Phuket transforms into open-air gallery for art biennale | Thaiger

*Phuket is finalising preparations to host Thailand’s largest international art festival, which will feature global artists and run for several months.*

Published: 2026-03-14 17:56 UTC Event date: developing

Phuket is set to become the centre of Thailand’s largest international art festival as the island finalises preparations for the Thailand Biennale Phuket 2025, with the grand opening scheduled for November 29 at Saphan Hin Park. Local and national officials confirmed this week that the event is now over 90% ready, following a high-level planning meeting at Phuket Provincial Hall on Wednesday, October 29.

The meeting, chaired online by Kesorn Kamnerdpetch, Director of the Office of Contemporary Art and Culture (OCAC), brought together representatives from the Phuket Provincial Cultural Office, the Public Relations Office, Radio Thailand Phuket, and other agencies to review final details. Organisers reported that preparations are proceeding on schedule, covering exhibition spaces, logistics, and marketing campaigns.

Ahead of the festival’s official launch, the OCAC will present a preview to the prime minister and Cabinet during a special roadshow at Government House in Bangkok on November 18. Culture Minister Sabida Thaiset is also expected to visit Phuket on November 21 to inspect the readiness of the venues and meet with local organisers.

The Thailand Biennale Phuket 2025 will run from late November through April 2026, featuring works by more than 60 artists from Thailand and around the world. Public spaces across Phuket, including parks, city streets, and coastal areas, will be transformed into open-air galleries showcasing large-scale installations inspired by themes of contemporary life and coastal identity.

Phuket City Municipality has pledged strong support for the event, with Mayor Supachok La-ongphet recently directing officials to assess Khao Rang Public Park as a potential venue for outdoor sculptures. Representatives from the Phuket Art Association and participating artists have also been working closely with municipal authorities to finalise layout plans and logistics for the installations.

As the first time the biennale will be hosted in southern Thailand, the festival is expected to attract thousands of visitors from across the country and overseas. Local officials anticipate that the five-month event will boost Phuket’s cultural profile and provide economic benefits to both residents and businesses, particularly those in tourism, hospitality, and the arts.

With preparations entering their final stage, organisers are focused on ensuring smooth coordination between national and local partners. Residents and tourists can look forward to a series of public art exhibitions and cultural activities that will animate Phuket’s urban and coastal spaces throughout the festival period. Further updates are expected following the national roadshow and ministerial inspection later this month.

Source: https://thethaiger.com/news/phuket/phuket-transforms-into-open-air-gallery-for-art-biennale