Nakhon phanom: Minister Sabida opens the traditional fire boat procession to pay homage to Phra That Phanom, releasing traditional krathongs and fire boats to strengthen relations between the two sides of the Mekong River, Thailand and Laos. Ms. Sabida Thaiset, Minister of Culture, presided over the annual 2025 Phra That Phanom Ancient Fire Boat Procession, connecting cultures on both sides of the Mekong River. Mr. Prasop Riangngen, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, Deputy Governor of Nakhon Phanom Province, Acting Governor of Nakhon Phanom Province, Ministry of Culture executives, provincial cultural officials from the Northeast, government officials, and members of the public attended the ceremony at the Mekong Observation Area in front of the That Phanom Riverview Hotel in That Phanom District, Nakhon Phanom Province.
According to Thai News Agency, the Minister of Culture assigned Mr. Prasop Riangngen, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, to light incense and candles to worship th
e Triple Gem, observe the precepts, participate in Buddhist chanting, and offer alms. Following this, there was a ceremony to ward off misfortune based on one’s birth year or zodiac sign, aimed at warding off sorrow and ill will, in accordance with ancient beliefs. Ms. Sabida Thaiset presided over the opening ceremony and the joint launching of traditional fire boats to ask forgiveness from the Goddess of the River and to allow bad things to flow away with the water. The event also included the release of 12 Naga eggs, krathongs (sailboats), and traditional fire boats, symbolizing relations between Thailand and Laos on the banks of the Mekong River. Furthermore, the event featured a traditional dance performance by the That Phanom District Housewives Group.
Ms. Sabida stated that the government is committed to promoting Thai culture to an international level, showcasing the unique beauty and power of Thai people’s faith. This year’s World Loi Krathong Festival is not only a traditional event, but also an imp
ortant platform to demonstrate Thailand’s potential in using “power of culture” as a tool to drive the economy, revitalize and stimulate income, and distribute it to local people in a tangible manner. It also aligns with the promotion of cultural activities under the “Thai Thai” concept of transforming cultural power into real income through enhancing cultural capital to create economic and social value. The Loi Krathong Festival is a clear example, reflecting the uniqueness, faith, and wisdom of the Thai people, which can be developed into a comprehensive tourism activity, local products, and creative industries.
“I believe that promoting and elevating the Loi Krathong Festival to a global level will align with and drive policies on religion, arts, and culture under the vision of ‘Preserving, Creating, and Leading Thai Culture towards a Sustainable Future.’ This will promote ‘ROOT to RICH,’ or ‘From Roots to Income,’ under the ‘Thai Thai’ concept, which aims to enhance community value, expand nationally, an
d ultimately compete on the world stage,” said Ms. Sabida.
The Minister of Culture further commented on the significance of the ancient tradition, which has been passed down for a long time and is the origin of the Loi Krathong tradition of the people of Nakhon Phanom Province, held during the end of Buddhist Lent. This tradition is believed to honor the Buddha’s footprint on the banks of the Mekong River, as well as the Naga, to express gratitude to the Goddess of the River, and to seek forgiveness from all sacred powers for the peace and prosperity of the city and the people along the Mekong River, both on the Nakhon Phanom side of the river and on the Khammouane side of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic.
However, the Ministry of Culture will continue to promote cultural tourism in Nakhon Phanom Province, focusing on leveraging “cultural capital” and “creativity” to generate economic value. Importantly, it will promote cultural activities that reflect the local identity, such as the Loi Krathong tradit
ion, local performances, and Thai Cultural Products (CPOT), as selling points for tourism. It will also promote and develop the Thai Loi Krathong Festival into a global phenomenon, establishing a network of tourism routes within the Greater Mekong Subregion to attract both Thai and international tourists. Furthermore, it will support the promotion of Phra That Phanom as a World Heritage Site, elevating Nakhon Phanom Province to a sustainable regional center for culture, tourism, and the creative economy.