Thailand Boosts Thai Art to Global Market via Art-to-Asset Push

The Department of Intellectual Property is advancing the Art Universe initiative to connect Thai artists with the international market, showcasing over 300 artworks and preparing for the Kiaf Seoul 2026 exhibition in South Korea. Thai artists' works have sold for as much as 1.6 million baht, with the Art to Asset programme generating combined economic value exceeding 100 million baht.

Ormorn Samutthavee, Director-General of the Department of Intellectual Property, explained that promoting Thai entrepreneurs to leverage and commercialize intellectual property is a core policy aim of Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Supachee Suthammapanthum, focused on increasing the value of Thai goods and services while opening new market opportunities. The department is creating platforms for Thai artists and creators to showcase their potential, connecting them with markets and business networks while building knowledge about intellectual property management.

Under the Art Universe project, the department has partnered with the Office of Small and Medium Enterprises Promotion and both public and private partners to display works by Thai artists of all generations at Cloud 11 in August. The exhibition brought together over 300 pieces from legendary maestros such as Chakraphan Posayakrit, Thuwal Dutchana, and Thawi Ratchanigorn, as well as contemporary and world-renowned artists including Molly (Crybaby), Mackcha, Karms, Suntur, and emerging talents.

The initiative connects collectors and business networks while providing educational forums on intellectual property management and commercial applications, paving the way for Thai artists to enter foreign markets at Kiaf Seoul 2026, held September 2–6, 2025, in Seoul, South Korea. Activities in both Thailand and South Korea are expected to generate combined economic value exceeding 100 million baht.

Kiaf Seoul is a prestigious international art fair that attracts leading artists and galleries from around the world, offering opportunities to present works to collectors, experts, and art enthusiasts globally. For Thai artists, participation represents a crucial chance to build international recognition, expand networks within the art community, and develop future business partnerships. Thai artworks have attracted significant interest from viewers and collectors, with notable sales including Molly's "Better Boat" for 1.6 million baht, Wisut Ponnimit's "Score Changes, Love Doesn't" for 1.5 million baht, Thammathach Saithong's "The Roommate" series at 650,000 baht per piece, and Visnupong Noonun's "Carousel Girl" and "Duality" at 350,000 baht each.

These results demonstrate not only the value of Thai artworks but also that when intellectual property is properly managed, creative works can transition from the art world to the marketplace and generate international commercial value. Director-General Ormorn emphasized that the Art Universe project represents an important step reflecting opportunities to leverage intellectual property effectively.