The Ministry of Culture invites people to "dress in traditional Thai" to visit museums at night, watch open-air movies at the National Museum Bangkok, and attend the festival at Wat Prayurawongsawat to celebrate 244 years of Rattanakosin. Visitors can enjoy the beauty of the Night at the Museum event and experience the charm of the “Radiant Palace” at the National Museum Bangkok, as well as explore the festival at Wat Prayurawongsawat under the Klong San - Kudi Chin Cultural Walk “Walking the Klong San - Kudi Chin Community to Experience the Rattanakosin Way” from 22–26 April.
On 23 April 2026, Mr. Prasop Riang-ngern, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, spoke after presiding over the opening of the Night at the Museum event under the theme “Radiant Palace” at the National Museum Bangkok, and the opening of the Klong San - Kudi Chin Cultural Walk at Wat Prayurawongsawat. He said the Ministry of Culture, together with government agencies, private sectors, and networks of religion, arts, and culture, is organizing the “Under the Royal Patronage: 244 Years of Rattanakosin” event from 22 to 26 April 2026 at the 100th Anniversary Park of Chulalongkorn University, the National Museum Bangkok, and Wat Prayurawongsawat. The celebration marks the 244th anniversary of the founding of Rattanakosin and honors the royal grace and tribute to King Rama I, the first monarch of the Chakri Dynasty, who established Rattanakosin as the capital of Thailand on 21 April 1782. Over 244 years, the Chakri kings have been devoted to their royal duties, fostering national unity with wisdom and far-reaching vision, supporting religion, arts, and culture to flourish to this day.
Mr. Prasop added that this year’s event is under the concept “Living Rattanakosin: Past, Present, and Future Together,” featuring activities across three locations: First, on 23 April 2026, cultural performances will take place on the main stage starting at 5:30 p.m., including performances by the CU Band of Chulalongkorn University; Likay theater “Deceit and Fiery Trap” by the Likay Association of Thailand with special guest artist Toto Thanadech from The Golden Song; followed by concerts by Wiang Narumon and at 8:30 p.m., Getsunova. On the smaller stage, starting at 5:00 p.m., there will be Khon dance, multi-style drama, traditional dance by the Red Cross youth network, and performances by Notminor Band and The Face Men Thailand Season 4.
Meanwhile, at the second location on 23 April 2026 at the Sangkit Sala courtyard of the National Museum Bangkok, at 5:30 p.m., there will be an opening ceremony and the “Radiant Rattanakosin” dance performance “Dance at the Palace.” This will be followed by musical performances by the Fine Arts Department band and a concert by Tao Phusilp. Attendees can also watch the open-air movie “Hello Bangkok” (2010). Traditional Thai games and performances at the grassy area behind the Samran Mukmat Pavilion include long drum performances by Phorn Charat troupe, puppet shows by the Louis Small Puppet Theater, and traditional Lam Tad singing.
At the third location, Wat Prayurawongsawat Worawihan hosts the Klong San - Kudi Chin Cultural Walk “Walking the Klong San - Kudi Chin Community to Experience the Rattanakosin Way.” Activities include making merit at temples for good luck, demonstrations and sales of cultural products, a three-faith food contest (Buddhism, Christianity, Islam), altar decoration contests, cultural performances, orchestra concerts, and a recitation of the Mahachat sermon offered as a royal merit to Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother.
"This event follows the concept of one story across three locations, opening spaces for families and tourists, both Thai and foreign, to choose activities and join in closely experiencing cultural values, fostering participation, learning, and inspiring further development. It aims to promote income generation and sustainability in social and economic dimensions. Importantly, the public is encouraged to proudly wear traditional Thai costumes nationwide, following the Ministry of Culture's policy. People may wear traditional Thai outfits, modern Thai styles, or Thai fabrics reflecting their personal style freely, without restrictions, to join the event. This promotes identity and pride in Thai culture and aims to make wearing Thai fabrics and costumes a natural part of daily life, pushing Thai culture to be recognized and accepted internationally in a sustainable way," said the Permanent Secretary.
The Permanent Secretary said the Fine Arts Department, through the National Museum Bangkok and the Office of National Museums, invites the public to participate in the Night at the Museum event under the theme “Radiant Palace” from 22 to 26 April 2026 at the National Museum Bangkok. There are two daily sessions at 5:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m., free of charge. This event offers visitors the chance to experience the charm of the architecture of the Front Palace (Wang Na), the residence of the Deputy King during the Rattanakosin era, and to learn about Thai civilization through guided tours of the ancient sites and exhibitions inside the museum in a beautiful night setting. Visitors can pay respects to the Phra Phuttha Sihing, a sacred Buddha image symbolic of the nation, view early Rattanakosin era murals at the Phutthaisawan Throne Hall, and see the newly renovated permanent exhibitions within the various throne halls. The tour route includes the Mahasurasin Hall, the Museum Pavilion, and the Phra Wiman group of buildings.
The National Museum Bangkok has arranged for guides to conduct two daily tours, sharing detailed stories of history, art, and the value of the ancient sites. The public is encouraged to wear traditional Thai attire to join and experience the magnificent Thai cultural heritage in a special nighttime atmosphere that is truly impressive.
For more information and updates about the event, contact the Culture Hotline at 1765 or visit the Ministry of Culture and Office of the Permanent Secretary’s Facebook pages.
/ State Policy /