PM Opens Diwali Festival, Boosts Thai-India Cultural Tourism
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul launched the Amazing Thailand Grand Diwali Festival 2026 at Iconsiam, Bangkok, highlighting deep Thai-India cultural ties and the role of tourism in strengthening bilateral relations. The event featured a traditional candle-lighting ceremony and a joint Ramayana-Ramakien performance, underscoring shared heritage. Officials emphasized the festival's role in promoting cultural tourism and positioning Thailand as an inclusive global destination.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul opened the Amazing Thailand Grand Diwali Festival 2026, reaffirming Thai-India relations through shared cultural heritage, promoting tourism, and elevating Thailand as a world-class cultural tourism destination.
At 5:00 PM on November 8, 2026, at River Park, Iconsiam, Bangkok, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, also serving as Interior Minister, presided over the Diwali candle-lighting ceremony and declared the festival open. Attendees included Indian Ambassador H.E. Mr. Puneet Agrawal, Thai-Indian Association President Nikar Sajdeva, Tourism and Sports Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul, TAT Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool, along with diplomats, government and private sector representatives, the Thai-Indian community, and distinguished guests.
The Prime Minister participated in the lighting of the Diwali victory candles, a key symbol of the Festival of Lights, and watched a Thai-Indian cultural performance of "Ramayana-Ramakien," reflecting the long-standing civilizational and cultural links between the two nations.
In his opening remarks, the Prime Minister expressed delight at celebrating Diwali with Indian friends and the Thai-Indian community, who have long been part of Thai society. He spoke of the universal meaning of Diwali's lamps: light triumphs over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge and hope guide people forward.
"Thailand and India share deep cultural bonds. Indian civilization's influence is evident in Thai life — from Buddhist teachings to the Ramayana epic adapted as the Ramakien, and the Thai language's Sanskrit and Pali roots — showing our peoples are like one cultural family. This forms a vital foundation for today's bilateral relations and cooperation," said Anutin.
He added that tourism serves as a bridge between Thai and Indian peoples, with India being a key source market for Thailand. The Diwali festival not only celebrates Indian culture but also promotes cultural tourism, fosters mutual understanding, and showcases Thailand's potential as a warm, open destination welcoming people of all cultures and faiths.
The Prime Minister thanked all parties for organizing the splendid festival, noting it symbolizes the enduring friendship between Thailand and India, and wished that Diwali's light brings peace, happiness, and prosperity to both nations.
