NONG KHAI, Thailand – Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has visited Nong Khai Province to officiate this year’s Naga Fireball Festival, marking the end of Vassa.
The Prime Minister presided over a ceremony paying homage to Phaya Phisaisattanakharat Naga. Later, she witnessed the famous Naga Fireball Festival in Phon Phisai District.
The Prime Minister was visibly excited, saying it was her first time attending such a grand event. She added that the festival presented a huge opportunity for northeastern Thais. She underlined her administration’s commitment to promoting the festival, along with other traditional Thai events, to achieve broader international recognition. Paetongtarn emphasized the benefit of such events on local economies, saying that these festivals support the prosperity of local residents.
The annual Naga Fireball Festival is a major event, attracting both Thai and international tourists to witness the mysterious fireballs that appear towards the end of Vassa. This year, the festival was held on Thursday, October 17th. As part of Thailand’s cultural tourism strategy, the event plays a key role in promoting the country’s traditional heritage and positioning Thailand as a global soft power hub.
This year’s festival is being organized to promote cultural and traditional tourism, spotlighting secondary cities and aligning with Thailand’s soft power strategy.
The event is being held until October 25th across six districts along the Mekong River. They include Nong Khai’s capital district, Tha Bo District, Phon Phisai District, Si Chiang Mai District, Sangkhom District, and Rattanawapi District. (NNT)
