Phimai Festival opens in Nakhon Ratchasima with five-day cultural programme
The festival runs until 15 November, with more than 200 market stalls and royal-trophy longboat races scheduled on the Chakkarat River.
Thailand’s annual Phimai Festival began on 11 November at Phimai Historical Park in Nakhon Ratchasima province. The opening evening featured a light-and-sound production about the ancient city of Vimayapura, part of a programme combining historical performances, food markets and traditional competitions.
Deputy governor Wikit Kitwirat presided over the opening ceremony, where 700 local women in traditional Thai dress performed a ceremonial dance honouring King Jayavarman VII. Organisers credit the king with building the Phimai stone sanctuary, which serves as the setting for the historical production.
The “Doen Doen Mueang Phimai” market has more than 200 stalls selling regional dishes, contemporary food and locally made goods. Community enterprises are displaying their products, while exhibitions cover the district’s history and cultural heritage.
Activities outside the Phimai District Office include clay-pot jasmine rice cooking, rice pounding and winnowing, folk dancing and cooking contests for Phimai-style stir-fried noodles and Korat-style papaya salad. The programme also includes dance competitions and a Korat cat contest. Longboat races for royal trophies are scheduled on the Chakkarat River on 14–15 November.
The Nakhon Ratchasima Provincial Administrative Organisation and Phimai district authorities are organising the festival, which ends on 15 November. They aim to preserve local traditions, encourage sustainable tourism and create income opportunities for surrounding communities.
