TAT elevates “Amazing Thailand Grand Diwali Festival 2026” aiming to position Thailand as a World Event Hub Destination

Today (30 October 2026) at 2:00 PM at the Thanarat Hall, 1st Floor of the TAT Headquarters, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) hosted a press conference for the “Amazing Thailand Grand Diwali Festival 2026.” The event was organized in collaboration with the India-Thai Association (IAT), the Thai-Indian Trade and Tourism Association (TITTA), the Embassy of India in Bangkok, ICONSIAM, EmQuartier, Central Retail, and various other public and private sector partners.

The press conference was presided over by Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, Governor of the TAT. Also in attendance were Mr. Kittipong Prapattong, TAT Deputy Governor for Asia and the South Pacific; Ms. Saswati Araya, Deputy Head of Mission representing the Ambassador of India to Thailand; Mr. Nikorn Sachdev, President of the India-Thai Association (IAT); Mr. Sukthep Chansrichavala, Chairman and Managing Director of Mittare Insurance Public Company Limited; and Mr. Preecha Jampi, Managing Director of Bharata Choice Co., Ltd., alongside TAT executives and various project partners. This year, the event has been expanded to cover three provinces: Bangkok, Chon Buri (Pattaya), and Phuket, taking place from November 3–29, 2026. This initiative reinforces Thailand’s potential as a “World Event Hub Destination.”

Ms. Thapanee stated that festivals serve as a powerful form of “soft power” capable of attracting tourists to participate in events and engage with cultural experiences. A prime example is Diwali, a significant festival for the Indian community that is recognized globally. The “Amazing Thailand Grand Diwali Festival 2026” marks the fifth consecutive year that the TAT has supported the event. It aims to attract visitors from India and South Asia, a key tourism market for Thailand, inviting them to celebrate alongside major global cities such as London, New York, Singapore, Sydney, and Dubai. The festival offers an opportunity to experience Indian culture, which has long been intertwined with Thai society, while also strengthening ties between the people of both nations ahead of the 80th anniversary of Thai-Indian diplomatic relations in 2027.

This year, the TAT and its partners have elevated the event into an international-scale festival spanning Bangkok, Chon Buri, and Phuket. By connecting cultural districts and local communities with major shopping centers and key tourist destinations, the festival provides a diverse range of activities that allow visitors to immerse themselves in Indian culture, also providing additional travel options and distributing income to local entrepreneurs throughout the month of November.