Members of the public have been invited to join activities as part of the Vegetarian Festival being held in Thailand from 20 to 29 October 2025.

Minister Attached to the Prime Minister’s Office Supamas Isarabhakdi on 20 October presided over the opening of the Vegetarian Festival 2025 as Lay Chairperson at Wat Boromracha Kanchanapisek Anusorn (or Wat Leng Noei Yi 2).

Located in Bang Bua Thong District, Nonthaburi Province, Wat Boromracha Kanchanapisek Anusorn is a Chinese temple under the patronage of the Chinese Buddhist Sangha in Thailand, or Mahayana Buddhism.

In observing the Vegetarian Festival, people consume meat-free meals and refrain from taking some vegetables with a strong smell. Many of them also dress in white and pay homage to gods in Chinese shrines. In addition, during this period, they will try to purify their minds, conduct good deeds, and make merit.

The annual Vegetarian Festival is celebrated in many provinces in Thailand, such as Bangkok, Chon Buri, Nakhon Sawan, Samut Songkhram, Phuket, Songkhla, Surat Thani, Trang, and Krabi. Originally, the festival was observed in Chinese communities or among ethnic Chinese, or Thais of Chinese origin. Today, a large number of people, regardless of their origin and beliefs, join the festival.

Minister Supamas said that the Vegetarian Festival encourages people to be aware of compassion for other lives. It also gives people an opportunity to clean their bodies and minds and practice acts of virtue. She also invited people to join this festival to enhance their lives with blessings.