The lively "Water Candle Procession" at Lat Chado Canal transformed the area with a parade of over 205 traditional and antique boats sailing along the canal, continuing the ancient lifestyle traditions of Ayutthaya.
On 29 July 2026 at Lat Chado Market in Phak Hai District, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province, Mr. Surasak Pancharoenworakul, Minister of Tourism and Sports, Mr. Chawanin Wongsatitjirakarn, Governor of Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Mrs. Putthiporn Ployphakwan, Deputy Governor, Mrs. Somsong Pancharoenworakul, Deputy Mayor of Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Provincial Administrative Organization, Mr. Pradit Sangkhajai, Member of Parliament for Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya District 5, Mr. Suthep Kamto, District Chief of Phak Hai, and Mr. Kriangsak Phipandee, Mayor of Lat Chado Municipality, jointly opened the 15th annual Lat Chado Canal Water Candle Procession for 2026 under the theme "Nava Boon Withee Lat Chado Phakdee, Honoring the King."
Residents of Lat Chado community, government agencies, and private sectors collaborated to decorate more than 205 boats—both traditional and some antique vessels over a hundred years old—with flowers, various natural materials, and daily fishing tools, beautifying the boats. Performances featuring singing and dancing reflecting Lat Chado’s long-standing traditions were held aboard the boats as they sailed along over two kilometers of Lat Chado Canal, which still has homes lining both sides where residents maintain their fishing livelihoods using traditional fish lift nets directly in front of their houses. The entire boat procession then returned to allow tourists to once again admire the stunning spectacle before carrying the Lent candles to various community temples for offering.
Mr. Kriangsak Phipandee, Mayor of Lat Chado Municipality, stated that the water candle procession is a collaborative effort among community leaders, residents, and government agencies to beautifully decorate the boats, utilizing local artistic skills. He praised the event and urged everyone to preserve this tradition of community unity and to ensure its transmission to students, allowing them to learn and uphold these valuable customs.
This event is uniquely distinctive in Thailand, attracting both domestic and international tourists who come to capture memories and share the experience worldwide. Additionally, this year's event coincided with Asalha Puja Day, an important Buddhist holy day.
During the event, attendees enjoyed watching the boat procession along Lat Chado Canal, observing the riverside lifestyle of the locals, shopping at the ancient market, and experiencing authentic Thai culture and local traditions. The event also featured beautiful boat contests, photo exhibitions of Lat Chado life, and a recreated retro floating market atmosphere amid lush green fields and traditional fishing methods.