"Noodleland Lantern Festival, the Land of Deliciousness" celebrates the Ban Pong noodle identity. From 27 Feb to 3 Mar 2026, daily from 18:00 to 21:00 at Dong Maprao Market in Ban Pong Municipality, the event is organized by the Ban Pong Descendants Association together with Ban Pong Municipality, noodle producers, vegetarian shrines, and partner networks, aiming to stimulate the economy and preserve Thai-Chinese culture.
Mr. Buncha Thongweroj, the third-generation heir of Lim Kuangweng Noodle Factory, revealed that in the past, longevity noodles were made for household consumption, especially during Chinese New Year, the Ghost Festival, and birthdays. Due to the lengthy preparation process, making noodles became a profession, as in his family. When popular among nearby Chinese communities, production expanded to generate family income.
Today, noodles in the market come in two types: traditional handmade noodles and machine-made noodles. Handmade noodles take 3–4 days to produce and feature a unique "head" section thicker where the dough is hung on rods. Some prefer this part for its chewy texture and slightly salty, rich flavor. Machine-made noodles use machinery and production techniques to reduce labor and production time.
At Lim Kuangweng Noodle Factory, originally noodles were handmade but now produced by machines while maintaining a chewy, soft texture and reducing saltiness from traditional methods. They produce white noodles, naturally colored from premium wheat flour, and yellow noodles containing turmeric powder. The noodles have been adapted into various dishes replacing spaghetti, rice noodles, and sen chan noodles, fitting well with many recipes.
Mr. Monchai Chinwinijkul, Vice President of Buan Hok Tua Shrine, explained that the Lantern Festival is held on the 15th day of the first lunar month (Yuanxiao Festival), the first full moon of the year. Shrines, temples, and homes decorate with red lanterns to honor their deities and commemorate the Goddess of Mercy for protection and prosperity. During the festival, Thai-Chinese people offer auspicious foods like pork, chicken, squid, and noodles symbolizing abundance, diligence, knowledge, and longevity to seek blessings from the gods.
Mr. Pakorn Akomornphan, President of the Ban Pong Descendants Association, stated that Ban Pong district has long been home to many Thai-Chinese settlers, with a distinctive identity in noodle and egg noodle making. Especially, "Ban Pong noodles" have over a century of history, passed down through more than three generations. Today, Ban Pong is a major production center for noodles and egg noodles distributed nationwide, including several famous handmade noodle shops.
Therefore, the association has developed cultural assets and food traditions linked to the Lantern Festival into tourism promotion activities that drive the economy and instill heritage pride among youth. Under the theme "Noodleland Lantern Festival, the Land of Deliciousness," the event offers Ban Pong's best culinary delights for visitors to taste, including giant wok fried noodles and innovative dishes like stir-fried Ban Pong noodles in Thai style and spicy stir-fried noodles. Activities include a noodle eating contest called "Noodleland Championship," along with famous dishes like Bang Tan grilled chicken, traditional fried dough, and various street foods, all amid beautiful decorations of red and fancy lanterns throughout Ban Pong.
Additionally, the festival provides space for children and youth to showcase creativity in cosplay contests combining Chinese cultural themes with modern performances. The Ban Pong children's lion dance troupe, inspired by last year's event, performs to continue cultural wisdom passed from generation to generation. The "Ban Pong Lantern Festival, Noodleland the Land of Deliciousness" runs from 27 Feb to 3 Mar 2026, 18:00–21:00 at Dong Maprao Market. For more information, contact the "Ban Pong Descendants Association" Facebook page.