Thai Galleries Reopen Amid Political Tension and Economic Crisis
Amid Thailand's deep socioeconomic challenges, including rising unemployment and recession, Bangkok's galleries are reopening with a variety of exhibitions. Tragically, 19-year-old artist Plaifon Amsarika took her own life on April 29, citing financial struggles linked to Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha. Activist groups have marked significant anniversaries, such as the Progressive Movement's laser displays remembering the military crackdown of May 2010. At the Bangkok City City Gallery, Chulayarnnon Siriphol's 'Give Us a Little More Time' offers a critique of authoritarian governance. Meanwhile, WTF Gallery showcases 'Conflicted Visions Again' featuring Sutee Kunavichayanont, and VS Gallery presents Paisal Theerapongvisanuporn's artwork. Luke Duggleby's pieces on extrajudicial killings are displayed at MAIIAM. The Bangkok Art Biennale, set for late October, will emphasize healing, despite possible tensions with the anti-establishment Bangkok Biennial.
Key facts
- Galleries in Bangkok are reopening after a three-month lockdown with politically charged and disengaged exhibitions.
- Thailand has recorded 58 COVID-19 deaths and 3,162 confirmed cases but faces severe economic recession.
- Artist Plaifon Amsarika died by suicide on April 29 after posting a drawing of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha.
- The Progressive Movement projected 'search for the truth' onto buildings to mark the 10th anniversary of the May 2010 crackdown.
- Chulayarnnon Siriphol's animation at Bangkok City City Gallery critiques autocracy using newspaper clippings.
- The Bangkok Art Biennale will occur in late October with the theme 'Escape Routes', featuring Yoko Ono and Pen-Ek Ratanaruang.
- Luke Duggleby's series 'For Those Who Died Trying' at MAIIAM Contemporary Art Museum addresses extrajudicial killings.
- Suicide helpline calls in Thailand increased three to five times during the lockdown.
Entities
Artists
- Plaifon Amsarika
- Chulayarnnon Siriphol
- Sutee Kunavichayanont
- Manit Sriwanichpoom
- Pisitakun Kuantalaeng
- Miti Ruangkritya
- Paisal Theerapongvisanuporn
- Luke Duggleby
- Elvire Bonduelle
- Kamin Lertchaiprasert
- Yoko Ono
- Pen-Ek Ratanaruang
- Apinan Poshyananda
- Wanchalearm Satsaksit
Institutions
- Bangkok City City Gallery
- WTF Gallery
- VS Gallery
- N22 art complex
- MAIIAM Contemporary Art Museum
- Bangkok Art & Culture Centre
- Gallery Ver
- Nova Contemporary
- Bangkok Art Biennale
- Bangkok Biennial
- Progressive Movement
- Future Forward Party
- Samaritans of Thailand
Locations
- Bangkok
- Thailand
- Chiang Mai
- Phnom Penh
- Cambodia