ไทย
Phuket – April 5, 2026 – At Saphan Hin Cape in Phuket, the Phuket Art Association held an official handover ceremony for sculptures under the “Phuket Art Legacy 2025” project, reflecting the power of art in driving the city toward becoming a “World Art & Culture Tourism Destination.” The ceremony was presided over by Mrs. Anchalee Vanich Teppabutra, President of the Phuket Art Association, alongside Ms. Sasithorn Suwannamanee, Advisor to the Thailand Biennale, Phuket 2025; Mr. Rewat Areerob, President of the Phuket Provincial Administrative Organization; Mr. Supachok La-ongphet, Mayor of Phuket City Municipality; Ms. Puangpaka Chaowai, Phuket Provincial Cultural Officer; as well as representatives from the public and private sectors and a large number of attendees.
The event opened with a musical performance by the Youth Wing Orchestra, followed by the “Phuket, The Beautiful City” performance, a line dance performance by Kru Kob’s team, and international cultural performances from Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam, and Indonesia, creating a vibrant atmosphere of cultural exchange.
The sculptures presented to Phuket in this ceremony include three pieces:
- “Dhewina”, supported with a budget of 2 million baht by Mrs. Anchalee Vanich Teppbutra
- “Rabyrinth#2”, supported with a budget of 2 million baht by the Merlin Group (Hotels & Resorts)
(Both works are under the care of Phuket City Municipality)
- “Richest Roller”, supported with a budget of 2 million baht by the Phuket Provincial Administrative Organization led by Mr. Rewat Areerob, with an additional 500,000 baht contribution from Mrs. Anchalee Vanich Teppabutra
On this occasion, Mr. Rewat Areerob highlighted the organization’s role in supporting art funding for urban development, while Mr. Supachok La-ongphet, as the recipient of the permanent sculptures, addressed the importance of sustainable preservation of the city’s artistic heritage.
Mrs. Anchalee stated that driving Phuket toward becoming a “Creative City of Arts and Culture” or a “World Art & Culture Tourism Destination” is the result of collaborative efforts across all sectors, united by the belief that art can shape and transform a city. This achievement was made possible through the contributions of artists, sponsors, government agencies, private organizations, communities, and all stakeholders involved.
“I would like to sincerely thank all supporters who have played a vital role in driving the city forward through art, especially Mr. Rewat Areerob, the Phuket Art Association committee, eight private sector organizations in Phuket, and local artists who collaborated in planning and funding. I would also like to extend my gratitude to Mr. Sophon Suwannarat, Governor of Phuket, for his strong support,” she said.
She also expressed appreciation to the Ministry of Culture, the Office of Contemporary Art and Culture, the Artistic Director of Thailand Biennale, Phuket 2025, and Ajarn Arin Rungjang for their support in coordinating with Biennale artists, as well as all benefactors who contributed funding for the creation of these permanent sculptures. Special thanks were also extended to the Phuket Provincial Administrative Organization and Phuket City Municipality for their financial and spatial support, and for serving as custodians of the city’s artworks.
“I truly hope that with the collective power of the city, its people, and the goodwill toward Phuket, we will create a ‘magical moment of Phuket’ and ultimately lead the city to become a World Art & Culture Tourism Destination,” Mrs. Anchalee concluded.
The sculpture handover ceremony stands as a model of collaboration in using art as a key tool for sustainable urban development and long-term community value creation.
