The Labour Minister commenced the Nakhon Phanom Illuminated Boat Procession along the banks of the Mekong River on Sunthorn Vichit Road, Mueang Nakhon Phanom, Nakhon Phanom to carry on Thai traditions and promote tourism on the Mekong River.
On October 24, 2018, Labour Minister H.E. Police General Adul Sangsingkeo chaired the Nakhon Phanom Illuminated Boat Procession where Nakhon Phanom Provincial Governor alongside government officials and personnel, and the people welcomed the Labour Minister along the banks of the Mekong River on Sunthorn Vichit Road, Muang Nakhon Phanom, Nakhon Phanom. The Labour Minister said that the Illuminated Boat Procession was a sacred and long-lasting tradition within the Nakhon Phanom community, renown among both domestic and international tourists. The procession is a tourist attraction which was able to attract over 1,074,937 people in 2017, over 100 percent growth from 2010 which had 599,246 people; this generated approximately 1,837 million Baht in revenue from tourism.
Pol.Gen. Adul said that Nakhon Phanom was formerly a municipality of the Sri Khotrabrun kingdom that flourished during the 12th century and has 3 “the most” dimensions to lead to the happiest life. This includes the “most sacred” which is Phra That Phanom, the “most beautiful” which is the Thai-Laos Friendship Bridge and the “most graceful” which is the Mekong river landscape. This matches the province’s slogan that is “Exceptional value of Phra That Phanom, diverse cultures, illuminated boats – the beauty of the Mekong”, which is a tourism advantage that Nakhon Phanom has had for long.
The Illuminated Boat Procession shows loyalty to the monarchy, love, harmony, sacrifice and cooperation of all sectors in Nakhon Phanom. It also promotes tourism through activities such as the ceremony of worship to Phra That Phanom at Wat Phra That Phanom Woramahawihan, traditionally held every year. In the evening is an illuminated boat contest which encompasses designs focused on promoting tourism and main attractions in Nakhon Phanom, to expressions of love for the institute, nation, religion and monarchy. The contest is also a stunning tradition and a virtuous example for Thai society to be more openly creative for the prosperity of the nation.
In addition, on the Mekong River banks on Sunthornvichit Road in Nakhon Phanom municipality, there was an illuminated boat show to invite people and tourists to visit the event and watch the demonstration of lamp lighting on the boat to show love, harmony and faith, as lamps on all boats are lit by workers and villagers, one by one, until the whole boat is illuminated. The illuminated lamps then present beautiful displays to impress tourists, which is the charm of the illuminated boats that represents faith.
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Division of Public Relations/
News by Chaninthorn Phettab/
Photos by Sompob Silbut
October 24, 2018
