Ms. Paethongtarn Shinawatra, Prime Minister, presided over the ceremony to worship the Phaya Phisai Satta Nakarat at the annual Ok Phansa and Naga Fireballs Festival 2024 in Phon Phisai District, Nong Khai Province, amidst a warm welcome from the public and tourists.
At 5:30 p.m., Ms. Paethongtarn Shinawatra, Prime Minister, arrived at the Naga Bek Fa area in Phon Phisai District, Nong Khai Province, amidst a welcome from locals. The Prime Minister wore a sash with a Naga pattern, the provincial pattern of Nong Khai, which means greatness and abundance. The curly pattern represents the Mekong River. Then, she entered the religious ceremony.
The cabinet members who traveled with the Prime Minister included Ms. Jiraporn Sindhuphrai, Minister to the Prime Minister’s Office, Mr. Surawong Thienthong, Minister of Tourism and Sports, and Ms. Sudawan Wangsupakitchkosol, Minister of Culture.
There was a dance ceremony to worship the Phaya Pisai Satta Nakarat on the occasion of the annual Naga Fireballs and Ok Phan
sa Festival 2024, led by Anthony Pozzi, 1st Runner-up of Miss Universe 2023, with over 1,000 dancers participating.
Ms. Paethongtarn said that the Naga Fireball Festival and the end of Buddhist Lent are grand events. This is the first time she has traveled to see the Naga Fireballs. She will push for it to be a soft power festival and an opportunity to make people around the world know about it, reflecting long-held beliefs and traditions. It can use creativity to combine them for people around the world to experience. The government is pushing for it. Finally, she would like to give encouragement to the people in the area and is glad to travel to Nong Khai Province.
Throughout the day, people and tourists have been traveling to reserve seats along the Mekong River at the Naga Bek Fa area. Although the weather is hot, it is not an obstacle to coming to see this natural phenomenon that only occurs once a year.
Throughout the afternoon today, Nong Khai Province was very lively. People traveled to make merit
and ask for blessings from Luang Phra Sai, the sacred Buddha image of Nong Khai Province, before heading to see the Naga fireballs at various locations. The Ok Phansa Festival and the World Naga Fireballs are considered soft power to stimulate the economy in the area.
Tourism Authority of Thailand, Udon Thani office reported that hotels in Nong Khai province are all full and that all flights to Udon Thani province are full. Revenue is expected throughout October to be no less than 600 million baht.
Source: Thai News Agency