The Prime Minister, accompanied by his wife Ja Thananon dressed in traditional Thai clothing, opened the King Narai the Great Festival, paying respects at the Phra Karn Shrine before volunteering to drive a tram to meet the public. He confirmed with absolute certainty that the half-half subsidy program will return, while Lopburi residents requested an additional 'We Travel Together' project.
At 18:20 on 14 Feb 2026 GMT+7, in front of the Phra Karn Shrine and King Narai's Palace in Mueang Lopburi district, Lopburi province, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, also Minister of Interior, presided over the opening of the 38th King Narai the Great Festival 2026, commemorating the honors of King Narai the Great. Present were Mrs. Thananon Niramis, his wife; Ms. Supajee Suthamphan, Minister of Commerce; Ms. Mallika Jirapanwanich, Deputy Minister of Transport and prospective MP for Lopburi district 2 of the Bhumjaithai Party; Mr. Warawut Silpa-archa, prospective party-list MP of Bhumjaithai; Mr. Weeraphong Ritrod, Governor of Lopburi; local officials; and local government executives. The Prime Minister wore retro Thai silk clothing featuring the King Narai palace gate pattern, paired with plain silk sarong. Mrs. Thananon wore a silk sarong with the same palace gate pattern. The delegation also wore traditional Thai attire. The event was lively with citizens and tourists attending.
First, at the Phra Karn Shrine plaza, the Prime Minister and his delegation viewed the historical parade of the King Narai the Great Festival. Then, they paid respects at the Phra Karn Shrine, a sacred site of Lopburi province, for auspicious blessings. Afterwards, they met fans from Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya province who had come to offer support, with one saying, “We’re here to cheer on the Prime Minister, keep fighting, we love the Prime Minister.”
Next, the Prime Minister and his group boarded a tram to Rachanusorn Park to admire the beautiful flower decorations. Anutin drove the tram himself and interacted with local people. At one point, citizens requested that the Prime Minister continue the Half-Half Plus subsidy project and the We Travel Together program. Anutin firmly assured, “Definitely, 1,000%.” Later, he stopped to enjoy ice cream and 'Nam Jruat,' a traditional soft drink similar to sarsi.
Then, the Prime Minister and entourage walked to meet more citizens before entering King Narai's Palace. Upon arrival, they paid respects in front of the portraits of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great and Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother. During the walk, when reporters asked about progress in forming a government coalition, Anutin briefly replied, “I’m here for the province’s merit-making event.”
The Prime Minister then listened to royal compositions “Fate” and “Evening” performed by students from Chulabhorn Science High School. Anutin even volunteered to conduct the orchestra himself. At 19:30, he and his group watched a performance titled “In Reverence to the Perennial Queen, Honoring King Narai, United Hearts Loving Nation and Land” by Lopburi College of Dramatic Arts.
In his opening remarks, Anutin said the King Narai the Great Festival is a valuable cultural and artistic event that reminds us of the merits of former monarchs and the love for nation and land that has preserved Thailand to this day. He emphasized the importance of hometown pride, believing that pride in one’s roots motivates efforts to protect that pride—whether by welcoming visitors, cooperating in multidimensional development, or preserving cultural heritage for future generations. Lopburi, with its long history especially during King Narai the Great’s golden era, became a center of prosperity and was known internationally.
This event not only commemorates King Narai the Great’s royal grace but also honors Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother, who promoted Thai arts and crafts and developed them into stable livelihoods for the people. Particularly, she supported the production of mudmee silk and various handicrafts, which are key economic foundations of Lopburi’s community.
Today, we all unitedly wore traditional Thai garments, reflecting our love, unity, and pride in our local culture. We thank all sectors for collaboratively organizing this grand event that honors and makes the people of Lopburi proud. This festival supports the Ministry of Culture’s tourism promotion and generates economic value for Lopburi province. It serves as a good example for other provinces to create tourism activities while preserving beautiful customs and traditions of the country.
Afterwards, the Prime Minister paid respects to King Narai the Great at Dusit Sawan Thanya Maha Prasat Throne Hall and to the statue of King Mongkut (Rama IV) at Phiman Mongkut Throne Hall.
Prime Minister Anutin declined to comment on progress in forming a government coalition, stating only briefly, “I’m here for the province’s merit-making event today.”
