Bangkok, 9 October 2025 – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), in collaboration with government and private sector partners, has announced the upcoming Amazing Thailand Grand Diwali Festival 2025, a celebration of light, faith, and cultural friendship between Thailand and India. Set to take place from 16 to 31 October 2025 at Phahurat (Little India) and Khlong Ong Ang, the festival will showcase Thai–Indian cultural connections through light displays, performances, and creative community experiences under the theme “Light Unites Us.”
The announcement was jointly made by Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, TAT Governor; Police Major General Krit Warit, Deputy Commissioner of the Tourist Police Bureau; and Ms. Rujira Arin, Deputy Director-General of the Culture, Sports and Tourism Department, Bangkok Metropolitan Administration.
Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, TAT Governor, said “The Amazing Thailand Grand Diwali Festival 2025 celebrates the close relationship between Thailand and India while highlighting Bangkok’s multicultural identity. It provides a platform to strengthen people-to-people connections, attract more visitors – especially from India – and stimulate local tourism and economic activity. Through light, art, and shared traditions, we are reaffirming Thailand’s position as a destination where culture brings people together.”
Diwali, the “Festival of Lights,” is one of the most important events in Indian culture, symbolising the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. The festival also reflects Thailand’s Indian heritage, particularly in the Phahurat area, and supports TAT’s goal of promoting Thailand as a Cultural Festival Destination.
Running from 16 to 31 October 2025, the festival will feature nightly light installations, stage performances, and community events across Phahurat and Khlong Ong Ang. The official opening ceremony on 19 October will include a candle-lighting ritual led by dignitaries, a coordinated sound-and-light display, and a Thai–Indian Ramayana performance featuring classical dance from both traditions in three acts: The Triumph of Good Over Evil, Return to the City, and Festival of Light, ending with a lively Bollywood sequence. The programme also includes the Grand Procession of Exquisite Radiance, a parade honouring Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Ganesha, and the festive spirit of Bollywood. Each section will present illuminated floats, dancers, musicians, and devotees carrying lotus offerings, garlands, parasols, and lanterns – creating a river of light that symbolises the friendship between Thailand and India.
Throughout the two-week festival, visitors can enjoy six main highlights that reflect the “Light Unites Us” concept, combining spirituality, creativity, and cultural exchange. Sacred Light invites visitors to honour Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha through devotional worship and symbolic lighting of Diyas. The Art of Light features large-scale Thai–Indian light installations that link the two cultures through design and colour. Blessed Flavour offers culinary experiences including Prawn Biryani, Masala Dosa, and Panipuri, representing abundance and sharing. Rhythm of Light presents Thai and Indian cultural performances – from Rabam Khom Ajchakap and Rabam Khom Bua to Bharatanatyam, Bihu, and Bollywood dance – together with live concerts by Ja Nongpanee, Musketeers, Prang Prangthip, Mirrr, Mintra Intira, and ZANI. Diwali Market brings together Thai and Indian crafts and festive products, while Experiences of Light offers hands-on workshops, including henna painting, lantern decorating, bead threading, and fan weaving.
Adding to the atmosphere, the India Colour Art Wall and Art Street projects will turn Phahurat and Khlong Ong Ang into open-air galleries, showcasing contemporary Indian motifs alongside Thai craftsmanship. The festival invites both Thai and international visitors to experience a meaningful and welcoming celebration of Thai–Indian friendship.
TAT will set up Amazing Thailand Grand Diwali information counters at Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang Airports from 16–18 October 2025, providing event information, distributing commemorative candles, and allowing Indian tourists to register for special privileges during the festival period. Additional counters will operate at Khlong Ong Ang from 16–20 October and at Phahurat from 18–20 October, offering festival information, souvenirs, and promotional benefits to visitors. These activities aim to build awareness, enhance visitor engagement, and encourage participation among Indian, international, and Thai visitors under the Amazing Thailand Grand Diwali Privilege 2025 initiative.
The Amazing Thailand Grand Diwali Festival 2025 is supported by Nippon Paint Decorative Coating (Thailand), which contributes paint and materials for the Art Wall and Art Street creative projects in the Phahurat and Khlong Ong Ang areas. Other partners supporting marketing and promotional activities during the Diwali period include ICONSIAM, Central Group.
The Indian travel market continues to show steady growth in both arrivals and tourism revenue compared with the same period in 2024. From 1 January to 30 September 2025, Thailand welcomed 1,771,001 visitors from India. India remains one of Thailand’s top five source markets, supported by diverse destinations, increased air connectivity, and a 60-day visa exemption for Indian tourists.
