Anutin opens Phra Nakhon Khiri festival in Phetchaburi

2026-02-22 - 09:03

PHETCHABURI — Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, accompanied by his wife Thananon Niramit, on 21 February 2026 presided over the opening of the 39th “Phra Nakhon Khiri – Mueang Phet” festival at Phra Nakhon Khiri Historical Park in Phetchaburi. The annual event, held from 20 February to 1 March at Phra Nakhon Khiri, also known as Khao Wang, aims to promote tourism and celebrate the province’s cultural heritage under the theme “Heavenly Palace of Phra Nakhon Khiri, Gem of Siam.” The prime minister and his wife wore traditional Thai attire in line with a campaign inviting visitors to dress in period costume to enhance the cultural tourism atmosphere. Activities include exhibitions on royal development projects, nightly fireworks displays of more than 5,000 shots, parades from all eight districts, cultural performances, traditional craft demonstrations, local cuisine showcases, light-and-sound presentations and Khon performances by over 120 artists from the Fine Arts Department. The festival also features a motor show, OTOP product booths and food fairs highlighting Phetchaburi’s status as a UNESCO City of Gastronomy, with organisers aiming to boost tourism revenue and promote the province’s soft power in food, arts and history. Phra Nakhon Khiri is a historic hilltop complex overlooking the city. Built as a summer palace by King Mongkut and completed in 1860, the site comprises three building groups across the three peaks of a 95-metre hill.