Loei: Minister Anutin Charnvirakul led a delegation to open the 2026 Bun Luang Festival and Phi Ta Khon Masked Dance in Dan Sai District, Loei Province. He praised Phi Ta Khon as a warm and enduring cultural tradition of Loei Province, passed down through generations. He emphasized that Dan Sai District is experiencing a significant economic boom and projected a five or six-fold increase due to the "Thai Helps Thai Plus 60/40" initiative. He also encouraged supporters to purchase Thai products from participating businesses at the festival.
According to Thai News Agency, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, Anutin Charnvirakul, presided over the opening ceremony. Also present were Mrs. Thanon Charnvirakul, Chairperson of the Cabinet Spouses Association and Honorary Advisor to the Ministry of Interior Wives' Association; Mr. Polpeerap Suwannachawi, Mr. Jetset Thaiseth, and Mr. Worasit Liengprasit, Deputy Ministers of Interior; Ms. Traisuli Traisaranakul, Secretary to the Prime Minister; and other key dignitaries. The event saw participation from network partners and tourists from across the country, all warmly welcomed by Mr. Chaipoj Charoonpong, Governor of Loei Province, along with other local leaders.
Mr. Anutin expressed his pleasure to officially open the festival, noting the cultural richness of Phi Ta Khon. He shared his experiences of cultural showcases in other countries, emphasizing the uniqueness of traditional customs. He highlighted that while modern infrastructure is common, cultural traditions like Phi Ta Khon are irreplaceable.
He further described the festival as more than just entertainment, but as a representation of community identity and pride. "Phi Ta Khon" is seen as a valuable cultural asset, increasing in significance each year. He shared a personal anecdote about his success being partly attributed to a replica of the Phi Ta Khon mask he keeps in his office.
Anutin also pointed out the festival's role in driving economic growth in Dan Sai District, attributing the anticipated economic surge to the "Thai Helps Thai Plus 60/40" program. He encouraged the public to support the initiative, which reduces consumer costs while ensuring full compensation for sellers, thereby stimulating economic activity.
He highlighted the positive impact of this program on consumer spending, using a personal experience at the OTOP MIDEAR 2026 event as an example. The program facilitates economic benefits for both buyers and sellers, making it a "win-win situation" for all.
In his concluding remarks, Anutin stressed his intentions to connect with the people of Loei and encourage participation in the "Thai Helps Thai Plus" project. He lauded Loei's cultural and natural attractions, urging Thais to support each other through tourism and local purchases to help overcome economic challenges.
The Governor of Loei Province highlighted the significance of the Bun Luang and Phi Ta Khon festival, rooted in the rich traditions of the Bun Pha Wet and Bun Bang Fai festivals. The festival is expected to draw in hundreds of thousands of tourists, generating substantial revenue and bolstering Loei's reputation as a center of cultural and creative tourism.