PM opens Ubon Ratchathani Candle Festival

UBON RATCHATHANI, July 24 (TNA) -- Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has opened the famous Ubon Ratchathani Candle Festival that features processions of wax sculptures and a local trade fair. The opening ceremony was organized in Thung Si Muang area. There, Gen Prayut also paid respect to the monument of Phra Prathum Woraratch Suriyawong, the founder and first governor of Ubon Ratchathani. Then, the prime minister saw a performance presenting the story of Ubon Ratchathani by local performers wearing beautiful local costumes. Afterwards Gen Prayut greeted a large crowd of local residents who wore yellow clothes. He also visited a trade fair at the Khwan Muang square where local people sold local products to visitors. The Ubon Ratchathani Candle Festival is the annual event of the northeastern province organized to mark the beginning of the Buddhist Lent period. It is one of the biggest traditional events of Thailand and is world-renowned. It presents local wisdom, unity, tradition and culture and promotes sustainable tourism. (TNA)