Bangkok: A spectacular procession of 205 boats paraded through the waterways of Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya province, carrying candles for Buddhist Lent. The procession traveled along the Lat Chado canal for over 2 kilometers, showcasing the daily lives of villagers along its banks. Meanwhile, in Takua Thung district, Phang Nga province, Buddhist devotees held a traditional procession to wrap the reclining Buddha statue at Wat Suwan Khuha. Separately, "Lisa's Candle" and "Prime Minister Anutin" showcased their creations at the Ya Mo monument, preparing for a competition tomorrow.
According to Thai News Agency, the 15th annual Khlong Lat Chado Water Procession of Candles, held at Lat Chado Floating Market in Phak Hai District, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province, was a spectacular sight. 205 boats carried candles along the Khlong Lat Chado canal. This year's event was held under the theme "Nava Boon Vithi, Lat Chado Phakdi, Honoring the King," and was grandly opened by Mr. Surasak Panjaroenworakul, Minister of Tourism and Sports.
The highlight of the event is the procession of over 205 traditional and antique boats, some over a hundred years old, beautifully decorated with flowers, tools of daily life, and local artwork. They sail along the Lat Chado canal for over 2 kilometers, showcasing the daily lives of villagers along the banks who still practice traditional fishing methods. The procession then returns to offer candles to various temples in the community. This unique spectacle, found nowhere else in Thailand, greatly impresses both Thai and foreign tourists.
In Phang Nga province, Buddhists in Takua Thung district held a traditional procession to drape the reclining Buddha image with cloth at Wat Suwan Khuha, also known as Wat Tham (Cave Temple). The ceremony began with the invocation of sacred water for auspiciousness. Then, a procession carrying the cloth to drape the reclining Buddha image moved to the large cave. Over 130 dancers, dressed in traditional Thai costumes, performed dances as an offering to the Buddha. Following this, Buddhists jointly offered the cloth to drape the reclining Buddha image, which measures 7 wa and 2 cubits in length, and is enshrined within the ancient cave, which has a history dating back to the Ayutthaya period. This event continues the tradition of faith and unity within the community.
In the southern border areas, the candlelit procession has to be held during the daytime for safety reasons, as seen here at Wat Weluwan, Mueang District, Yala Province. Mr. Amnat Chuthong, Deputy Governor of Yala Province, led government officials, military personnel, police officers, and Buddhists in offering candles and robes, listening to sermons, and participating in the "midday candlelit procession."
The daytime candlelit procession at Wat Weluwan, as well as other temples in the area, is a continuous practice aimed at ensuring the safety of lives and property of the people amidst the unrest. Buddhists joined together in prayer, hoping for peace and tranquility to return to the three southern border provinces and the nation.
As for the beginning of Buddhist Lent tomorrow (July 30th), Yala province is also preparing to hold a flower offering ceremony and pay homage to the replica Buddha footprint at Wat Yaha Pracharam in Yaha district, which is a unique tradition in the southern border region.
The atmosphere at the Thao Suranari Monument Square in Mueang District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province, where the Nakhon Ratchasima Candle Festival 2026, "Buddhist Art, Light of Faith," is being held, is lively. Processions of candle floats from various temples are arriving and on display, preparing to compete for the Royal Trophy bestowed by Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn tomorrow.
The most eye-catching and scene-stealing attraction was the "Lisa Candle Procession" at Wat Bing in Chok Chai District. This float featured sculpted angel figures with faces inspired by Lisa Manoban's signature bangs hairstyle, seamlessly blending Buddhist art with contemporary culture and attracting younger audiences. Another highlight was the "Prime Minister Anutin Candle Procession," a politically satirical sculpture of Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, standing 190 cm tall with his hand raised in a "40-60" symbol representing the "Thai Helps Thai Plus" economic stimulus project, alongside a playful "bouncing pork" figurine. This created a vibrant atmosphere and brought smiles to tourists who flocked to take photos.