(One of the World’s Longest Diwali Celebrations · One month · Three provinces · Seven grand events · Free entry)
TTT NEWS NETWORK
KOLKATA | 26 OCTOBER 2026
Thailand lights 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 3 to 29 November 2026 – seven grand events across three provinces: Bangkok, Chonburi (Pattaya) and Phuket, with free entry at every venue. One of the world’s longest Diwali celebrations, it places Thailand alongside great cities such as London, New York, Singapore, Sydney and Dubai. The festival was officially launched at a press conference on Friday 30 October 2026 at the Tourism Authority of Thailand head office.
“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,” informed Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, Governor, Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT).
“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,”said Shri Puneet Agrawal, Ambassador of India to the Kingdom of Thailand.
Diwali – India’s most important festival of light
Diwali, also known as Deepavali, celebrates the victory of light over darkness and good over evil – a festive season often compared to the New Year. Families light diyas, decorate their homes, pray for prosperity and exchange sweets and gifts. In 2026, Diwali Day falls on Sunday 8 November.
Thailand is home to a Thai-Indian community woven into Thai society for generations. India is also one of Thailand’s most important visitor markets, with more than two million arrivals a year – making the festival both a community celebration and a reason for Indian travellers to celebrate Diwali in Thailand.
TAT’s continuing support takes Diwali to a world stage
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has consistently supported Diwali in Thailand, helping it grow from a community celebration into a national festival under the Amazing Thailand brand. This year TAT is driving the festival to an international level – a month-long celebration across three provinces that attracts travellers from India, one of Thailand’s highest-potential markets, spreads income to local businesses and communities, and reinforces Thailand’s image as a global destination for cultural festivals.
Leading malls join in with promotions throughout Diwali
Thailand’s leading retail groups host the festival across three provinces: Central Group shopping centres at Central Bangrak, Central Festival Pattaya Beach and Central Festival Patong; ICONSIAM shopping centre at its Riverpark on the Chao Phraya; and EMQUARTIER shopping centre at Quartier Avenue in the heart of Sukhumvit. Each is preparing a wide range of promotions and special privileges throughout the Diwali season, which coincides with the start of Thailand’s high tourist season, to win the hearts of Indian travellers, who travel and shop for gifts most during this festive time.
Bangkok builds on Little India
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 20 to 24 November; on Tuesday 24 November, 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.
Paving the way to 80 years of Thailand–India relations
In 2027 Thailand and India mark 80 years of diplomatic relations – a friendship built on shared history, faith and culture. The anniversary is 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.
Diwali greetings and an invitation
The organisers wish Indians everywhere, the Thai-Indian community and all friends of India a joyful, bright and prosperous Diwali, and invite everyone to share diya lighting ceremonies, devotional music, Indian food, cultural performances, Bollywood concerts and festive markets at seven grand events across Thailand – free of charge. Happy Diwali, Shubh Deepavali.
Voices of the festival————————-
“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.” – Mr. 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.” – Mr. Nikorn Sachdev, President, Indian Association of Thailand (IAT)
“Bangkok is a city of many cultures. Thais of Indian origin have been part of our city for generations, and Little India in Phahurat is part of our shared heritage. This year Thailand celebrates Diwali together with great cities around the world, with Bangkok co-hosting alongside Pattaya and Phuket, welcoming every visitor from India as we look ahead to 80 years of Thailand–India relations next year. Bangkok wishes Indians everywhere a joyful, bright and prosperous Diwali – Happy Diwali, Shubh Deepavali.” – Mr. Chadchart Sittipunt, Governor of Bangkok
“The Department of Religious Affairs supports the Diwali Diya Lighting ceremonies as an expression of Thailand’s long tradition of religious harmony. When Thais of Indian origin – Hindu and Sikh – light a lamp together with Thai Buddhists and visitors from India, they celebrate the values of goodness, gratitude and peace that all faiths share.” – Mr. Jessada Chivavichvalkul, Director-General, Department of Religious Affairs, Ministry of Culture
“Pattaya is a world-class destination and one of Thailand’s favourite cities for Indian travellers. Diwali on Pattaya beach is both a celebration with our Thai-Indian community and an invitation to visitors from India to celebrate here. Pattaya City is proud to co-host, and wishes everyone a very happy Festival of Lights.” – Mr. Poramet Ngampichet, Mayor of Pattaya
“Chonburi is proud to be part of a nationwide Diwali festival that boosts tourism and the provincial economy and strengthens the friendship between the people of Chonburi, the Thai-Indian community and visitors from India. We invite everyone to celebrate Diwali with us on Pattaya beach.” – Mr. Wittaya Khunpluem, President, Chonburi Provincial Administrative Organisation
“Central Group shopping centres are delighted to welcome Diwali in Bangkok, Pattaya and Phuket, with promotions and special privileges for Indian travellers and all our customers throughout the Diwali season, so that everyone can celebrate the Festival of Lights to the full.” – Executive, Central Group shopping centres
“ICONSIAM is proud to have been home to Diwali on the Chao Phraya since the very first edition. This year we welcome the Diwali Day Diya Lighting Ceremony with special experiences and privileges for Indian travellers, reflecting ICONSIAM’s role as Thailand’s world-class landmark.” – Executive, ICONSIAM shopping centre
“EMQUARTIER is pleased to host the festival finale in the heart of Sukhumvit, with a Bollywood concert and special promotions for Indian travellers and all our customers, making the Diwali season a time of joy for everyone.” – Executive, EMQUARTIER shopping centre
About the hosts:
Indian Association of Thailand (IAT) represents the Indian community in Thailand and promotes cultural, social and community ties between India and Thailand. Thai–India Trade & Tourism Association (TITTA) promotes trade, tourism and cultural exchange between Thailand and India. www.titta.or.th
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