Thai Ambassador to China Chatchai Viriyavejakul gives opening speech at the 2026 Thai Festival in Beijing, on May 30, 2026. Photo: Courtesy of the Royal Thai Embassy in China

With a circle of booths featuring handcrafts, Thai-flavor cuisines, beverages, and a main stage presenting Thai dancing and fashion shows, 2026 Thai Festival returned to Chaoyang Park in Beijing on May 30. Thai Ambassador to China Chatchai Viriyavejakul inaugurated "Thai-Chinese friendship bell pavilion" after the opening ceremony for the festival. One of the highlights of this year's festival is the introduction of "Chud Thai," or the Thai National Costume.

In his opening remarks, Ambassador Viriyavejakul said this year's Thai Festival is special as the Royal Thai Embassy in China presented the theme "Creative Life & Creative Heartbeat," reflecting the energy and creativity of modern Thailand. 

"I am proud to share that 'Chud Thai' is officially being considered for inscription on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2026," said Viriyavejakul.

This nomination reflects not only Thailand's rich cultural identity, showcasing the craftsmanship, traditional wisdom, and shared heritage woven into every garment, but also "stands as a tribute to Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother for her lifelong dedication to preserving and promoting Thai textiles on the international stage," he said. 

After the opening ceremony, Ambassador Viriyavejakul and other delegates inaugurated the "Thai-Chinese friendship bell pavilion."

Originally constructed in 2005, the bell pavilion was renovated in 2025 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Thailand and China. It symbolizes enduring friendship, mutual trust, and close relations between our two countries, Viriyavejakul noted. 

Throughout the two-day festival, visitors enjoyed a variety of lively performances and entertainment, experiencing a memorable "Little Thailand," including Thai instrumental performances, Muay Thai performance, durian peeling demonstration and Thai speech competition. 

A visitor to the festival surnamed Zhao told the Global Times that he and his family really enjoyed the Thai cuisine and durian-peeling competition during the event, "We are planning to go from this year's 'little Thailand' to the real Thailand next year," Zhao said.