Thousands of tourists flocked to admire the beauty of the first light of Siam 2026 at the Pha Chanadai viewpoint, amid temperatures of 13°C, offering blessings that this first light will be the light of Thailand.
On 1 January 2026, New Year's Day, about 1,000 tourists, both Thai and foreign, gathered at the Pha Chanadai viewpoint in Khong Chiam district, Ubon Ratchathani province, to witness the earliest sunrise in Siam. This event was to boost positive energy and auspiciousness in life, welcoming brightness and brilliance like the New Year's sun of 2026. On that day, the sun rose above the horizon at 06:30 a.m., with temperatures dropping to as low as 13°C.
Mr. Preeda Dasiri, 24, a tourist from Bangkok, said that every New Year he visits his grandmother in Ubon Ratchathani, his mother's hometown. Pha Chanadai has long been an unseen gem but not widely known. This New Year was the first time in his life and for his family to visit, and he was very impressed. Pha Chanadai is unique for its beauty and the striking phrase “first light of Siam.”
For 2026, he invited everyone to travel there as the roads are better than before, making it accessible by car. He also wished to send encouragement to the frontline soldiers in Ubon Ratchathani province, which remains a risky area with clashes involving Cambodia. Despite easing tensions, he wanted to support the soldiers protecting Thailand’s territory and the lives of people in dangerous zones. He hoped the first light of Siam at this spot would be a light for the people and the brave frontline soldiers.
