Thailand’s art market has once again taken center stage as Bangkok Art Auction, one of the country’s leading art auction houses, celebrated the remarkable success of The Prime Exclusive Auction & Private Sales 2026, achieving combined auction and private sales exceeding THB 57.8 million.
Mr. Sermkhun Kunawong, Chairman of Bangkok Art Auction, stated that this year’s auction attracted strong interest from both Thai and international collectors, who participated actively on floor and telephone bidding. The success of the event not only reflects the continued strength of Thailand’s art market, but also demonstrates the refined taste and long-term vision of a new generation of collectors—both local and international—who recognize the enduring value of masterpieces.
He added that Thai art today represents far more than aesthetic appreciation; it has increasingly established itself as a resilient alternative asset, offering long-term growth even amid global economic uncertainty. Bangkok Art Auction is also proud that this year’s event served as a platform for giving back to society, with proceeds from the charity lots benefiting some of Thailand’s leading medical foundations.
Among the auction highlights were several exceptional works that achieved outstanding results:
- Pratuang Emjaroen’s Universe Series (1975) by achieved the highest price of the sale, realizing THB 11,140,800.
- The Fragment and the Sublime (2006) by Natee Utarit, one of the most significant works of contemporary Thai art offered in the sale, realized THB 5,222,250.
- Two major works by legendary Thai artist Thawan Duchanee sparked intense bidding competition before selling for THB 4,874,100 and THB 4,642,000, respectively.
- Autumn in Fontainbleau (2018), a monumental painting measuring over two metres in length by Natee Utarit, achieved THB 2,901,250.
- Radiant Through Dhamma (1999) by National Artist Chalermchai Kositpipat realized THB 2,088,900.
The auction also established a new highest auction record for Warawoot Shusangthong, whose work Portrait of the Artist sold for THB 1,624,700, marking a new benchmark achieved through Bangkok Art Auction.
Another memorable highlight was the sale’s Charity Lots, generously contributed by three of Thailand’s most celebrated artists: Chalermchai Kositpipat, Jakapan Posayakrit, and Watchara Klakhakhai. Bangkok Art Auction will donate the full proceeds from these charity lots, totaling THB 880,000, to three of Thailand’s leading medical charities: the Siriraj Foundation, the Ramathibodi Foundation, and the Thai Red Cross Society, in support of their ongoing public-benefit initiatives.
“The atmosphere throughout the auction was exceptionally vibrant, with enthusiastic participation from both Thai and international collectors. Competitive bidding drove the hammer prices of many works significantly above their lower estimate. Another encouraging trend was the growing presence of younger collectors entering the Thai art market, reflecting an increasing appreciation for the enduring cultural and investment value of exceptional works of art,” Mr. Sermkhun Kunawong concluded.
