Awakening Bangkok Returns to Phra Nakhon, Nov 8-17

The organizer of Awakening Festivals, in partnership with Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), Toyota Motor Thailand, Schweppes, Marimekko Thailand, SEE FAH, and other public and private sector partners, are coming together to present Awakening Bangkok 2024, the city’s annual celebration of lights and digital art. Returning to revive Bangkok’s Phra Nakhon District, this year’s Awakening Bangkok celebrates the theme “One Light, One Rises,” sparking inspiration and creativity to awaken the neighborhood and ignite the community from November 8-17, 2024.

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Bangkok’s annual light and digital art festival, Awakening Bangkok 2024, returns for its 7th year with the theme “One Light, One Rises,” aiming to “revive the sleepy community and ignite the people’s inspiration.” Building on the success of its 2023 edition, this year’s festival returns to Phra Nakhon District for the second consecutive year, featuring 36 captivating light and digital art installations and activities to mesmerize Thai and international visitors. It is expected to draw at least as many visitors as in 2023, contributing to and stimulating the neighborhood’s economic growth.

Pongsiri Hetrakul, Festival Director of Awakening Bangkok, shares, “We believe that light and digital art not only revive historic neighborhoods but also inspire and ignite the community. That’s why Awakening Bangkok 2024 returns with the theme ‘One Light, One Rises’ to energize the neighborhood and inspire the people. Now in its 7th year and the 2nd consecutive year in Phra Nakhon District, this year’s festival builds on the success of 2023 and achieved record-breaking attendance. This year, we’ve expanded the route to include the Sam Yot area, creating four interconnected routes that explore the sub-themes of Sustainability, Prosperity, Inclusivity, and Positivity. The festival will feature 36 light and digital art installations and activities by Thai and international designers, many created by university students. Six key exhibition areas are Yodpiman River Walk and the Flower Market, Museum Siam, Saranrom Park, Phraeang Phuthorn, Bangkok City Hall, and Romaneenart Park.”

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Awakening Bangkok 2024 marks another collaboration between the public and private sectors to bring a spectacular festival of light and color to the heart of Bangkok. This vibrant event aims to enhance the city’s appeal, stimulate the economy at both local and national levels—especially in Phra Nakhon District—and attract more tourists, encouraging increased spending throughout the festival. It reflects the transformative power of art as an accessible, limitless experience for all.

Chadchart Sittipunt, Governor of Bangkok, remarks, “In previous years, the Awakening Bangkok light and color festival has been warmly embraced by both Bangkokians and tourists with a passion for arts and culture. This festival has become a key city event that supports Bangkok’s reputation as an internationally recognized city of arts and culture. It has become a landmark event that draws an increasing number of locals and tourists to the city each year, generating economic excitement and fostering integrated collaboration among cities, communities, and relevant agencies. Together, they drive Bangkok forward with vibrant arts and cultural activities.”

Archawan Kongkanant, Deputy Executive Director of Central Region at the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), states, “Organizing the Awakening Bangkok event boosts tourism in Bangkok, which is a major destination in Thailand – especially in terms of arts and culture tourism that bridges historical and contemporary elements. Additionally, it inspires travel, facilitates citywide tourism, and distributes economic opportunities across all tourism products and target groups.

Puripan Bunnag, Senior Vice President of the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), comments, “Awakening Bangkok is a unique festival that showcases the city’s identity in a creative, accessible, and modern way. This year, the theme embraces equality, aligning with the government’s policy of promoting Bangkok as an inclusive destination. TCEB is confident that Awakening Bangkok 2024 will continue to thrive as a festival with the potential to stimulate the local economy and benefit communities. Additionally, it has the capacity to evolve into an internationally recognized event, serving as a key driver for Thailand’s growth as a prominent destination for hosting world-class festivals.”

“One of TCEB’s policies is to elevate Thai festivals to the global stage, in line with the national strategic plan to leverage cultural capital for economic growth,” said Puripan. “Awakening Bangkok is a festival with great potential, supported by both government and private sectors, and it continuously creates business opportunities. It also appeals to new-generation travelers with high purchasing power. As such, it is considered one of Thailand’s festivals to watch, with the potential to develop into an international event.”

Awakening Bangkok 2024 has also earned support from several private sector partners, including Toyota. Nutthorn Sinives, Vice President of Toyota Motor Thailand Company Limited, believes that supporting this annual light and digital art festival will bring even more vibrant nighttime scenes to the historic Phra Nakhon district, making it shine even brighter. As part of this, Toyota is showcasing the YARIS ATIV NIGHTSHADE in a new Cement Grey color, featuring a sporty, premium style, alongside a synchronized light and sound showcase “NIGHTSHADE to the Future,” created in collaboration with light artist Saturate Designs. The goal is to inspire everyone to embrace the theme of “Be Shadesetter.”

Chayaporn Lattisophonkul, Senior Marketing Director for Coca-Cola in Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos, representing the Schweppes brand, says, “Schweppes is known for its diverse fruit-flavored soda beverages, offering a new and stylish experience for people who enjoy socializing and seeking excitement. This aligns perfectly with the target audience of Awakening Bangkok, a widely recognized festival both in Thailand and abroad. We are delighted to support this event for the second year.”

In its second year of support, Schweppes has created moments of joy with two new inspirational installations. The brand is also offering visitors the perfect sweet-and-sour experience with its new, sugar-free Blood Orange Pomegranate Soda, available for consumers to try throughout the event. Schweppes is presenting a special activity, #BORNSOCIALCLUBPARTY, a new secret party at the Schweppes installation at Yodpiman Riverwalk from November 15-17. This exclusive event will also feature two Schweppes brand ambassadors, who will join in creating unforgettable moments for fans and attendees on November 17, promising an even more special experience.

More special than in previous years, Awakening Bangkok 2024 features a collaboration with Finnish fashion and lifestyle brand Marimekko, showcasing their iconic digital art. Tanapong Chirapanidchakul, Chief Executive Officer of Tanachira Retail Corporation, notes, “Tanachira is truly honored to be part of Awakening Bangkok 2024. This year is particularly significant as it marks the 60th anniversary of Marimekko’s Unikko pattern. The vibrant floral design is not only a symbol of the brand but also represents art with deep meaning, reflecting the simplicity of nature, culture, and a unique way of life. To mark this special occasion, Marimekko has partnered with Alternate Reality Studio to present the iconic Unikko pattern in a digital format, projected onto the surface of the Museum Siam building, one of Thailand’s culturally significant buildings. This projection mirrors similar displays of the Unikko pattern on notable landmarks across the globe, celebrating the seamless connection between art and culture beyond borders.”

Tanapong also said, “Participating in Awakening Bangkok 2024 aligns with Tanachira’s mission to support art and culture. I believe this year’s event will be another important step in inspiring creativity and providing participants with the opportunity to experience art in new dimensions, all while immersing themselves in the rich cultural atmosphere of Bangkok, the hub for Thailand’s art and culture.”

Another major sponsor, the restaurant brand SEE FAH, is excited to help light up the historic neighborhood in Phra Nakhon District during Awakening Bangkok 2024.

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Dr. Nitta Rachjaibun Nuntakwang, Chief Eating Officer (CEO) of SEE FAH Group, mentioned, “This is a special opportunity for us, as it marks the first time SEE FAH has supported a festival filled with uniqueness and charm. Awakening Bangkok is organized to revitalize the old neighborhood, with the belief that light and digital art can not only breathe new life into the area but also ignite inspiration and restore vibrancy. Similarly, SEE FAH has been adding the color of deliciousness to our customers for over 88 years. In this event, SEE FAH is excited to bring a fresh new color and comfort to everyone. We are excited to introduce SEE FAH The Blue Rest, offering exclusive new menu items for customers to try, along with fun activities and special promotions. Our goal is to create a unique experience for the light festival. Don’t forget to stop by SEE FAH The Blue Rest during Awakening Bangkok—we guarantee it will bring you joy.”

The annual light and digital art festival, Awakening Bangkok 2024, invites everyone to experience the event for free! From November 8 to 17, 2024, from 18:00 to 23:00 hrs, come explore the old neighborhood in a new light! Enjoy 10 nights of stunning light and digital art installations at various locations in Bangkok Old Town. Easily accessible via the MRT (Sanam Chai and Sam Yot stations), Awakening Bangkok 2024 promises to ignite the neighborhood, inspire the people, and create unforgettable moments. Don’t miss out on this vibrant celebration!

#awakeningbangkok #awakeningbangkok2024 #onelightonerises
#AmazingThailand #TCEBMegaevent #YARISATIVNightShade #SchweppesTH
#MarimekkoAWKNBKK2024 #SEEFAH

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See information and photos of the Awakening Bangkok festival in the Media Center: [Click here].

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