Kalasin is ready to host the grand “International Phu Tai Festival” in 2026 to support tourism during the peak cool season, preserve the customs and traditions of the indigenous Phu Tai ethnic group, and is expected to generate tens of millions in local revenue.
On 8 January 2026 at Chalerm Phrakiat 80th Anniversary Park beneath the Huay Sai Na Wiang reservoir in Khao Wong district, Kalasin province, Mr. Suwat Hemthanaphet, Governor of Kalasin, together with Mrs. Chalermkwan Lotrakul, President of the Kalasin Provincial Administrative Organization, Mr. Sitthichok Sricharoen, Khao Wong District Chief, Police Colonel Somchai Phukongchana, Superintendent of Khao Wong Police Station, Mrs. Sirada Malasai from Kalasin Cultural Office, Ms. Wipawi Bunruang, Mayor of Kut Sim Subdistrict Municipality, Ms. Thanawan Kasee, Director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Khon Kaen Office, and Mr. Punnarut Wannawong, Vice Chairman of Kalasin Cultural Council, jointly held a press conference announcing the readiness for the “International Phu Tai Festival” 2026, which Kalasin province, together with Kut Sim Municipality, the Provincial Administrative Organization, the Cultural Office, TAT, and related agencies, will organize from 23-27 January 2026.
The event aims to promote tourism during the peak cool season, revive the customs, traditions, arts, and culture of the indigenous Phu Tai ethnic group, and promote cultural tourism by leveraging cultural capital and resources to create economic value. Deputy Governor Thapattrada Thaninjaranont, along with heads of government departments, local leaders, community leaders, the public, and media representatives from all sectors, attended the press conference in full.
Governor Suwat Hemthanaphet stated that Kalasin province is responding to the government’s policy emphasizing the use of “cultural capital” as a mechanism to drive the creative economy, aiming to increase economic value and social benefits. Therefore, the province has approved the International Phu Tai Festival project with the key objectives of restoring and preserving the customs and traditions of the indigenous Phu Tai ethnic group, encouraging youth to continue cultural heritage, and fostering exchange and learning about the Phu Tai way of life across provinces and internationally, which will lead to multilateral cooperation for sustainable cultural preservation.
He added that this event not only promotes cultural tourism to raise Kalasin’s profile nationally and internationally but also stimulates the grassroots economy by creating jobs, generating income, and distributing wealth throughout the local communities of Kalasin residents.
Governor Suwat emphasized that Kalasin is ready to welcome tourists from both within Thailand and abroad. He invited everyone, Thai and foreign alike, to experience the unique charm of the Phu Tai way of life. Visitors will witness the spectacular procession of over 11 Phu Tai parades, enjoy light and sound performances and Isan Mor Lam cultural shows, and shop for distinctive OTOP and community products. The festival will be held from 23-27 January 2026 at Chalerm Phrakiat 80th Anniversary Park beneath the Huay Sai Na Wiang reservoir in Khao Wong district, Kalasin. It is expected to attract over 100,000 tourists and generate tens of millions of baht in local spending.
Mrs. Chalermkwan Lotrakul, President of the Kalasin Provincial Administrative Organization, said the organization has supported the budget to assist the event, which will create opportunities for communities, improve residents’ livelihoods, and promote the identity, arts, and culture of the indigenous Phu Tai ethnic group.
Ms. Wipawi Bunruang, Mayor of Kut Sim Subdistrict Municipality, outlined the planned activities, including: 11 parades showcasing the identity and lifestyle of the Phu Tai, exhibitions, traditional healer booths following Phu Tai customs, over 1,000 Phu Tai dancers, light and sound performances by Kalasin College of Dramatic Arts and local communities, contests for Khao Wong sticky rice, demonstrations of local cuisine, regional singing competitions, exhibitions of Thai silk and traditional royal Thai costumes inspired by Her Majesty Queen Sirikit’s royal initiative, almsgiving ceremonies at the dam crest, an international Phu Tai country music band contest, and many other activities.
The community takes pride in their roots, which strengthens social cohesion and stimulates tourism-driven economic growth to ensure that the traditions, way of life, and original culture of the Phu Tai people endure for future generations.
Regarding site management and facilitation, including security and traffic control, Mr. Sitthichok Sricharoen, Khao Wong District Chief, and Police Colonel Somchai Phukongchana, Superintendent of Khao Wong Police Station, have coordinated forces including police, local administrative officers, and community leaders to prepare personnel ready throughout the event.