Nakhon Phanom: The Ministry of Culture is taking significant steps to transform the 'Nakhon Phanom Boat Procession' into a globally recognized festival. Minister Sudawan is spearheading efforts to elevate the event, showcasing the power of Thai Soft Power through a vibrant display of faith for 11 days and nights, from September 27 to October 7, along the Mekong River in Nakhon Phanom Province.
According to Thai News Agency, Minister of Culture Ms. Sudawan Wangsupakitchkosol announced during a meeting of the Integrated Committee that a resolution has been passed to upgrade the annual 'Nakhon Phanom Loi Krathong Festival' to a 'World Event' by 2025. This initiative aims to promote cultural tourism and enhance Thailand's Soft Power on the global stage. The committee has established two subcommittees to drive this mission forward: one to set guidelines and activities to elevate the festival to an international level, and another for public relations and communications to boost awareness both domestically and globally.
The Nakhon Phanom Loi Krathong Festival is unique, embodying the faith and local wisdom of the Mekong River Basin's communities. This year, the Ministry of Culture plans to make the festival even more memorable, integrating efforts from various sectors to create an event that attracts global interest.
The Minister emphasized the government's directive for the Ministry of Culture to collaborate with multiple ministries, including Tourism and Sports, Interior, Foreign Affairs, Transport, and others, along with local agencies, cultural networks, and educational institutions, to elevate the festival to an internationally recognized event. Scheduled for September 27 to October 7, 2025, the event will span 11 days and nights on the Mekong River's banks in Nakhon Phanom Province.
The festival's upgrade focuses on four main dimensions: preserving the cultural aspect and the wisdom of the fire boat, boosting the local economy through tourism and cultural products, ensuring social safety and health, and promoting environmental sustainability through a Zero Waste initiative.
The Ministry of Culture aims to use the Loi Krathong tradition as a platform to share Thai cultural values globally, create economic opportunities, enhance Thailand's international image, and reinforce Nakhon Phanom's identity as a cultural hub in the Mekong River Basin.