Surat Thani Launches Chak Phra Festival with Royal Trophy Presentation
The user wants a short summary of the article about the Surat Thani Chak Phra Festival. Let me identify the key points: 1. Surat Thani Governor Jumphon Wannachatsiri presided over the royal trophy ceremony 2. Annual Chak Phra-Thod Pha Pa an
Surat Thani Governor Jumphon Wannachatsiri presided over the royal trophy ceremony for the annual Chak Phra–Thod Pha Pa and Long Boat Race festival on October 25, 2026. The event at the provincial hall drew MPs, local officials, residents, and tourists. A procession carried the royal trophies from the municipality grounds to the ceremony site, where provincial and municipal leaders gave welcoming remarks before the trophies were presented for the boat races, decorated raft contests, and land-based decorated boat competitions.
The festival featured extensive cultural performances including land-based decorated boat parades, dancer processions, light-and-sound shows, and a candle parade from Wat Si Saeng Thong in Ubon Ratchathani along with decorated boats from five Surat Thani temples. Students from Pibul Mangsahan School performed, reflecting cultural ties between the two regions under the concept "Enter the Rains Retreat at Ubon Ratchathani's Candle Festival, Exit at Surat Thani's Chak Phra."
This year's six royal trophies cover long-boat races for 30–32 and 20–22 oarsmen, decorated raft contests, large and small decorated boat competitions, and creative decorated boats — the highest honor for winners and their communities. The festival, running October 23–31 at the Tapi River dam, saw 119 decorated boats participate. Organizers invite the public and tourists to experience the local tradition and share pride in this cultural heritage passed down through generations.
