As the government institution responsible for supporting and promoting contemporary art in Thailand, the Office of Contemporary Art and Culture (OCAC), Ministry of Culture, Thailand, has undertaken a national initiative of organizing an international contemporary art exhibition in the form of a biennial under the name “Thailand Biennale”. Unlike most biennials in the world, what is unique to Thailand Biennale is the alteration of provinces in Thailand to host each edition. The host cities of the first three editions, namely Krabi (2018), Nakhon Ratchasima or Korat (2021), and Chiang Rai (2023), were chosen because of their potential as the pioneers of the Ministry of Culture’s “Art City” campaign.

As the commissioner, the Office of Contemporary Art and Culture envisions the Thailand Biennale as a tool to encourage the development of Thai contemporary art and to inspire the creativity of emerging artists, as well as to strengthen curatorial practices. Most importantly, the Thailand Biennale intends to be a key factor to add intrinsic and economic value to art and culture. We are certain that the exhibition will result in increased artistic collaborations and public recognition of the true significance and relevance of art and culture in contemporary society, hence fulfilling our vision and mission.