Thailand strengthens ties with India; to host Amazing Thailand Grand Diwali Festival 2026

The festival was officially launched on October 29, 2026, at the Tourism Authority of Thailand head office.

Thailand gears up for Diwali all November as the Indian Association of Thailand (IAT) and the Thai–India Trade & Tourism Association (TITTA), together with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), the Embassy of India, Bangkok, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, ICONSIAM, EMQUARTIER and Central Group shopping centres, with public and private-sector partners and the Thai-Indian community, present the Amazing Thailand Grand Diwali Festival 2026 from November 3 to 29, 2026 – seven grand events across three provinces: Bangkok, Chonburi (Pattaya) and Phuket.

Reportedly one of the world’s longest Diwali celebrations, it aims to place Thailand alongside great cities such as London, New York, Singapore, Sydney and Dubai. The festival was officially launched on October 29, 2026, at the Tourism Authority of Thailand head office.

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration co-hosts all four Bangkok celebrations and builds on Little India in Phahurat – one of Thailand’s oldest Thai-Indian neighbourhoods, where the canal-side Diwali along Khlong Ong Ang has been held with the Indian Association of Thailand since 2022. This year’s edition, “Threads of Faith”, runs from November 20 to 24. On November 24, Loy Krathong, Dev Deepavali and Gurpurab fall on the same full-moon night – three festivals of light together – as Little India grows into a living cultural landmark for the city.
 

In 2027, Thailand and India mark 80 years of diplomatic relations – a friendship built on shared history, faith and culture. The anniversary is expected to be a major opportunity for Thailand to connect more closely with India, the world’s most populous country and one of its fastest-growing major economies, across tourism, trade, investment, education and people-to-people exchange.

IAT and TITTA will work with public- and private-sector partners on a year-long programme of celebrations in 2027 to open new doors of opportunity between the two countries.

“Festivals are among Thailand’s strongest soft power. The Amazing Thailand Grand Diwali Festival 2026 invites travellers from India – one of our most important markets – to celebrate their most beloved festival here in Thailand, alongside a Thai-Indian community that has been part of Thai society for generations. TAT is pleased to support a festival that lights up the whole of November,” shared Thapanee Kiatphaibool, Governor, Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT).

“Diwali is a festival of light, hope and togetherness. For the whole of November, Thailand will glow with diyas from the banks of the Chao Phraya to the beaches of Pattaya and Phuket. We warmly invite Thai people, the Thai-Indian community and every visitor from India to celebrate with us,” expressed Preecha Champi, President, Thai–India Trade & Tourism Association (TITTA).

“Thais of Indian origin and the Indian community in Thailand are proud to share our most cherished festival with the people of Thailand – and we welcome every traveller from India to feel at home celebrating Diwali here,” said Nikorn Sachdev, President, Indian Association of Thailand (IAT).

“Diwali celebrates light, knowledge and the triumph of good. To see Indians living in Thailand, Thais of Indian origin and visitors from India celebrate it side by side with Thai friends at seven landmarks reflects the civilisational bond between our two countries. As we approach 80 years of diplomatic relations in 2027, the Embassy of India is happy to be associated with this festival,” shared Puneet Agrawal, Ambassador of India to the Kingdom of Thailand.