Invitation to the event “Straw Bird Festival and Chai Nat Province Local Treasures Fair” The 41st edition in 2026 continues the tradition of using leftover rice straw from farming to creatively make various straw bird sculptures.
History of “Straw Bird Sculptures” This involves using unused rice straw to craft large bird sculptures of various kinds, which are mounted on vehicles decorated beautifully to form a parade. After judging all the straw bird sculptures, they are displayed at the field in front of the provincial hall. The event is usually held around early February every year. Additionally, the event features the provincial Red Cross booth along with stalls selling local products and agricultural goods.
Mr. Apicha Chaipornchalida, Chai Nat Provincial Secretary and organizer of the Straw Bird Festival, said the 41st "Straw Bird Festival and Chai Nat Local Treasures Fair 2026" will be held from 19 Feb to 1 Mar 2026 at the Chalerm Phrakiat Sports Stadium in front of the Chai Nat provincial hall. The opening ceremony begins at 3:45 p.m., featuring a parade of straw bird sculptures and local folk culture and wisdom. The procession will start from the Chai Nat Highway District intersection, proceed along Wongto Road, turn onto Phromprasert Road, and end in front of the Charitable Foundation (Chinese school).
There will also be a competition for straw bird sculptures from government agencies and private sectors across eight districts. The Skuna Red Cross booth will offer visitors a chance to win prizes by purchasing charity lottery tickets at 100 baht each, with 4,000 tickets sold in 10 sets, totaling 4,000,000 baht. The grand prize is one ISUZU MU-X vehicle, along with many other prizes.
For those unsure where to visit during the Chinese New Year, come to the Straw Bird Festival in Chai Nat, about 190 kilometers from Bangkok. Besides enjoying beautifully crafted straw bird sculptures made by local villagers, visitors might also be lucky to win numerous prizes from the Skuna Red Cross booth to take home.