Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and his spouse opened the 2026 Bun Luang and Phi Ta Khon Festival in Loei Province, greeting the public and inquiring about the Thai Help Thai Plus program. Three Deputy Ministers of the Interior also accompanied the delegation on site.
At 10:00 a.m. on 21 June 2026 GMT+7. Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul. Presided over the opening ceremony. The "2026 Bun Luang and Phi Ta Khon Festival in Loei Province," accompanied by his spouse, Mrs. Thanon Charnvirakul. At the main stage in front of Dan Sai District Office, Loei Province, amid a lively atmosphere with over 100,000 citizens and tourists attending.
Also present were Deputy Ministers of Interior Polpee Suwanchavee (MoT 2), Jeset Thaiset (MoT 3), Worasit Liangprasit (MoT 4), the Prime Minister's spouse Mrs. Thanon Charnvirakul, and Duangta Saiwut, Chair of the Administrative Committee of Sayabouri Province, Lao PDR, along with officials, civil servants, and partners from the Lao People's Democratic Republic.
Also attending were Loei Governor Chaiphot Jaroonpong, Loei MP Thanyot Timsoowan from the Bhumjaithai Party, Loei MPs Saran Timsoowan and Somjet Sangcharoenrat from the Pheu Thai Party, along with the Deputy Governor of Loei, heads of government agencies, state enterprises, private sector representatives, local administrative organization executives, civil servants, related agencies' staff, and the people of Loei Province, who warmly welcomed the guests.
The Bun Luang and Phi Ta Khon Festival is an important cultural heritage of Dan Sai District and Loei Province, passed down through generations. It uniquely combines Buddhist beliefs, local rituals, and community lifestyles. Recognized as one of Thailand's most famous cultural festivals with global renown, it is a major destination for both Thai and international tourists. Visitors experience the spectacular and exciting Phi Ta Khon parade, traditional folk art performances, community product and OTOP sales, as well as tourism promotion activities reflecting the identity of Dan Sai and Loei.
On this occasion, the Prime Minister spoke with the public, saying he had just returned from Russia and came to open the Phi Ta Khon festival to relieve work stress. He noted that he admired foreign cultures expressing their identities, which every country values because culture embodies beliefs, faith, and wisdom. He added that he keeps a Phi Ta Khon picture in his office, which has brought prosperity since he became Minister of Public Health when he visited Loei. He also mentioned the government's Thai Help Thai Plus 60/40 program before greeting citizens and tourists. He then departed.
