Speaking on 20 February 2023, Deputy Secretary-General to the Prime Minister for Political Affairs and Acting Government Spokesperson Anucha Burapachaisri elaborated on the 16 Thai festivals that had been selected by the Ministry of Culture for promotion at both national and international levels.

The 16 fascinating festivals from various parts of Thailand are as follows:

1. Chao Mae Lim Ko Niao Festival (Lim Ko NiaoGoddess Celebration) in Pattani;

2. Ban Chiang World Heritage Festival in UdonThani;

3. Hok Peng Festival to Worship Phra That Chao Phu Phiang Chae Haeng in Nan; 

4. Hae Malai Khao Tok Festival in Yasothon;

5. Hae Phra Khuen That Festival in Nakhon Si Thammarat;

6. Korat Street Art in Nakhon Ratchasima;

7. Sdok Kok Thom Festival in Sa Kaeo;

8. Kram & Craft Sakon Festival in SakhonNakhon;

9. Phuket Food (Creative City of Gastronomy) Festival in Phuket;

10. Bun Klang Ban Festival in Chon Buri;

11. Vesak Day Festival in Mae Hong Son;

12. Tak Bat Dok Mai Khao Phansa (Festival of Floral Offerings) in Saraburi;

13. Phaya Sri Satta Nakarata Worship Ceremony in Nakhon Phanom;

14. Tai Lue Local Festival in Phayao;

15. Phetchaburi City of Gastronomy Festival in Phetchaburi;

16. Khom San Duang (Grand Lantern) Festival in Lamphun; 

Mr. Anucha said that each of these festivals reflects local culture and wisdom and could be developed further in order to attract visitors and generate income for the local community and the country as a whole.

He said that the Government aims to revive and develop the local economy on a sustainable basis. The selection of these unique Thai festivals would help develop Thailand’s potential, so that it would be competitive on the global stage.

Apart from boosting the Government’s policy of the Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) Economy Model, this project is also in line with its policy of promoting Thailand’s “5 Fs” of soft power: food, films, fashion, fighting (Thai martial arts), and festivals.