The minister hailed the event as a “global art phenomenon” that has reshaped Phuket’s image, attracting 2,413,980 visitors and delivering a major boost to the local economy through both domestic and international tourism.
However, exactly how the number of visitors who came to Phuket expressly for the Biennale was derived from the total number of visitors to Phuket since the art expo began was not explained.
Ms Sabida noted that the biennale has reinforced Thailand’s ambition to become a world-class art and cultural destination, with revenue generated from overnight stays, day trips and wider tourism spending across the island.
International recognition has also followed, with coverage by The New York Times highlighting Phuket’s emergence as a hub for contemporary art and culture, Ms Sabida said, adding that such recognition reflects the growing strength of Thailand’s “soft power” and cultural diplomacy on the global stage.
“Through close collaboration between the Ministry of Culture and Phuket Province, the concept of ‘Art Transforms the City’ has brought Phuket to the world stage,” she said. “The Thailand Biennale has united Thai and international artists to create works that tell the stories of local communities, culture and identity through contemporary art accessible to a wide audience.”
She added that beyond enhancing Phuket’s reputation as an international art city, the event has delivered tangible economic benefits at grassroots level, generating income for communities, entrepreneurs and related businesses.
Ms Sabida is scheduled to visit Phuket in early April to review the event’s success, view exhibitions and meet artists, organisers and partners, said an official report of Ms Sabida’s comments.
The visit will also be used to gather feedback aimed at strengthening and sustaining future editions, the report added.
With the biennale entering its final weeks, Ms Sabida urged the public and tourists to experience the exhibitions before they conclude at the end of April.
Following Phuket’s hosting, the Ministry of Culture is preparing to pass the baton to Rayong Province for the Thailand Biennale 2027, continuing efforts to expand contemporary art into regional areas and further develop the national cultural economy.
“The success of this Thailand Biennale demonstrates that art and culture can be a powerful driver of the economy, generating income and elevating Thailand’s image in a concrete way,” Ms Sabida said. “The Ministry will continue to promote Thailand’s soft power across all dimensions.”
Meanwhile, officials and artists in Phuket have begun formal knowledge-sharing with their counterparts from Rayong as part of preparations for the 2027 event.
A delegation led by Sathit Pitutecha, alongside Rayong provincial officials, visited exhibition sites and met organisers to study event management and exchange experiences.
The group toured key venues including Sukho Pavilion and other exhibition spaces, and travelled across Phuket to observe installations featured in the Thailand Biennale 2025.
Local representatives, including members of the Phuket Arts Association, including its president Anchalee Vanich Thepabutr, who has been instrumental in organising the Biennele being held in Phuket, and Phuket Provincial Administration Organisation (PPAO) President Rewat Areerob and other provincial administration, welcomed the delegation and took part in discussions on organising large-scale international art events.
Officials said the visit marks an important step in building readiness and strengthening Rayong’s capacity to host the Thailand Biennale in 2027, noted the official report of the Rayong delegation’s visit.