BANGKOK, Thailand – Minister of Culture Sabeeda Thaised has announced the grand celebration of the 244th Anniversary of the Foundation of Rattanakosin, to be held from April 22 to 26, 2026. The festival will honor King Buddha Yodfa Chulalok the Great (Rama I) and the Chakri Dynasty for their roles in national stability and cultural prosperity.
During a press conference on April 19, 2026, at Siam Discovery, the Minister outlined the event’s One Story, Three Areas concept, which will take place across three key locations. Chulalongkorn University Centenary Park will feature Living Rattanakosin: Past, Present, and Future Together, including multimedia exhibitions, Generative AI Thai costume photography, and a cultural marketplace. The venue will also host Khon masked dance performances and concerts by artists such as Getsunova and ATLAS.
The National Museum Bangkok will host Rattanakosin Royal Night: Glorious Palace, featuring a Night Museum experience and outdoor film screenings. Highlights include rare cultural heritage displays such as Human Chess, Nang Yai shadow puppets, and a Likay performance by the A-Chaiya Mitchai Troupe. Wat Prayurawongsawas Worawihan will present the Klong San – Kudi Chin Cultural Walk, with activities including religious merit-making, a Three Religions food competition, and the Great Sermon of the Vessantara Jataka in honor of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother.
The Minister invited the public and international visitors to join the Proud to Wear Thai Across the Nation initiative by wearing traditional attire during the festival. The Ministry has also published a commemorative comic book, Rattanakosin: The Noppharat Ratchathani, to educate youth about the capital’s 244-year history.
For more information, please contact the Culture Hotline at 1765 or follow the Ministry of Culture and the Office of the Permanent Secretary for Culture on Facebook. (NNT)
