What a delightfully chaotic year it has been for Thailand. While the daily headlines were a relentless cycle of political soap operas, a roller-coaster economy, and the occasional border scuffle, the art and culture scene apparently missed the memo that it was supposed to be a very bad year.
While the "adults in the room" were busy with scandals, the creatives were busy building a foundation. As we head into 2026, let’s leave the bitter political aftertaste behind and look at the moments that actually gave us something to brag about. Here is the progress worth keeping.
1. The heavy hitters on the "power 100"
While people have finally stopped debating the definition of "Soft Power," the global art world has already made up its mind. Prof. Dr. Apinan Poshyananda (Artistic Director of the Bangkok Art Biennale) landed a spot on the ArtReview Power 100 for 2025.
He joins the ranks of the world’s most influential figures alongside veteran Rirkrit Tiravanija, who has practically lived on that list since 2009.
"This isn’t a win for my CV; it’s a signal that Bangkok is no longer a 'hidden gem'—it’s a global hub that people are finally taking seriously," says Prof. Dr. Apinan. We’re inclined to agree.
2. A museum born of passion, not red tape
Dib Bangkok born of Petch Osathanugrah's passion//Photo by Veena Thoopkrajae
This year proved that the most significant cultural shifts come from individuals with a vision rather than a government subcommittee. The inauguration of Dib Bangkok—the brainchild of the late Petch Osathanugrah—gave us our first international contemporary art museum.
Meanwhile, in the mountains of Nakhon Ratchasima, Marisa Chearavanont unveiled the Khao Yai Art Forest.
Khao Yai Art Forest's Fog Forest//Photo by Warunee Maneekum
This wasn't just another sculpture park; it was a bold statement of private patronage, bringing Louise Bourgeois’s iconic giant spider, Maman, to a Thai forest for the first time in Southeast Asia, alongside the ethereal "Fog Forest" of Japanese master Fujiko Nakaya.
Louise Bourgeois’s Maman//Photo by Veena Thoopkrajae
Meanwhile, the Culture Ministry's National Gallery on Ratchada Road remains in a state of perpetual "poor condition." It’s a stark reminder of where the real momentum lies.
3. A Cannes win for an indie film
Thai cinema hit a high note with "A Useful Ghost" winning the Grand Prize at Cannes' Critics' Week and being tapped for an Oscar run.
Unfortunately, the "Thai story" faced a mandatory hiccup: the film failed to actually enter the Oscar race due to a coordination error with the paperwork. Never mind the filing cabinet fiasco; it’s a perfect comeback for Thai cinema at Cannes after a 15-year drought.
Cannes' Grand Prix at Critics' Week winner "A Useful Ghost"//Photo courtesy of GDH
4. The Bangkok International Film Festival returns
After a 17-year hiatus that felt like an eternity, the Bangkok International Film Festival (BKKIFF) finally returned this September. Credited to THACCA and the current administration, it’s a rare example of political will actually aligning with cultural necessity.\
It’s good to have our screens back, though the ghost of the 2006 festival still lingers in the back of our minds like a bad trailer.
Bangkok International Film Festival returns in October 2025.//Photo courtesy of BKKIFF
5. HBO’s Thai tourism ad
Let’s be honest: Lisa and a cast of talented Thai actors starring in "The White Lotus" is one of the best tourism marketing campaigns we’ve had in years.
Why spend millions on "Amazing Thailand" slogans when you can have a global superstar and a prestige HBO drama show the world exactly where they should spend their next vacation? It’s effective, it’s stylish, and for once, the script was actually good.
6. The Chao Phraya countdown
Bangkok has officially cemented itself as the regional venue for New Year’s Eve. For the first time, CNN has established a full-scale Asia-Pacific Live Studio in Thailand, based at ICONSIAM, to broadcast the "Amazing Thailand Countdown 2026" to global audiences.
Hosted by Kristie Lu Stout and Will Ripley, this milestone is a win for the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and the private ambition of ICONSIAM, both of which are determined to turn the Thonburi riverside into a global "Countdown Destination."
It’s loud, it’s crowded, it features a 4D sky show of eco-friendly fireworks and Mark Tuan—and, surprisingly, it’s actually working.
7. The community spirit (beyond the capital)
Perhaps the most encouraging trend of 2025 is that the "creative economy" has stopped being a buzzword and started being a real map. From the galleries of Charoenkrung and the trendy alleys of Songwat to the vibrant hubs in Chiang Mai, Songkhla, and Khon Kaen, art communities are flourishing.
These are the people propping up the ecosystem voluntarily, fueled by passion rather than policy. A loud round of applause is due to the artists, craftsmen, gallery owners, and restaurateurs who actually made it happen.
The verdict
As we look at the ongoing Thailand Biennale Phuket 2025, which has transformed the island into a canvas for world-renowned artists, and look toward the 5th edition of the Bangkok Art Biennale ("Angels and Mara"), 2025 has left us with a solid—if slightly accidental—foundation.
If we can achieve this much while everything else is in flux, imagine what we could do if things actually went smoothly. Perhaps some politician should pick up this momentum and make it a party policy during the upcoming election? Anyone?
After all, if 2025 was the year Thailand’s art scene flourished against the odds, let’s hope 2026 is the year we actually start doing it on purpose."
