TAT Organizes “397 Years of Chai Buri: A Miracle of Love in Phatthalung by Amazing Thailand”

Today (August 11, 2026), at Wat Khao Mueang Kao, Chai Buri Subdistrict, Mueang Phatthalung District, Phatthalung Province, reporters reported that the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, through the Tourism Authority of Thailand, in collaboration with Phatthalung Province, Com Art Production Co., Ltd., and partner agencies, officially opened the “397 Years of Chai Buri: A Miracle of Love in Phatthalung by Amazing Thailand” event amidst the beautiful and enchanting atmosphere of the old town of Chai Buri.

The opening ceremony was honored by the presence of Mr. Pipat Ratchakitprakarn, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport, as the chairman of the ceremony, along with Mr. Surasak Panjaroenworakul, Minister of Tourism and Sports; Dr. Natee Ratchakitprakarn, President of the Southern 14 Provinces Volunteer Defense Corp Association; Mr. Sujin Vajakij, Governor of Phatthalung Province; Mr. Nat Kruthsut, Deputy Governor for Tourism Products and Business Development, Tourism Authority of Thailand; Mrs. Jirawadee Kunsap, Deputy Governor for Europe, America, Middle East, and Africa Markets, Tourism Authority of Thailand; Captain Dr. Athikun Kongmee, Member of Parliament for Phatthalung Constituency 1; Mr. Romtham Khamnurak, Party-List Member of Parliament from the Bhumjaithai Party; as well as heads of government departments, executives from government and private sectors, local administrative organizations, local leaders, community leaders, media, tourists, and the people of Phatthalung.

The event, “397 Years of Chai Buri: A Miracle of Love in Phatthalung by Amazing Thailand,” held from August 8–10, 2026, was a resounding success. Building on the success of the “390 Years of Chai Buri: Unlocking the Charming City of Phatthalung” event, it aimed to elevate the old town of Chai Buri into a historical, cultural, religious, and contemporary community tourism destination. It leveraged the historical significance of the area to create new tourism experiences, beautifully connecting the past, present, and future of Phatthalung. Chai Buri is a crucial historical site and a cornerstone of Phatthalung, boasting ancient ruins, religious sites, rich history, beliefs, faith, and stunning natural beauty.

Wat Khao Mueang Kao, in particular, is a significant landmark reflecting the city’s past prosperity and continues to provide spiritual strength to the local people. This year’s event featured the concept of “A Miracle of Love in Phatthalung,” conveying love in multiple dimensions: love for the homeland, love of ancestors who built the city, love of the community in preserving its cultural heritage, and love of the new generation, who bring creativity to build upon the values of their town, transforming them into a sustainable economic, social, and tourism force.

Tourists experienced activities in the form of “7 Areas of Love,” connecting all feelings and creating every experience, including: The Power of Love and Faith (blessing ceremony and auspicious routes across 3 locations); The Wonders of the Mountains of Love (light decorations and lighting installations for photography); The Route of Love (photo spots and tourism-promoting areas); Handicrafts of Love (showcasing handicrafts and community products); The Taste of Love (opening the kitchen of Muang Lung to sample local cuisine); Loving the Earth, Loving Muang Lung (zones dedicated to waste management and environmental sustainability); and the Miracle of Love Zone (stage for lighting, sound, and multimedia performances).

Attendees also witnessed the light, sound, and multimedia show, “397 Years of Chai Buri: A Miracle of Love in Phatthalung,” written and directed by Mr. Suphawat Jongsiri (“Supakorn”), President of Com Art Production Co., Ltd., a renowned light and sound director. The show told the story of Phatthalung and the ancient city of Chai Buri through 8 acts: Act 1: The Miracle of Faith and the White-Blooded Queen; Act 2: A Star-Filled Sky, Dazzling Dance, and the Nora Dance of the Past; Act 3: The Beginning, Chai Buri, and the Distant Sun; Act 4: The Radiance, the Glory of the Fortress; Act 5: The Sacred Land, the Spirit, and Sacrifice; Act 6: Civilization, Enduring, and the Heritage; Act 7: The Dawn and the Moon, a Magnificent Splendor; and Act 8: The Miracle of Love in Phatthalung. The performance featured lights, sound, screens, special effects, fireworks, and pyrotechnics, captivating the audience and revitalizing the ancient city of Chai Buri.

Throughout the 3-day event, locals and tourists participated in a variety of activities, including a ceremony honoring guardian spirits; a ceremonial route connecting 3 locations (Wat Khao Mueang Kao, Chai Buri Old City Pillar Shrine, and Tham Nam Cave); decorated old city walls and pagodas; photo spots showcasing Phatthalung’s identity; a community handicraft zone; over 60 food and beverage stalls; health activities organized by the Department of Physical Education; cultural performances; folk music; and creative public activities, along with performances by famous artists across all 3 days.

This event served as a crucial mechanism for stimulating the grassroots economy, generating income for communities, entrepreneurs, shops, community enterprises, and the local service sector. Furthermore, it elevated Phatthalung’s image as a tourist destination rich in history, nature, arts, culture, local cuisine, and hospitality, highlighting the unique charm of the “Mountain, Forest, Field, Sea” city awaiting travelers to explore.

Photo : Weeraphat Ratsameerueangrong