Governor Sophon Suwannarat through Mr. Prasop Reang-ngern, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, marking the official beginning of this international art festival.
The festivities also featured a welcome reception for international artists and distinguished guests, along with activities such as:
– 20 artists signing the mascot artwork ‘Bien Foo Lucky’,
– A musical performance by the ‘Phuket Youth Wind Orchestra’,
– Thai contemporary cultural shows “HooLoo Hooray!” (HooLoo Likay) and “Eternal GROW”,
– The unveiling of the first official artwork of ‘Thailand Biennale Phuket 2025’,
– A commemorative pin ceremony for artists and curators, led by Mrs. Anchalee Vanich Tepabutra, President of Phuket Arts Association,
– The performance “DIBUKA Man” and a cocktail reception.
Thailand Biennale, Phuket 2025 emphasizes connecting contemporary art with the city, its culture, and local communities, creating new global communication platforms. It also aims to transform Phuket into the “World-Class Art Island of the Andaman – for the first time in history.”
The Thailand Biennale Phuket 2025 will run from November 29, 2025 to April 30, 2026 — a full five months—across Phuket, during which public art installations and permanent sculptures will be created at pavilion sites around the island, leaving a cultural heritage for communities and the public.
The Welcome Opening on Saturday, August 16, also unveiled the first three featured mock-up artworks by Thailand’s national artists for the Biennale:
– “Richest Roller” by Dr. Kamol Tassananchalee, National Artist
– “THE LABYRINTH #2” by Mr. Pitupong Chaowakul
– “Dheveena” by Mr. Aree Khongpol
In addition, from August 14–17, 2025, an ‘International Sketch Festival’ was held, presenting the identity and character of Phuket through the exhibition “Asia Link Sketch Walk Phuket 2025.” From August 18–24, 2025, the works will be showcased at Limelight Avenue Phuket, featuring over 800 sketch artists from more than 50 countries. The event offers inspiration and new experiences centered on Phuket Old Town, one of the key venues that will shape this global art festival at the end of the year.
.
Phuket Province places great importance on hosting the ‘Thailand Biennale’—not only as an international art event but also as a driver of long-term value in culture, the creative economy, and quality tourism. This edition of the Biennale marks a significant turning point in positioning Phuket as a City of World Arts Destination, with projected economic impacts generating more than 2 billion baht in value.
For more information: Phuket Arts Association – FB Page:สมาคมศิลป์ภูเก็จ (Phuket Arts Association)
