Giant PM Candle Wows Nakhon Ratchasima Festival
A master candle carver in Nakhon Ratchasima has sculpted a 190-centimeter-tall candle of Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul for the Phimai Candle Festival, running July 28-29 at temples across the subdistrict before advancing to provincial
On July 18, 2025, Phimai Subdistrict Mayor Khong Kiatti Wichachaphin visited master candle carver Wachara Nadi, an educator with the Nakhon Ratchasima Primary Education Area Office, Zone 7, who is meticulously crafting the year's festival highlight: a 190-centimeter-tall candle sculpture of Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul. The figure is modeled in a standing pose with hands forming the "40-60 Thai Help Thai Plus" gesture, reflecting the government's current economic stimulus policy. Wachara explained that each year he carves notable figures to attract tourists and add color to the traditional candle festival.
Mayor Khong announced that this year's Phimai Candle Festival, titled "Together in Merit and Worship of the Phimai Candle Festival," runs July 28-29, 2025, at Prom That Plaza and the Clock Tower on Buchayan Road. Candle processions from all temples in the subdistrict will be displayed and compete at the district level before parading through Phimai and advancing to the provincial competition held July 29-30, 2025, at the Ya Mo Monument and surrounding areas in Nakhon Ratchasima City. Carvers from across Phimai District are crafting candles with great skill to honor the tradition and preserve the sacred art form in the region.
