On 9 May 2026, H.E. Mr. Sihasak Phuangketkeow, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, presided over the opening ceremony of the 26th Thai Festival in Tokyo. H.E. Mr. Shimada Tomoaki, Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, attended the event as the Guest of Honour. In attendance were also H.E. Mr. Witchu Vejjajiva, Ambassador of Thailand to Japan, along with representatives from Japanese government agencies and partner organizations, senior executives from Thai agencies, members of the Thai community in Japan, and international visitors.

The Deputy Prime Minister reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to laying a strong foundation for Thailand’s creative economy. He emphasized the importance of collaboration with Japanese creative economy agencies in preparation for the upcoming celebration of the 140th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Thailand and Japan in 2027.

The Festival demonstrated the successful integrated cooperation among Thai public and private agencies, including the Community Development Department, the Ministry of Commerce, Marketing Organization for Farmers, the Tourism Authority of Thailand, and the Creative Economy Agency (Public Organization), and Mahasarakham University. Japanese partner organizations and organizing committee members included the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, TSP Taiyo Inc., Kyodo Osaka Co., Ltd., and On the Line Co., Ltd.

The Thai Festival in Tokyo is the largest Thai festival held overseas and one of Tokyo’s most prominent cultural exchange events, attracting over 300,000 visitors annually. The 26th edition of the Festival took place from 9 - 10 May 2026 at Yoyogi Park under the theme “Creative Life and Creative Heartbeat.” The event aimed to support Thailand’s nation-branding efforts by offering a firsthand experience of Thai culture, while creating opportunities for Thai products, services, and creative industries to expand from the local to the global stage.

Activities within the event included more than 170 booths showcasing Thailand’s creative industries, public and private sector initiatives, as well as Thai products, food, fruits, and tourism services. It also highlighted various cultural performances, including traditional Thai dances, Muay Thai demonstrations, concerts, and fan-meeting activities with leading Thai artists and actors, such as Pae Arak, LYKN, FELIZZ, BNK48, ZOM Marie, GMMTV artists, and the lead actors from Reloved The Series. All of whom received enthusiastic responses from the festivalgoers.

The Thai Festival in Tokyo constitutes an important part of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ efforts to advance cultural diplomacy and public diplomacy, aimed at fostering mutual understanding and strengthening people-to-people connections. It also serves as a key mechanism of proactive economic diplomacy to promote Thailand’s creative industries and enhance their international recognition. In this regard, in 2026, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in collaboration with partner agencies, has scheduled Thai Festival events in 45 cities across 36 countries worldwide.