Upcoming festival to turn Bangkok into heart of contemporary arts

City with ‘creative chaos’ has potential to become the region’s artistic center, says event director.

BANGKOK — The Thai capital is preparing to host a nearly four month long art festival starting Oct. 19. The Bangkok Art Biennale will be the country’s first large-scale event featuring contemporary art made possible with public and private collaboration.

A total of 75 groups and individuals from 33 countries will showcase their artworks and performances in 20 locations across the capital.

Thailand has made itself a viable industrial economy in Southeast Asia. The event is expected to make the country dominant from a softer approach, too.