Thailand to host largest Diwali outside India in October: Thai consul general
The Statesman | 12 July 2025
Thailand is set to host the Diwali festival in October, slated to be the largest Diwali festival celebrated outside India, said Siriporn Tantipanyathep, consul general of Royal Consul General of Thailand in Kolkata.
Talking to The Statesman, Siriporn Tantipanyathep said that this October, Thailand will also host the grand Diwali in the heart of Bangkok, a dazzling celebration of light, friendship, and cultural harmony that reflects the deep bonds shared between our two nations.
The consul general was speaking at the Thailand Pavilion of TTF Kolkata, which opened yesterday.
“The festival will be held at the Palace along with cultural performances and Indian–Thai food festival,” added Siriporn Tantipanyathep.
India is special to Thailand as it is the third largest source market of tourism in the country. “Last year, Thailand welcomed more than 2.1 million visitors from India and in the first six months of this year, we have already seen more than 1.18 million Indians visiting Thailand. This reflects the deep bond of friendship between Thailand and India,” she added.
Thailand is the most attractive country for tourists from Kolkata. There are 50 direct flights per week to Thailand, out of which 36 flights go to Bangkok and 14 per week directly to Phuket, she said.
“Plus, our VISA free entry along with the warm hospitality offered specially for the Indian travellers has never been easier before. Kolkata has been the third source market for Thailand tourism after New Delhi and Mumbai in entire India, which is why a large delegation, including the Consulate General of Royal Thai Consulate in Kolkata, Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), New Delhi and many other officials from the hotel and travel industry are visiting the city for the fair.
Siriges-A-Nong Trirattanasongpol, director Tourism Authority of Thailand, New Delhi, said: “Our long-standing association with TTF has been integral in meaningful trade relationships and expanding awareness of Thailand’s diverse attractions among Indian travel agents and consumers. The TAT is focusing on New and emerging destinations beyond the usual beach getaways, such as Chiang Rai, Kanchanaburi, Koh Chang, and Koh Lipe including the experiences focused on wellness, adventure, gastronomy, and sustainable travel.”
The first flight of Thai Airways in India started from Kolkata to Bangkok, about 64 years ago. PM Narendra Modi visited Thailand in April this year and had a meeting with the PM of Thailand.