Thai PM to kickstart Naga Fire: Miracle of Faith 2023, boosting tourism

Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin is set to grace the grand opening of the Naga Fire: Miracle of Faith 2023 event in Phon Phisai District, Nong Khai on Sunday, October 29, according to the government’s spokesperson, Chai Wacharonke. This visit marks the premier’s first official journey to Laos, set to commence the day after his overnight stay in Udon Thani.

Naga Fire: Miracle of Faith 2023, an endeavour by the Thai government and the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), aligns with the closure of this year’s Buddhist Lent. The event’s organisers anticipate a turnout of 200,000 tourists, contributing billions of baht to the provincial economy.

Nong Khai’s governor, Rachan Chunhua, and San Sunthornthanakul, the mayor of Tambon Phon Phisai Municipality, have expressed readiness to host the visitors. The Naga Fire Festival not only boosts the province’s tourism sector but also provides an opportunity for local and foreign tourists to experience Thai hospitality.

Parallel events are lined up in six districts of the province located near the Mekong River – Muang Nong Khai, Phon Phisai, Ratana Wapi, Sangkhom, Sri Chiang Mai, and Tha Bo. These festivities started on October 21 and are set to conclude on November 6.

Chai Wacharonke shared that 80.2% of participants from the previous year’s “Naga Fire” festival reported satisfaction with their experience. Out of these, over half 59.6% were repeat attendees, while 40.4% were first-time visitors.

Statistics compiled by the Nong Khai’s Office of Provincial Administration divulge that a total of 260 fireballs were discharged during the Naga Fire Festival, with 20 in Phon Phisai district and 240 in Ratana Wapi district reported Bangkok Post.

The 61 year old Thai PM announced the expansion of the country’s annual winter festival, now known as the Thailand Winter Festivals, to a national scale. This move is expected to bolster tourism, aligning with the high travel season, and is characterized by its focus on creative tourism, featuring five main events. Read more HERE.

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