BANGKOK, Thailand – Minister of Culture Sabeeda Thaised has announced that Rayong Province has been selected to host the Thailand Biennale 2027, following an evaluation conducted by the Ministry of Culture through the Office of Contemporary Art and Culture (OCAC).
Rayong was chosen as the host of the 5th edition of Thailand’s international contemporary art festival due to its strong vision in balancing industrial development, environmental stewardship, and cultural expression. The Ministry noted that Rayong demonstrated comprehensive readiness, international event-hosting experience, and coordinated support from government agencies, local organizations, private sector partners, artists, and community groups.
The committee assessed candidates across three key criteria: provincial strengths and development potential, including urban development benefits; self-assessment indicators based on spatial, social, and cultural dynamics; and broader readiness and feasibility, including overall capability and experience in organizing international events. While all six candidate provinces showed strong potential, Rayong’s distinctive concept in integrating contemporary art with its industrial and environmental identity set it apart and aligned with the Thailand Biennale’s evolving direction.
Rayong will take over hosting duties from Phuket, which is preparing to welcome visitors to Thailand Biennale, Phuket 2025, scheduled from November 29, 2025, to April 30, 2026. The upcoming edition spans two districts—Mueang Phuket and Kathu—under the theme “Nirankalpa (Eternal),” which reflects on enduring love, impermanence, technological change, and the fragile balance of life and nature. The 2025 Biennale will feature 65 artists from 25 countries, presenting contemporary artworks alongside 13 parallel and pavilion programs. The opening ceremony will take place at Saphan Hin, Phuket, on 29 November 2025.
src=”https://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-8611171753819704″
crossorigin=”anonymous”>
The Minister emphasized that the Thailand Biennale plays a vital role in elevating the creative capacity of Thai contemporary artists to an international level. The event supports the creative economy, especially cultural tourism, in Thailand’s designated art cities, and reinforces the government’s “Thai Thai” cultural policy. She added that the Biennale helps transform cultural assets into real economic value, stimulates sustainable growth for local communities, and enhances Thailand’s cultural presence on the global stage. (TNA)
