Bangkok, 30 October 2026 – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) today joined the press launch of the Amazing Thailand Grand Diwali Festival 2026, which will bring seven celebrations to Bangkok, Pattaya in Chon Buri, and Phuket from 3–29 November. Supported by TAT, the festival will feature five signature diya-lighting ceremonies, alongside Thai-Indian cultural performances, music, food and festive activities. The celebrations come ahead of the 80th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Thailand and India in 2027.
Organised by the Indian Association of Thailand (IAT) and the Thai–India Trade and Tourism Association (TITTA), in collaboration with TAT, the Embassy of India in Bangkok and other public- and private-sector partners, the festival seeks to showcase Thai-Indian cultural traditions to a wider audience while creating opportunities for local tourism businesses.
Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, TAT Governor, said, “Festivals are a form of Soft Power with strong potential to attract international visitors and encourage cultural experiences. Diwali, one of India’s most important festivals and widely recognised internationally, is a prime example. The Amazing Thailand Grand Diwali Festival 2026 marks TAT’s fifth consecutive year of support, welcoming visitors from India and South Asia, one of Thailand’s key tourism markets, to celebrate alongside major cities worldwide, including London, New York, Singapore, Sydney and Dubai. The festival also provides an opportunity to experience the Indian culture that has long been part of Thai society and strengthen people-to-people ties between the two countries.”
The press launch also featured a panel discussion on Diwali’s significance and the Amazing Thailand Grand Diwali Festival’s role in promoting Thai-Indian cultural connections and tourism. The discussion brought together Mr. Kittipong Praphatthong, TAT Deputy Governor for Asia and South Pacific Markets; Ms. Shashwati Arya, Deputy Chief of Mission of the Embassy of India in Bangkok; Mr. Nikorn Sachdev, President of the Indian Association of Thailand (IAT); Mr. Sukthep Chansrichawla, Chairman of the Executive Board and Managing Director of Mittare Insurance Public Company Limited; and Mr. Preecha Champi, Managing Director of Bharata Choice Co., Ltd.
Diwali, or Deepavali, celebrates the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. Observed on 8 November this year, the festival is traditionally marked by lighting oil lamps known as diyas, family gatherings, prayers, and the exchange of gifts. Thailand’s celebrations extend through November, with five signature diya-lighting ceremonies as the programme’s centrepiece.
The first ceremony, “The First Light”, takes place at Central Bangrak in Bangkok on 3 November from 17.00–18.00 Hrs., followed by live Bollywood music, with activities continuing until 4 November.
On 8 November, Diwali Day, ICONSIAM’s Riverpark hosts “Lotus by the River”, featuring a diya-lighting ceremony from 17.00–18.00 Hrs. and riverside fireworks at 18.00 Hrs. The three-day celebration runs from 6–8 November, combining Indian cultural traditions with the Chao Phraya riverside setting.
In Pattaya, “Lamps Along the Shore” brings Diwali celebrations to Pattaya Beach Road from 13–15 November, with a beachfront diya-lighting ceremony on 13 November from 18.00–19.00 Hrs. The programme complements “Nine Nights of Candlelight” at Central Festival Pattaya Beach from 7–15 November, including Diwali Day activities on 8 November.
Phuket joins the nationwide celebrations on 8 November with “A Sunday of Flavour” at Central Patong, featuring an Indian food festival and festive activities.
Bangkok’s historic Little India in Phahurat takes centre stage from 20–24 November with “Threads of Faith”, building on the neighbourhood’s Diwali celebrations held along Khlong Ong Ang since 2022. On 24 November, a diya-lighting ceremony from 17.00–18.00 Hrs. will mark the convergence of three celebrations on the same full-moon night: Dev Deepavali, Loi Krathong and Gurpurab.
The festival concludes at Quartier Avenue, EMQUARTIER, with “Music on the Avenue” from 26–29 November. The final diya-lighting ceremony takes place on 29 November from 17.00–18.00 Hrs.
Across the seven venues, visitors can enjoy Indian cultural performances, Bollywood music, festive markets and food experiences. Participating shopping centres, including Central Bangrak, Central Festival Pattaya Beach, Central Festival Patong, ICONSIAM and EMQUARTIER, will offer seasonal promotions and special privileges throughout Diwali, catering to Indian travellers and other visitors during the start of Thailand’s high tourism season.
Admission to all seven celebrations is free of charge. For more information, contact the TAT Contact Centre on 1672.
