Thailand lights up for Diwali all November as the Indian Association of Thailand (IAT) and the Thai–India Trade & Tourism Association (TITTA), together with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), the Embassy of India, Bangkok, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, ICONSIAM, EMQUARTIER and Central Group shopping centres, with public- and private-sector partners and the Thai-Indian community, present the Amazing Thailand Grand Diwali Festival 2026 from 3 to 29 November 2026 – seven grand events across three provinces: Bangkok, Chonburi (Pattaya) and Phuket, with free entry at every venue. One of the world’s longest Diwali celebrations, it places Thailand alongside great cities such as London, New York, Singapore, Sydney and Dubai. The festival will officially launch on Thursday 29 October 2026 at the Tourism Authority of Thailand head office with a press conference.
Diwali – one of India’s most widely celebrated festivals
Diwali, also known as Deepavali, celebrates the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. Families light diyas, decorate their homes, pray for prosperity and exchange sweets and gifts. In 2026, Diwali Day falls on Sunday 8 November. Thailand is home to a Thai-Indian community woven into Thai society for generations. India is also one of Thailand’s most important visitor markets, with more than two million arrivals a year – making the festival both a community celebration and a reason for Indian travellers to celebrate Diwali in Thailand.
TAT’s continuing support takes Diwali in Thailand, at a national level
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has consistently supported Diwali in Thailand, helping it grow from a community celebration into a national festival under the Amazing Thailand brand. This year TAT is driving the festival to an international level – a month-long celebration across three provinces that attracts travellers from India, one of Thailand’s largest markets.
Leading malls join in with promotions throughout Diwali
Thailand’s leading retail groups host the festival across three provinces: Central Group shopping centres at Central Bangrak, Central Festival Pattaya Beach and Central Festival Patong; ICONSIAM shopping centre at its Riverpark on the Chao Phraya; and EMQUARTIER shopping centre at Quartier Avenue in the heart of Sukhumvit. Each is preparing a wide range of promotions and special privileges throughout the Diwali season, which coincides with the start of Thailand’s high tourist season, to win the hearts of Indian travellers, who travel and shop for gifts most during this festive time.
Bangkok builds on Little India
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration co-hosts all four Bangkok celebrations and builds on Little India in Phahurat – one of Thailand’s oldest Thai-Indian neighbourhoods, where the canal-side Diwali along Khlong Ong Ang has been held with the Indian Association of Thailand since 2022. This year’s edition, “Threads of Faith”, runs from 20 to 24 November; on Tuesday 24 November, Loy Krathong, Dev Deepavali and Gurpurab – three distinct religious and cultural celebrations coinciding on the same full-moon night.– as Little India grows into a living cultural landmark for the city.
Paving the way to 80 years of Thailand–India relations
In 2027 Thailand and India mark 80 years of diplomatic relations – a friendship built on shared history, faith and culture. The anniversary is a major opportunity for Thailand to connect more closely with India, the world’s most populous country and one of its fastest-growing major economies, across tourism, trade, investment, education and people-to-people exchange. IAT and TITTA will work with public- and private-sector partners on a year-long programme of celebrations in 2027 to open new doors of opportunity between the two countries.
Diwali greetings and an invitation
The organisers wish Indians everywhere, the Thai-Indian community and all friends of India a joyful, bright and prosperous Diwali, and invite everyone to share diya lighting ceremonies, devotional music, Indian food, cultural performances, Bollywood concerts and festive markets at seven grand events across Thailand – free of charge. Happy Diwali, Shubh Deepavali.
