Thailand on the move

Nakhon Si Thammarat's 10th Lunar Month Festival Celebrates Faith, Ancertors, and Local Heritage

Tue, 22 Sep 2026 09:45:00 +0700

From 28 September to 12 October 2026, Nakhon Si Thammarat, in southern Thailand, comes alive with its annual 10th Lunar Month Festival, one of the province's most cherished traditions. The celebration brings together merit-making ceremonies, local performing arts, traditional food, cultural activities, and the Red Cross Fair.

According to local belief, the deceased ancestors are temporarily released from the underworld during the 10th lunar month to visit their living relatives. "Wan Rap Ta Yay" marks their arrival, while "Wan Song Ta Yay" is the main merit-making day before they depart. Families prepare offerings and make merit in honor of their ancestors, with special emphasis on the final day.

This year's highlights include the Mharub procession–featuring large, beautifully arranged trays of food and daily necessities, prepared as offerings to monks and in honor of ancestors–and Mharub competition for the Royal Golden Mharub Trophy, the ancient Mharub offering ceremony, and the performance "103 Years of Great Merit, Continuing Faith Toward World Heritage." Visitors can also enjoy the Royal Cup Nang Talung shadow puppet competition, Manora performances, Phleng Bok folk singing, traditional 10th Month desserts, local food demonstrations, cultural exhibitions, Thai fabric fashion shows, and youth activities. The Red Cross Fair adds OTOP products, government exhibitions, demonstrations, and entertainment.

While the tradition's exact origins are uncertain, scholars believe it grew out of the Hindu Shraddha ritual of making offerings to ancestors, which was later blended with local beliefs and Buddhist practice. Over generations, it took deep root in southern Thai communities, especially in Nakhon Si Thammarat, a province renowned for its religious and cultural heritage. Today, the festival preserves local wisdom, faith, and cultural identity while supporting cultural tourism and the creative economy.

Festival Schedule Highlights
• 28 September 28: Opening ceremony at Somdet Phra Srinagarindra '84 Park (Thung Tha Lat).
• 29 September–1 October: Nang Talung competition for ages 18–39 and cultural activities.
• 4–6 October: Nang Talung competition for ages 40 and above.
• 9 October: Final round of the Nang Talung competition for ages 18–39.
• 10 October: Mharub competition and procession, ancient Mharub offering ceremony, and Royal Golden Mharub Trophy presentation. The procession starts at 9:00 a.m. from the City Park Ground, traveling along Ratchadamnoen Road to Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan.
• 11 October: “Wan Song Ta Yay,” the main merit-making day, and final round of the Nang Talung competition for ages 40 and above.

Event Details
Dates: 28 September–12 October 2026
Locations: Sanam Na Mueang (City Park Ground) and Somdet Phra Srinagarindra '84 Park (Thung Tha Lat), Nakhon Si Thammarat Province.

Thai PM Meets Team Thailand in Tokyo, Calls for a Stronger Thailand-Japan Partnership

Mon, 21 Sep 2026 14:26:00 +0700

Thailand’s Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul chaired a meeting with Team Thailand in Tokyo on 21 September, setting out a vision to move Thailand-Japan relations toward a dynamic strategic partnership built on mutual benefit.

He said technology, the environment, and geopolitics are reshaping the relationship, and that the two countries should move from "producing for" each other to "producing together" as part of each other's supply chains. Japan remains a valued long-term partner, and Thailand welcomes Japanese direct investment in new, higher-value sectors such as digital, electronics, and advanced technology. Thailand is also building on its strong automotive supply chain as the industry shifts to electric vehicles.

The Premier also highlighted Thailand's shift toward clean energy, including solar rooftop programs that allow households and businesses to sell surplus electricity back to the grid. He reaffirmed the government's crackdown on scams, online crime, and illegal drugs. Thailand's credit outlook was recently upgraded from negative to stable, with its BBB rating maintained.

Thai capital market leaders joining the roadshow said foreign investor confidence is returning, with Thailand recording its first regional-counter-trend capital inflows in four years.

From "producing for" to "producing together": Thailand and Japan look to the future as equal partners.

Thailand Urges Cambodian Pageant to Correct Use of Thai Heritage Photograph

Mon, 21 Sep 2026 14:25:00 +0700

Minister of Culture Sabeeda Thaised held an urgent press conference regarding the Miss Universe Cambodia pageant, whose VTR presentation used historical Thai photographs and presented them as Cambodian cultural heritage.

The original image shows a young woman from Thailand’s Kamphaeng Phet province during the reign of King Rama V and comes from a glass negative held by the National Archives of Thailand. The pageant's organizers cropped the photograph and removed its watermark. The Ministry views this as more than an oversight, since it risks misleading the public about the image's origin.

The Ministry urges the organizers to stop using the image and correct the information they have shared. The Ministry is preparing an official letter to Miss Universe Cambodia. Because this is a matter between private organizations, it will be handled diplomatically to avoid any strain on relations between the two countries. The Ministry welcomes the use of historical images as references when properly credited, but it cannot overlook misuse of national archives. If the issue is not resolved, it reserves the right to consider legal measures.

In the meantime, the Ministry will continue to share accurate, well-sourced knowledge about Thai heritage, and it thanks the Thai public for their care in safeguarding it.

Culture brings nations together, and its foundation must always be truth and mutual respect.

Bangkok Prepares for 45-Baht Flat-Cap Fare Across All Electric Train Lines from January 2027

Mon, 21 Sep 2026 09:46:00 +0700

Bangkok is gearing up to launch a common fare policy for electric rail services, capping passenger fares at no more than 45 baht per trip across all lines in Bangkok and its surrounding areas, starting 1 January 2027, according to the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA).

The policy aims to lower public transportation costs and make transfers between electric train lines more seamless. It will cover the entire electric rail network across Bangkok and the metropolitan area, with no extra boarding fee charged when passengers switch between lines.

Here's how it will work: passengers will initially be charged based on the actual distance and fare of their journey. If the total exceeds 45 baht, the government will refund the difference, processed through the "Pao Tang" application or the payment card used for the trip, within three working days, subject to conditions set by the authorities.

EMV Contactless will serve as the main payment method, supporting credit cards, debit cards, and Mangmoom cards. Relevant agencies are already preparing and upgrading ticketing equipment and systems to support the new fare structure. Before the policy officially takes effect, authorities will finalize the fare calculation and refund criteria, establish passenger rights and complaint procedures, and conduct joint system testing to ensure everything is ready for public use.

All 3 Global Credit Rating Agencies Now Rate Thailand "Stable" A Strong Signal of Economic Confidence

Mon, 21 Sep 2026 09:43:00 +0700

Thailand's economic stability just received a major vote of confidence. Fitch Ratings has upgraded its outlook on Thailand from "Negative" to "Stable," affirming the country's credit rating at BBB+, effective 18 September 2026, reflecting improved political stability, a healthier medium-term debt outlook, and policy continuity.

With this move, Thailand now holds a "Stable" outlook from all three major global rating agencies: Fitch, Moody's (Baa1, Stable since April 2026), and S&P Global Ratings (BBB+, Stable).

● What's driving the upgrade
Fitch cited stronger political stability under the current coalition government as a key factor, noting it allows for more consistent, medium-term policymaking — including continued fiscal discipline.

● Growth on solid ground
Fitch projects Thailand's economy will grow 2.3% in 2026, supported by AI-related investment and strong domestic consumption. Public debt is now expected to stabilize below 63% of GDP by 2028, better than earlier estimates near 65%. Thailand's external position also remains strong, with the current account forecast to return to a 1.5% GDP surplus in 2027, backed by low-cost, baht-denominated government debt that limits exposure to currency and global market volatility.

● From confidence to opportunity
Thailand is building on this momentum to attract investment in future industries — AI, data centers, advanced technology, and clean energy — while strengthening local businesses, workforce skills, and quality job creation. The goal: turning global confidence into real investment, real jobs, and rising incomes for the Thai people.

Gastech 2026 Nets Thailand US$20B and Global Confidence

Fri, 18 Sep 2026 16:32:00 +0700

Thailand's Minister of Energy, Akanat Promphan, has revealed the full impact of hosting Gastech 2026, and the benefits extend far beyond energy. Held from 14–17 September 2026, the event generated over $20 billion in business deals while putting Thailand firmly on the map for global executives and investors.

Gastech 2026 brought together more than 50,000 participants from 150 countries, over 1,000 executives and speakers, and more than 1,000 leading exhibiting companies. The event also welcomed energy ministers from 15 countries and leaders from 5 international organizations. It served as a vital platform for advancing energy security, LNG development, and long-term infrastructure planning.

But beyond the numbers, the Minister pointed to something even more valuable: image and confidence. Giving investors the chance to experience Bangkok's atmosphere, infrastructure, and lifestyle firsthand proved that Thailand isn't just an attractive place to invest; it's a wonderful place to live.

Hosting a global event of this scale has also strengthened Thailand's hand in negotiating long-term energy contracts, opening up more options and reducing the country's exposure to spot-market risks.

Thai PM to Attend 81st UN General Assembly, Deepening Ties with Japan & UK 20-27 September 2026

Fri, 18 Sep 2026 09:44:00 +0700

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul will embark on a diplomatic and economic mission from 20–27 September 2026, taking in Japan, the United States, and the United Kingdom. The centerpiece of the trip is Thailand's participation in the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA81) in New York, where he will be joined by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow and Minister of Digital Economy and Society Chaichanok Chidchob.

Beyond the UN engagements, the trip is designed to deepen Thailand's cooperation with international partners across foreign affairs, trade, investment, and digital technology. Executives from the Thai Capital Market Business Council and the Stock Exchange of Thailand will also join the delegation, leading investment roadshows in New York and London to showcase Thailand's capital market potential and strengthen ties with global investors and financial institutions.

Japan (21 September)
The journey begins in Japan, where the Premier will meet and encourage Thai athletes competing in the 20th Asian Games before chairing a gathering of the Thai community there.

New York (22–24 September)
He then travels to New York, starting with a visit to Google's offices on 23 September for talks with Ruth Porat, President and Chief Investment Officer of Alphabet and Google. At UN Headquarters, he will take part in the opening ceremony and General Debate, alongside a series of bilateral meetings with world leaders — including Queen Máxima of the Netherlands, the Prime Ministers of Bhutan, Armenia and Bangladesh, and the UN Secretary-General. On 24 September, he is scheduled to deliver Thailand's national statement during the General Debate.

London (25 September)
From New York, the Prime Minister travels to London, accompanied by Stock Exchange of Thailand executives for another leg of the capital market roadshow. Working with UBS Group AG, he will meet institutional investors to present Thailand's economic outlook and investment landscape, aiming to boost investor confidence, broaden Thailand's foreign investor base, and connect the Thai capital market with major global financial hubs. He is also expected to meet representatives of leading UK businesses, including Virgin Atlantic and Rolls-Royce, to explore new business and investment opportunities and strengthen private-sector ties.

Three cities, one goal: putting Thailand's economy and capital markets on the world's radar.

Thai Perfoming Artist Pichet Klunchun Wins 2026 Fukuoka Prize

Thu, 17 Sep 2026 14:34:00 +0700

Thai contemporary dancer and choreographer Pichet Klunchun has won the 2026 Fukuoka Prize (36th edition) in the Arts and Culture category, becoming the 11th Thai recipient of the award and the fourth in this category.

The Royal Thai Consulate-General in Fukuoka, Japan, highlighted this achievement, noting that Pichet follows three other Thai recipients of the Arts and Culture Prize: Thawan Duchanee (2011), Apichatpong Weerasethakul (2013), and Prabda Yoon (2021).

Pichet began training in khon, traditional Thai masked dance, at the age of 16, with Chaiyot Kummanee, a senior khon instructor in the Fine Arts Department. He continued his study in the art form and earned a bachelor’s degree in Dance from the Faculty of Fine and Applied Arts at Chulalongkorn University. He is now a freelance dancer and choreographer and founded Pichet Klunchun Dance Company.

The Fukuoka Prize was established by the city of Fukuoka in 1990 to honor individuals and organizations in Asia whose outstanding work contributes to promoting the values and cultures of Asia. The prize is presented annually in three categories: the Grand Prize, Academic Prize, and Arts and Culture Prize.

At this year’s award ceremony, Her Imperial Highness Crown Princess Akishino of Japan, wife of Prince Fumihito, Crown Prince of Japan, attended the event as a witness to the ceremony.

Thailand Moves to Overhaul Nationality Law Amid Fraud Concerns

Thu, 17 Sep 2026 14:31:00 +0700

Thailand's Ministry of Interior is launching a sweeping overhaul of the country's nationality system — revising the Nationality Act B.E. 2508 (1965), a law that has remained largely unchanged for over 50 years.

The goal is to close legal loopholes that have allowed gray-market capital and foreign nominee networks to exploit Thai citizenship as a gateway for illicit business. The move follows investigations linking several transnational crime cases to foreign nationals who had acquired Thai nationality.

For decades, the complexity of the application process created openings for corruption — bribery, identity theft, purchased rights from border minorities, and falsified birth records. These "shortcuts" allowed bad actors to forge profiles, deceive officials, and quietly embed themselves in Thailand's economy.

The road ahead won't be easy. Rogue officials colluding with citizenship-trafficking rings remain a real obstacle. But the government says it's committed to dismantling these networks, not just for security's sake, but to restore the integrity and dignity that Thai citizenship should carry.

Ultimately, this reform marks a vital step to protect national security while preserving the true value and integrity of Thai citizenship.

Thai Elegance Takes Over Ginza with HRH Princess Sirivannavari’s Billboards in Japan

Thu, 17 Sep 2026 09:59:00 +0700

The heart of Tokyo’s premier fashion district, Ginza, is buzzing as a stunning billboard featuring the official Asian Games parade uniform by SIRIVANNAVARI – designed under the concept “The Art of Unity” alongside exquisite “Chud Thai Phra Ratchaniyom” (Royally Favored Thai Costumes) – captivates global audiences in Japan.

Her Royal Highness Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya, Creative Director, personally modeled for a billboard campaign promoting the upcoming exhibition “CHUD THAI: Knowledge, Craftsmanship and Practices of the Thai National Costume,” hosted by the Ministry of Culture at the Tokyo National Museum (Hyokeikan Gallery) on 17-18 September 2026.

A major highlight will take place on 18 September, when HRH Princess Sirivannavari will preside over the Royally Favored Thai Costumes presentation alongside Minister of Culture Sabida Thaiseth. Honoring Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother's legacy, the event serves as a historic springboard to promote “Chud Thai” for official inscription on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list in December 2026.

A truly proud moment for Thailand as “Chud Thai” steps forward to captivate the world’s heart, carrying a timeless heritage onto the global stage.