Phetchaburi province is set to host the 38th Phra Nakhon Khiri-Phetchaburi Festival, scheduled for February 21 to March 2, 2025, under the theme “Viman Fah Phra Nakhon Khiri, The Jewel of Siam.” The festival, held at the Phra Nakhon Khiri Historical Park, aims to celebrate the rich cultural heritage and local traditions of the area while boosting tourism and the economy.
The announcement of the event was made on February 12, 2025, at a press conference held at the Phra Nakhon Khiri Park, also known as Khao Wang, in the heart of Phetchaburi. The event was attended by local officials, including Phetchaburi Governor Police Lieutenant Colonel Phopchanok Chalanukroh, Vice Mayor of Phetchaburi, Prabhas Intanou, and members of the Phetchaburi Chamber of Commerce, along with community leaders, government representatives, media, and the public.
Governor Phopchanok emphasized the long-standing tradition of the festival, which has been held annually for 37 years, and this marks the 38th edition. The event is a tribute to the immense contributions of Thai monarchs, including King Rama IV, King Rama V, King Rama VI, King Rama IX, and the current King. It is also aimed at preserving the region’s cultural heritage, promoting local arts, and fostering economic development through tourism.
The festival will feature a diverse range of activities, including traditional craft demonstrations, such as sculpting, wood carving, and lacquerware. There will also be exhibitions showcasing the lifestyles of eight ethnic groups in the area. Visitors will be able to enjoy local food from the region’s eight districts, as well as creative culinary offerings in line with the UNESCO designation of Phetchaburi as a City of Gastronomy.
One of the key highlights of the festival will be the spectacular lighting display and fireworks, which will light up the skies each night, with over 3,000 fireworks set to be launched. Special care has been taken to ensure that the fireworks display complies with environmental regulations. In addition, the festival will offer opportunities for visitors to purchase local OTOP products, agricultural goods, and processed food products, with various activities designed to enhance the cultural and tourism experience.
The opening ceremony will take place on February 21, 2025, at 5:00 PM at the front of the Phra Nakhon Khiri Historical Park. Sabida Thai Seth, the Deputy Minister of the Interior, is scheduled to preside over the event. A procession showcasing diverse cultural performances will add to the spectacle, alongside charitable activities such as the sale of raffle tickets in support of the Red Cross.
Local residents and tourists alike are encouraged to attend and experience the festival’s vibrant atmosphere, which combines entertainment, culture, and community spirit in one of Thailand’s most historically significant locations.
