NAKHON RATCHASIMA — 6 July 2026, A wax sculpture inspired by Thai global pop star Lisa will take centre stage at this year’s traditional Buddhist Candle Festival in Chok Chai district, as organisers blend contemporary pop culture with centuries-old craftsmanship to attract wider audiences.
Community leaders and residents of Ban Bing village in Chok Chai subdistrict are racing to complete their candle float for the Chok Chai Subdistrict Municipality’s annual Candle Festival 2026, scheduled for 28 July.
The procession will continue to portray key moments from the life of the Buddha—including his birth, enlightenment and passing into nirvana—alongside tributes to King Maha Vajiralongkorn, preserving the intricate artistry for which Chok Chai’s candle festival is renowned.
A major highlight this year is a series of wax figures modelled on Lisa’s likeness. Featuring her signature bangs, the sculptures depict the singer as celestial beings, angels and mythical creatures from the Himmapan forest, creating a contemporary twist on traditional Buddhist art.
Village head Sakchai Khumkratoke of Ban Bing said the artisan team wanted to make the festival more appealing to people of all ages and nationalities while maintaining its Thai identity.
“When we thought of a Thai person recognised both nationally and internationally, Lisa immediately came to mind,” he said.
According to Sakchai, the artists unanimously agreed to incorporate Lisa’s likeness into the procession by subtly integrating her face into sculptures of angels, celestial beings, kinnari and nakee figures. He said the design pays tribute to her talent and beauty while giving the candle float a more modern and international image.
“She represents Thailand on the global stage while remaining proudly Thai, and we wanted the procession to reflect that same spirit,” he added.
The Chok Chai Candle Festival will be held on 28 July in front of the Chok Chai Subdistrict Municipality Office before participating floats join the larger provincial candle festival in Nakhon Ratchasima from 28–30 July.
Visitors will not only be able to admire the elaborate candle floats but also see the Lisa-inspired wax sculpture up close as part of the Ban Bing community’s procession.
