Bangkok, 10 November 2025 – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), in collaboration with public and private sector partners, officially opened Vijit Chao Phraya 2025 last night (9 November) along both banks of the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok. Held under the theme “Light of Siam – Mother of the Land”, the event honours the benevolence and enduring inspiration of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, The Queen Mother.
The opening ceremony was presided over by Mr. Artthakorn Sirilatthayakorn, Minister of Tourism and Sports, who described the extended 45-day Vijit Chao Phraya 2025 as a world-class spectacle bringing new energy and vibrancy to Thailand’s tourism scene. Against the backdrop of shimmering lights reflected on the river, the night unfolded in a mesmerising display of art, music, and technology — a celebration of creativity that embodies the Thai spirit.
Mr. Artthakorn said “The event plays a vital role in elevating Thailand’s tourism to the level of global world events while stimulating economic circulation and creating income opportunities for local businesses, hotels, restaurants, and riverside communities. It also reinforces Bangkok’s position as a world-class creative tourism city, offering visitors truly memorable experiences and a unique sense of place.”
“This year’s Vijit Chao Phraya 2025 pays heartfelt tribute to Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, The Queen Mother, whose compassion and grace continue to inspire the Thai people,” added Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, TAT Governor. “The event transforms bridges, temples, historic sites, and modern landmarks into a radiant symphony of light, sound, and culture, celebrating both tradition and innovation. It also reinforces Thailand’s vibrant night-time economy and enhances the visitor experience during the high season.”
The grand opening marked the beginning of 45 enchanting nights of illumination, with performances from 18.00 to 22.00 Hrs. nightly until 23 December. The spectacle spans 15 iconic landmarks transformed into a glowing corridor of art and emotion along the Chao Phraya River — from the majestic Rama VIII Bridge to the creative heart at Rama III Bridge.
Highlights include The Royal Compassion, a Stream to Rama VIII at Rama VIII Bridge, Chao Phraya Rhapsody at Nagaraphirom Park, Dawn of Siam at Wat Arun, and Threads of Glory featuring dazzling drone formations above Phra Phutthayotfa Bridge (Memorial Bridge). Visitors can also enjoy The Thai-conic Lighting Symphony and the ICONIC Multimedia Water Feature at ICONSIAM, and the Crystal of Life art installation by Bangkok Dock Company Limited. For the full list of showcases, see Vijit Chao Phraya 2025 lights up Bangkok in tribute to Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother.
Visitors can follow updates on the official Facebook page Vijit Chao Phraya 2025 or www.thailandfestival.org. All shows are free and open to the public every evening from 18.00 to 22.00 Hrs., from 9 November to 23 December 2025.
The event is expected to attract around 1.5 million visitors and generate over 6.2 billion Baht in economic value. From 1 January to 2 November 2025, Thailand welcomed more than 26.9 million international visitors, with arrivals projected to rise further towards the end of the year.
