Phetchaburi: The Prime Minister is set to open the "Phra Nakhon Khiri - Phetchaburi City" event on February 21st. Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul, accompanied by his wife, Thanon Nirami, is preparing to lead a delegation to Phetchaburi Province to inaugurate the 39th annual 'Phra Nakhon Khiri - Mueang Phet' festival on Saturday, February 21, 2026. The event will be held at the King Mongkut Memorial Park, Phra Nakhon Khiri, and the main stage in Mueang Phetchaburi District, Phetchaburi Province, aiming to promote tourism and celebrate Phetchaburi's cultural heritage.
According to Thai News Agency, the festival will run from February 20th to March 1st, 2026, at Phra Nakhon Khiri Historical Park (Khao Wang), King Mongkut Memorial Park, and adjacent areas. The theme, 'Phra Nakhon Khiri: A Heavenly Palace, a Jewel of Siam,' seeks to honor past monarchs, promote tourism, and boost the local economy. This year, locals and tourists are encouraged to wear traditional Thai attire, such as sarongs and shawls, to immerse themselves in the festival's cultural experience.
During the event, the Prime Minister and his wife will don traditional Thai costumes, inviting tourists to join them in paying homage to past monarchs and preserving Thailand's cultural heritage. The festival will feature exhibitions on royal projects, a nightly fireworks display of over 5,000 shots, a parade from eight districts, and zones showcasing OTOP products and Phetchaburi cuisine. These activities highlight Phetchaburi's identity as a UNESCO City of Gastronomy, promoting Thai wisdom and local food innovations, while supporting sustainable income for community entrepreneurs.
This year's festival aims to preserve traditions and reinforce Phetchaburi's potential as a soft power asset in food, art, and history, attracting significant tourism revenue to the country.