The flag handover ceremony was held at 6:30pm on Saturday (Apr 25) at Queen Sirikit Park in Phuket Town, presided over by Permanent Secretary for Culture Prasop Riang-ngern on behalf of Culture Minister Sabida Thaiseth.
The ceremony formally transferred responsibility for the next edition of the festival to Rayong Province, which will host the 5th Thailand Biennale in 2027.
Phuket Vice Governor Teeraphong Chuaychoo and Rayong Vice Governor Salareewan Taptavee joined senior officials, artists and representatives from across the cultural sector in the symbolic handover, which was conducted before a large audience of local and international participants.
The evening featured a lively programme of contemporary art and music performances, including shows by participating artist groups, the Phuket Youth Wind Orchestra, and a series of performances reflecting Phuket’s cultural identity and creative energy.
Organised by the Ministry of Culture through the Office of Contemporary Art and Culture (OCAC), the ‘Thailand Biennale, Phuket 2025’ ran from Nov 29, 2025 to Apr 30, 2026 under the theme ‘Eternal Kalpa’.
The festival spanned locations across Mueang and Kathu districts, with 65 artists and artist groups from 25 countries presenting works at more than 20 venues across the island. The programme also included parallel activities and 13 exhibition pavilions.
Officials said the event demonstrated Phuket’s capacity to host large-scale international cultural events while leaving a lasting legacy through permanent art installations created during the festival.
“These works will serve as long-term cultural resources and learning centres for the public,” organisers noted, highlighting the collaboration between government agencies, private sector partners, educational institutions and artist networks in delivering the event.
Rayong, as the next host province, is expected to build on that momentum by presenting a programme that balances industrial development with environmental themes, while showcasing the distinct identity of Thailand’s Eastern region on the global stage.