HCMC – The Thai Festival 2025 officially commenced in HCMC on May 23, bringing a rich cultural showcase to local audiences while highlighting Thailand’s innovation and creative economy.
Organized by the Thai Consulate General in HCMC, the May 23–25 event takes place at the Youth Cultural House, 4 Pham Ngoc Thach Street, District 1, under the theme “Thailand’s Creative Economy.” The festival seeks to promote cultural exchange and spotlight creative industries as a key pillar in Thailand’s development strategy.
The opening ceremony on the evening of May 23 was attended by Thai Consul General Wiraka Moodhitaporn, HCMC authorities, and representatives from diplomatic missions. In her remarks, Moodhitaporn extended condolences on behalf of the Thai Government over the passing of former Vietnamese President Tran Duc Luong and underscored the significance of bilateral relations.
This year’s festival carries added meaning as it follows the recent elevation of the Thailand-Vietnam relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, officially announced during Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s May 15-16 visit to Hanoi.
Festivalgoers can enjoy more than 50 booths featuring Thai food, drinks, fashion items, travel services, wellness products, and handicrafts. A wide range of cultural workshops are also on offer, including Luk Chup-making, Thai garland folding, sky lantern decorating, and weaving the traditional Pla Tapian fish.
Traditional Muay Thai demonstrations, live cooking shows, and cultural performances will be featured throughout the weekend. The event is open to the public and offers free admission, with operating hours from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. on this Saturday and Sunday.
In observance of Vietnam’s National Mourning, the organizers have announced that all on-stage performances only take place on May 23. Cultural performers and artists will still attend throughout the three-day event, and all booths and workshops remain open as scheduled. Further updates will be made available via the Thai Consulate General’s official Facebook page.
