The Prime Minister is preparing to visit Phetchaburi to open the event"Phra Nakhon Khiri – City of Gems"the 39th edition highlighting Soft Power"Living Gem"to revive interest in global historical tourism and culinary culture
On 20 February 2026, Anutin Charnvirakul, the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, along with his wife Thanon Niramit, is set to lead a team to Phetchaburi province to open the 39th annual "Phra Nakhon Khiri – City of Gems" event on Saturday, 21 February 2026. The opening will take place at the Phra Nakhon Khiri Historical Park, the Memorial Park of King Mongkut the Great (Phra Nakhon Khiri), and the central stage in Mueang Phetchaburi District, Phetchaburi province. The event aims to promote tourism and celebrate the important cultural heritage of Phetchaburi province. Pol. Lt. Phopchanok Cholanukroh, Governor of Phetchaburi, government officials, both public and private sectors, and local residents will attend the event.
The 39th "Phra Nakhon Khiri – City of Gems" event for 2026 will be held from 20 February to 1 March 2026 at the Phra Nakhon Khiri Historical Park (Khao Wang), the Memorial Park of King Mongkut the Great, and surrounding areas. The concept is "Heavenly Palace of Phra Nakhon Khiri, the Gem of Siam," honoring the former great monarchs, promoting tourism, and stimulating Phetchaburi's economy. A key highlight this year invites locals and tourists to dressin traditional Thai attire: "wrap-around skirt, shawl draping, wearing Thai costumes, visiting the Phra Nakhon Khiri event"On this occasion, the Prime Minister and his wife will also dress in retro Thai costumes to evoke the past, inspiring a tangible cultural tourism experience. They invite tourists to join the event to honor the former great monarchs and to help preserve Thailand's cultural heritage for future generations.
The event features exhibitions about royal projects to showcase the royal benevolence and achievements of key local initiatives, nightly fireworks displays with over 5,000 shots, parades honoring the monarchy and promoting tourism from 8 districts, as well as zones featuring OTOP products and Phetchaburi cuisine to highlight the identityas a “Creative City of Gastronomy”(UNESCO City of Gastronomy), promoting Thai wisdom products and local food innovations to generate sustainable income for community entrepreneurs.
This event, "Phra Nakhon Khiri – City of Gems,"is not only a continuation of fine traditions but also reaffirms that"Phetchaburi"is a city with strong potential as Soft Power in food, arts, and history, capable of attracting significant tourism revenue to the country.