BANGKOK — Bangkok City Hall is hosting the “Amazing Thailand Grand Diwali Festival 2025” from October 16 to 31 along Phahurat Road (Little India) and Ong Ang Canal, marking a significant expansion of the traditional celebration into a global-scale festival.
Deputy Governor Sanon Wangsrangboon announced on October 17 that this year’s organizers are creating a lasting symbol of the Diwali Festival by inviting Thai artists to paint street art murals on walls and buildings throughout the Phahurat area. A curator is overseeing the project to ensure the artworks share a cohesive theme.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is organizing festival activities, with Phahurat Road temporarily closed to accommodate large-scale celebrations. Sanon stated that the goal is to elevate Diwali into a global festival, rather than the small-scale community cultural event of previous years.
Safety and Environmental Focus
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is overseeing public order and safety, including waste management, with support from civil defense and traffic volunteers. The BMA is also using the event to promote waste separation and environmental awareness, encouraging sustainable habits among city residents.
Sanon emphasized that all major BMA events now include waste segregation initiatives to foster environmentally responsible behavior.
Public Art Protection
As part of the city’s “Turn the City into an Art Gallery” campaign, Bangkok continues to invite artists to create public artworks and building owners to offer their walls as canvases. However, Sanon warned against vandalism and graffiti, citing a previous incident in Charoen Krung Soi 30 (Bang Rak District).
“Destroying or defacing others’ artwork is a criminal offense, punishable by up to three years in prison, a fine of up to 60,000 baht, or both,” he said, urging the public to respect and protect public art.
Festival Highlights
The Amazing Thailand Grand Diwali Festival 2025 features spectacular light decorations, street art displays, and art-themed walkways throughout Phahurat Road and Ong Ang Canal.
From October 18 to 20, Phahurat Road hosts cultural performances, shows by famous artists, craft demonstrations, and an Indian-style food and goods market. The Ong Ang Canal area offers riverside food stalls, Indian cuisine, and photo spots, creating a festive atmosphere throughout the event.
The festival runs through October 31, transforming Little India into a vibrant celebration of art, culture, and community.
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