The Minister of Education opened the “Bun Bang Fai Phanom Phrai” festival, promoting learning beyond the classroom and supporting the Soft Power policy within the community.
On 31 May 2026, Mr. Prasert Chantrawongthong, Minister of Education, presided over the opening ceremony of the 2026 Bun Bang Fai festival in Phanom Phrai district, dedicated to offering 10 million rocket offerings to the Great Stupa at Wat Klang Udomwet. Attending the event at the Phanom Phrai district public health area in Roi Et province were Mr. Wallop Rujirakorn, Secretary to the Minister of Education; Mr. Tatiyaphat Pitisetthaphan, Spokesperson for the Ministry of Education; the Minister's team; senior ministry executives; alongside Mr. Chatchawan Benjasiriwong, Governor of Roi Et; the mayor of Phanom Phrai; and Ms. Jiraporn Sinthuprai, Member of Parliament for Roi Et district 5, and Ms. Chayapha Sinthuprai, MP for district 8, who warmly welcomed the guests.
“The Bun Bang Fai festival in Phanom Phrai district, competing for the Royal Cup bestowed by Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn in 2026, is a grand event with a unique local identity. It represents a cultural capital or 'Soft Power' that has been upheld by the people of Roi Et for generations as a tribute to the Great Stupa at Wat Klang Udomwet. As Minister of Education, I believe learning should not be confined to classrooms. The Bun Bang Fai tradition serves as an educational platform to understand customs, culture, and local wisdom. It is a vital forum that unites all social generations—government, private sector, citizens, and youth—to sustain cultural capital. This aligns with the government's emphasis on valuing culture as a creative force that attracts both Thai and international tourists, which in turn stimulates the economy, creates jobs, and distributes income to communities,” the Minister of Education stated.
