Bangkok:The Prime Minister of Thailand, Anutin Charnvirakul, officially opened the Amazing Thailand Grand Diwali Festival 2026, emphasizing the strong cultural ties between Thailand and India. The event highlighted the shared cultural heritage and aimed to promote tourism, positioning Thailand as a world-class cultural tourism destination.
According to Thai News Agency, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) reported that over 1.9 million Indian tourists have visited Thailand this year, with a target of 2.5 million by 2026. The festival was attended by prominent figures, including Minister of Tourism and Sports Surasak Panjaroenvorakul, Bangkok Governor Chatchart Sittipunt, and Indian Ambassador to Thailand Heriff Puneet Agrawal, among others.
During the ceremony, the Prime Minister participated in the Diwali candle-lighting ceremony and witnessed a Thai-Indian cultural performance, "Ramayana-Ramakien," showcasing the deep cultural connections between the two nations. He expressed his joy in celebrating Diwali with Indian friends and the Thai-Indian community, underscoring the festival's symbolism of light triumphing over darkness.
The Prime Minister highlighted the profound cultural influence India has had on Thailand, including in Buddhist teachings and the adaptation of the Ramayana epic into the Ramakien. He noted that these cultural ties are crucial for furthering bilateral relations and cooperation.
Furthermore, the Prime Minister underscored the importance of tourism in connecting the people of Thailand and India. He described the Diwali festival as an opportunity to promote cultural tourism and foster closer ties between the countries, showcasing Thailand as a welcoming destination for all cultures.
In her remarks, Ms. Thapanee from TAT announced that the festival, organized in collaboration with the Indian Association of Thailand, will be held in Bangkok, Chonburi, and Phuket from November 3-29. This marks the fifth consecutive year of the event, celebrating the strong friendship between Thailand and India ahead of their 80th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2027. The TAT aims to attract 2.5 million Indian tourists by 2026, generating significant revenue for Thailand.