Phrae: Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul traveled to Phrae province in northern Thailand to open the annual Phra That Cho Hae Temple Festival and Phrae Grand Tungs Procession, promoting Lanna cultural tourism.
According to Thai News Agency, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul is scheduled to travel to Phrae Province to officially open the annual Phrae Grand Flag Procession and Worship Ceremony at Wat Phra That Cho Hae Royal Temple, Cho Hae Subdistrict, Mueang Phrae District, Phrae Province. He will be accompanied by Governor Somchai Lertprasitiphan, heads of relevant government departments, and members of the public.
The "Phrae Grand Tung Procession and Worship Ceremony 2026" will be held from February 22nd to March 3rd, 2026, at Wat Phra That Cho Hae Royal Temple, Phrae Province. This event is held to commemorate the auspicious occasion of His Majesty the King, Her Majesty the Queen, and Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother, and to promote cultural tourism. On this occasion, the Prime Minister will participate in important religious ceremonies, meet with the public, and follow up on the implementation of policies to promote cultural tourism in the area. He will also invite tourists to participate in preserving this valuable local tradition, stimulating the grassroots economy, and generating income for the people and businesses in Phrae Province.
Furthermore, the event features a variety of religious and cultural activities, such as a Tungsangkhon (traditional Lanna flag) competition, Lanna cultural performances, and the Phra That Cho Hae pilgrimage to seek blessings and success. This includes paying homage to the sacred Phra That Cho Hae, a revered landmark of Phrae, and seeking blessings from the 100-year-old Luang Pho Phra Chao Than Jai (a revered Buddha image). Visitors can also witness a magnificent procession of offerings, featuring five elephants, offerings from all eight districts of Phrae province, community parades, and the invocation of Phra Maha Upakut.
"The organization of the 'Phra That Cho Hae Worship Ceremony and Phrae Grand Tung Procession 2026' reflects the use of 'cultural capital' as a driving force for the economy, generating income for people at the local level, while simultaneously preserving and continuing religious and cultural heritage. This aims to enable Phrae Province to become a strong and sustainable cultural tourism destination in the long term."