Lying about 150 kilometers north of Bangkok, Lop Buri Province is organizing the King Narai the Great Reign Festival 2026 from 13 to 22 February 2026 to celebrate the glorious days of the reign of King Narai the Great, one of the most renowned monarchs in Thai history.

All Thai and international visitors are welcome to this event, which takes place at the Narai Ratchaniwet, or Lop Buri Palace, compound in the heart of the city of Lop Buri. Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul on 14 February presided over the opening ceremony of the 38th edition of this festival.

He said that the organizing of this event in 2026 is meant to honor not only King Narai of the Ayutthaya period, who made great contributions to the country, but also Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother, who actively promoted traditional arts and crafts, especially mudmee fabric, which is an important product of Lop Buri.

The Prime Minister also said that Lop Buri served as a good example for other provinces in conducting various activities to promote local tourism. If people take pride in their country’s identities, he said, they will join hands in national development and cultural preservation for future generations.

The annual King Narai the Great Reign Festival also aims to promote historical and cultural tourism in Lop Buri, where local residents dress up in traditional Thai costumes during this major cultural event of the province. The festival features spectacular processions, cultural shows, folk games, a light and sound presentation, demonstrations of cooking Thai desserts, a food fair, and a bazaar of local products. 

Lop Buri boasts many historical and cultural attractions. Among them are the Three Pagodas, or Phra Prang Sam Yot, a symbol of Lop Buri, Phra Kan Shrine, an ancient Hindu structure in the Khmer style, and Narai Ratchaniwet, which now serves as the National Museum of Lop Buri.

Recognized as Ayutthaya’s most outward-looking and cosmopolitan ruler, King Narai, who ruled the Thai kingdom from 1656 to 1688, was accorded the title “the Great” for his contributions in many areas. He was best known for his promotion of diplomatic relations with European powers during the 17th century. His open-door policy led to trade contact between Ayutthaya and merchants from different parts of the world.

Aware of the dangers of foreign invasion, as Ayutthaya was located close to the sea, King Narai decided to develop Lop Buri as the second capital of the Kingdom, with the help of French architects.