The 38th annual Phra Nakhon Khiri–Mueang Phet Festival commenced on the evening of February 21, 2025, at Phra Nakhon Khiri Historical Park in Phetchaburi Province. The event, themed “Wiman Fa Phra Nakhon Khiri: The Jewel of Siam,” runs from February 21 to March 2 and aims to honor past monarchs while celebrating local culture, stimulating tourism, and supporting the economy.
The festival highlights Phetchaburi’s designation as a UNESCO City of Gastronomy, featuring traditional, ethnic, and creatively adapted local cuisine from the province’s eight districts. Visitors can explore cultural exhibitions, handicraft demonstrations, and religious tourism activities. A key attraction is the nightly illumination of the Phra Nakhon Khiri palace complex, accompanied by over 3,000 fireworks lighting up the sky above Khao Wang.
Other highlights include demonstrations of 14 traditional Phetchaburi artisan crafts, such as stucco molding, wood carving, and shadow puppet engraving. Ethnic communities showcase their way of life, and visitors can participate in DIY craft workshops featuring local heritage products. The festival also features contemporary art exhibitions and daily cultural performances on the main stage, with fireworks displays every night at 9:00 PM.
The opening ceremony was presided over by Deputy Minister of the Interior Zabida Thaiset and attended by Phetchaburi Governor Pol. Lt. Col. Phopchanok Chalanukro, local district officials, government and private sector representatives, and thousands of visitors.
