Paetongtarn joins Bangkok’s Indian community to enjoy Diwali celebrations

Accompanying her were other prominent government figures such as Culture Minister Sermsak Pongpanich, Minister of the Prime Minister’s Office Puangpet Chunlaiad and Deputy Finance Minister Julapan Amornvivat.

Paetongtarn exuberantly immersed herself in the festival, which is marked among Indians as the New Year.

Her first stop was to pay respects at the Ganesha Shrine in “Little India” as the area is known, before enjoying traditional dance performances and exploring the Khlong Ong Ang Market, where she was served Indian tea and snacks.

The event, organised by the government in collaboration with the private sector, aimed to boost tourism under the theme “One Day Trip, Three Religions, the Virtue of Merit”.

Paetongtarn said this was the second time that she had joined Diwali celebrations in Little India, adding that the outfit she was wearing had been purchased last year.

Expressing her vision for Thailand to become a festival hub, the Pheu Thai leader emphasized the significance of Diwali and how it fosters unity and cultural exchange among Thais.
“It’s a beautiful event,” she said.

She added that Diwali celebrations in Bangkok were far more colourful this year and encouraged more Bangkokians to participate.
Diwali celebrations in Bangkok run all this weekend (November 17-19).