Published on
October 31, 2025
Thailand has earned worldwide admiration in 2025 as the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) pioneers a powerful shift toward cultural tourism that celebrates unity, heritage, and deep-rooted traditions. By weaving reverence for local customs with innovative tourism models, TAT is redefining the nation’s travel identity — turning cultural appreciation into a bridge that connects global visitors with Thailand’s timeless soul.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has announced significant revisions to the schedules and formats of tourism events and cultural activities planned for October and November 2025. These updates come as a mark of deep respect and remembrance for Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother, following the Royal Household Bureau’s announcement on October 24, 2025. With the nation observing a period of mourning, the adjustments are aimed at ensuring that every public celebration and cultural event reflects the solemn and dignified tone of the occasion.
TAT undertook a comprehensive review of its calendar to align all major events with the atmosphere of remembrance. Some events have been postponed, while others have been modified to include cultural and religious observances. Instead of large-scale entertainment and festive celebrations, the focus will now rest on activities that promote gratitude, reflection, and the timeless values of Thai heritage. Through these changes, Thailand hopes to express collective appreciation for the life and contributions of Her Majesty, who dedicated decades to the welfare of the people and the preservation of Thai culture.
The Maha Loi Krathong @ Sukhothai festival will proceed as planned from October 27 to November 5, 2025, at Wat Chana Songkhram within the historic Sukhothai Historical Park. Each evening at precisely 9:21 p.m., participants will gather for a candle-lighting ceremony to honour the Queen Mother’s memory. The lighting of candles, accompanied by royal compositions and traditional performances, will create an atmosphere of reverence and unity. Decorations and illuminations have been redesigned to convey grace and simplicity, replacing colourful displays with subtle, respectful tones. The event will continue to highlight Sukhothai’s cultural legacy through exhibitions, craft demonstrations, and artistic showcases that draw visitors closer to the roots of Thai tradition. Tourists attending the festival will also be encouraged to wear traditional attire, enhancing the nostalgic ambience and spirit of the celebration.
The Maha Loi Krathong @ Ayutthaya event will take place from November 2 to 6, 2025, at Wat Phra Ram in Ayutthaya Historical Park. This year’s edition will be observed in a subdued tone, reflecting the national mood of mourning. Fireworks and pyrotechnic shows will not take place, ensuring a peaceful and reflective atmosphere. Instead, cultural performances, music, and dance inspired by royal compositions will form the heart of the celebration. Demonstrations of traditional crafts and heritage-based activities will remind visitors of the richness and resilience of Thai culture. The setting, decorated with elegant simplicity, will evoke a sense of timeless grace and remembrance while allowing tourists to experience the beauty of Ayutthaya’s ancient capital.
The Vijit Chao Phraya Thailand 2025 event, originally planned from November 1 to December 15, will now run from November 9 to December 23, 2025, along both banks of Bangkok’s Chao Phraya River. The concept has been refined under the new theme Light of Siam – Mother of the Land. In keeping with the spirit of the mourning period, fireworks will be replaced by coordinated drone light shows that artistically symbolise remembrance and unity. Lighting designs along the river will adopt softer tones to reflect serenity and respect. The highlight of this event will be the New Year’s Eve programme, which will include a candle-lighting ceremony titled Light of the Nation in tribute to the Queen Mother. The event will bring together locals and international visitors, offering a chance to experience the nation’s heartfelt expression of loyalty and gratitude while appreciating Thailand’s creativity and ability to blend tradition with innovation.
Meanwhile, the Amazing Thailand Marathon Bangkok 2025 will be held on November 30, 2025, from MBK Centre to Sanam Luang. The event will continue as planned but will incorporate adjustments to ensure it aligns with the respectful national mood. The marathon, which brings together runners from across the globe, will serve as both a sporting event and a symbolic act of unity and perseverance. Organisers will moderate the celebratory elements, maintaining a calm and respectful tone that mirrors the broader spirit of the nation during this period.
Across all these initiatives, TAT’s approach underscores the balance between maintaining cultural continuity and paying homage to the nation’s beloved Queen Mother. Rather than cancelling large-scale gatherings, the authority has opted for thoughtful modifications that preserve both the essence of Thai tradition and the dignity of national mourning. The emphasis is on togetherness, cultural pride, and the opportunity for both residents and visitors to engage in meaningful acts of remembrance.
Through these carefully reimagined events, Thailand continues to showcase its deep cultural roots and capacity for unity in times of reflection. The tourism community, from organisers to visitors, is encouraged to participate with respect and gratitude, ensuring that every experience—from the quiet candlelight ceremonies in Sukhothai to the gentle glow of lights along the Chao Phraya River—becomes a lasting symbol of national love and reverence.
Thailand is winning global admiration in 2025 as the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) ushers in a new era of cultural tourism that celebrates the nation’s heritage, unity, and timeless traditions, redefining how the world experiences Thai culture.
Ultimately, these adjustments highlight how tourism in Thailand remains deeply connected to cultural identity and collective emotion. By transforming traditional celebrations into moments of remembrance, the nation demonstrates not only resilience but also a profound sense of cultural responsibility. As the country moves forward, each event in the coming months will serve as a tribute to Her Majesty’s enduring legacy and as an example of how tourism can carry forward the spirit of unity, compassion, and national pride.
