The Prime Minister, accompanied by his wife, visited the World Heritage site Si Thep and the Umamahesvara lintel. He took on the role of an ice cream vendor, handing out ice cream to children before the opening of the Phu Toei Rocket Festival. He praised the community’s strength in preserving culture and promoting local soft power.
On 16 May 2026, in Phetchabun province, Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, along with his wife, Thananon Charnvirakul, visited the Si Thep Historical Park World Heritage Site to monitor development of historical tourism, promote cultural tourism, and meet with the public. They were accompanied by Public Health Minister Pattana Promphat and Deputy Interior Minister Jesada Thaiset, with List MP Santi Promphat of the Bhumjaithai Party and the provincial governor welcoming them.
The Prime Minister and his delegation paid respects at the Si Thep City Guardian Shrine, a sacred local symbol, before riding a tram to tour the ancient city of Si Thep dating from the Dvaravati period. They also visited the Umamahesvara lintel, a site popular with tourists and devotees who pass beneath it believing it will ward off evil and bring good fortune.
Next, the Prime Minister visited key ancient sites including Khao Khlang Nai, a Dvaravati-era religious site over 1,400 years old; the Prang Si Thep and the Prang Song Phi Nong, Hindu temples reflecting ancient Khmer artistic influence dating back around 900–1,000 years; and Khao Khlang Nok, a major ancient site registered as a World Heritage, known as a large Dvaravati-era stupa.
The Prime Minister met with residents of Si Thep who had gathered to welcome him. He personally bought ice cream and rode an ice cream cart, serving ice cream to the children who were waiting to greet him.
Opening of the “Phu Toei Rocket Festival 2026” Celebrating Community Strength in Preserving Culture
At 7:30 p.m., the Prime Minister arrived to preside over the opening ceremony of the annual Phu Toei Rocket Festival 2026 at the Phu Toei Subdistrict Municipality Office in Wichian Buri district, Phetchabun province. Upon arrival, he paid respects before a portrait of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn and stood in silent tribute to Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother.
The Prime Minister then viewed a welcoming performance featuring 16 groups of traditional dancers amid a lively and beautiful local cultural atmosphere. He presented awards to winners of various contests, including banner carriers, traditional Thai games, rocket parade floats, dance troupes, and the best-decorated rocket parade for 2026.
On this occasion, the Prime Minister presented the royal trophy of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn to the winner of the best-decorated rocket parade float for 2026, awarded to the Phu Toei Subdistrict Administrative Organization.
The Prime Minister said the creation of each rocket parade float reflects creativity, unity, and community support, which are key to maintaining the unique identity of the Phu Toei Rocket Festival and its widespread appeal today. These qualities embody Thailand’s charm; despite many changes in the world, the warmth of community and culture remains what makes Thailand a distinctive and livable country.
He added that the government prioritizes promoting cultural tourism to generate income and economic opportunities for local people, as well as to raise awareness of Phetchabun’s quality products such as sweet tamarind, Wichian Buri grilled chicken, and OTOP goods.
The government hopes the festival will not only provide entertainment but also create opportunities and income for local residents. There is confidence that the “Phu Toei Rocket Festival” can develop into a major traditional event attracting tourists nationwide.
The Prime Minister officially opened the event by touching a black hydraulic ball amid light and sound effects, impressing attendees and tourists in a lively and friendly atmosphere shared by the large crowd present.
