Bangkok, 21 September 2026 – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) returned for the second consecutive year as official tourism partner of the Sawasdee DC Thai Festival, held on 19 September along Pennsylvania Avenue NW between 3rd and 6th Streets in Washington, D.C. Through the partnership, TAT brought Amazing Thailand travel inspiration together with Muay Thai, traditional craftsmanship and interactive cultural experiences for audiences in the US capital.
Hosted by the Royal Thai Embassy in Washington, D.C., the 2026 festival was presented under the theme “Harmonious Vibes, Creative Heartbeats, Thailand & America @250”. The event marked 193 years of diplomatic relations between Thailand and the United States while joining celebrations of America’s 250th anniversary.
TAT’s participation centred on the Amazing Thailand booth, where visitors explored destinations and travel experiences across Thailand and spoke with TAT representatives about planning a trip. The programme also featured “A Touch of Thai”, a complimentary hands-on workshop inspired by the craftsmanship of Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya. Participants learned to weave a Ban Phraek bamboo fan, create a floral uba garland and assemble their own piece to take home. Native to Ban Phraek district, the woven fans are distinguished by colourful geometric patterns incorporating motifs such as the pikul flower and pineapple.
Muay Thai featured prominently in the festival programme, with internationally renowned champion Buakaw Banchamek making a special appearance and demonstration on the Main Stage. As part of TAT’s participation, TAT partnered with BETA Academy to present a traditional Wai Kru ceremony and Muay Thai demonstrations highlighting the cultural traditions, discipline and athleticism of Thailand’s national sport.
Across the wider festival programme, visitors experienced traditional Thai dance, T-pop and live music by Thai artists alongside regional cuisine, street food and beverages from participating Thai restaurants and vendors. Together, these elements presented different dimensions of Thai culture in a format designed for direct participation and discovery.
TAT also worked with festival airline partners EVA Air and Korean Air to offer round-trip air tickets from Washington, D.C. to Thailand as prizes. The partnerships also highlighted air connectivity from the Washington metropolitan area, with EVA Air linking Washington Dulles International Airport to Thailand via Taipei and Korean Air via Seoul.
TAT’s second year as official tourism partner reflects the direction of Thailand’s 2027 tourism marketing towards travel shaped by distinctive cultural experiences, gastronomy, sport and local identity. By presenting Muay Thai, Thai craftsmanship, food and destination experiences together in Washington, D.C., TAT used the festival as a direct platform to turn cultural interest into travel inspiration and introduce US audiences to experiences they can discover more deeply in Thailand.
