Wiang Kum Kam Cultural Event Press Conference

February 19

A press conference was held to announce a nighttime historical site tour at Wiang Kum Kam under the theme “Evening Trip to Wiang Kum Kam: In Our Hearts Forever – Love & Forever” from Friday, February 27, 2026 to Sunday, March 3, 2026, from 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM. Activities at the event include visiting important historical sites, the former capital of the Lanna Kingdom during the reign of King Mangrai, over 700 years old, with illuminated photo spots and royal chariots showcasing the prosperity of the past, at 4 locations: Wat That Khao, Wat Pu Bia, Wat Nan Chang, and Wat I Kang. There will also be cultural performances involving over 200 performers over 3 nights, including a traditional Thai drama, “Khun Chang Khun Phaen: The Defeat of Phra Wai’s Army,” and Khon performances of the Ramakien epic, specifically the “Anuphap Ramarajachakri” and “Ksiracholmantho” episodes, by the Fine Arts Department’s Performing Arts Division. Visitors can also explore “Kad Kum Kam @Love,” selling food and cultural products from the local community, and view exhibitions on Wiang Kum Kam and an exhibition dedicated to Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother. THIS IS A FREE EVENT FOR BOTH LOCALS AND TOURISTS ALIKE
The Ministry of Culture, through the Fine Arts Department, Region 7 Chiang Mai, is organizing a nighttime historical site tour at Wiang Kum Kam under the theme “Evening Trip to Wiang Kum Kam: In Our Hearts Forever – Love & Forever” from Friday, February 27, 2026 to Sunday, March 3, 2026, from 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM. This event coincides with the somber atmosphere and mourning period for Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother, and reflects the deep love and devotion of the nation. The event will take place at the activity areas of Wat I-Kang and Wat Nan Chang, Wiang Kum Kam, Tha Wang Tan Subdistrict, Saraphi District, Chiang Mai Province. The Director-General of the Fine Arts Department will preside over the opening ceremony on Friday, February 27, 2026, at 6:00 PM onwards.

The event “Aew Kum Kam Yam Laeng: In Our Hearts Forever Love & Forever” is organized by the Ministry of Culture, the Fine Arts Department, and the Fine Arts Office Region 7, Chiang Mai.

The Ministry of Culture has implemented a “Quick Big Win” policy, aiming for immediate and tangible results under the vision of “Preserving, Creating, and Leading Thai Culture Towards a Sustainable Future.” This policy promotes the power of culture to generate real income under the “Thai Thai” concept, enhancing value and opportunities at the community level, expanding to the national level, and increasing competitiveness on the global stage.

The Fine Arts Department and the Fine Arts Office Region 7 Chiang Mai, as agencies under the Ministry of Culture, have interconnected missions in the field of national cultural heritage. They have integrated their efforts to concretely implement the Ministry of Culture’s policies by combining the Fine Arts Department’s missions in preserving, conserving, restoring, disseminating, continuing, creating, and developing national cultural heritage. They have established guidelines and operational approaches to achieve tangible results under the concept of “Conserving, Inheriting, and Enhancing Artistic and Cultural Heritage: From Value to Worth.”

This integrated collaboration has led to activities promoting nighttime tourism at historical sites and national museums. These activities promote cultural heritage tourism by opening historical sites at night, allowing the public and tourists to experience the beauty of the ancient monuments illuminated by lights. The sight of these sites illuminated at night creates a beautiful and memorable experience for both locals and tourists. In Chiang Mai province, the selected historical site for nighttime viewing is Wiang Kum Kam in Tha Wang Tan Subdistrict, Saraphi District.

Wiang Kum Kam is considered a large cultural area of great importance as the origin of the Lanna Kingdom. It is known as the “first capital before Chiang Mai,” a city built by King Mangrai, the first king of the Mangrai dynasty, after conquering Hariphunchai and before the establishment of Chiang Mai. Wiang Kum Kam is also called an “ancient underground city” because archaeological evidence is found hidden 3.0-2.5 meters below the current surface. The Fine Arts Department has been involved in all aspects of Wiang Kum Kam’s work, including archaeological excavations, restoration and landscaping of over 30 historical sites, the establishment of a Wiang Kum Kam tourist information center, and training of local tour guides. As a result, Wiang Kum Kam is clearly evident as the first capital of Lanna, significantly boosting tourism in Chiang Mai.

The Ministry of Culture, through the Fine Arts Department, Region 7 Chiang Mai, is organizing a nighttime historical site tour at Wiang Kum Kam under the theme “Evening Trip to Wiang Kum Kam: In Our Hearts Forever – Love & Forever” from Friday, February 27, 2026 to Sunday, March 3, 2026, from 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM. This event coincides with the somber atmosphere and mourning period for Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother, and reflects the deep love and devotion of the nation. The event will take place at the activity areas of Wat I-Kang and Wat Nan Chang, Wiang Kum Kam, Tha Wang Tan Subdistrict, Saraphi District, Chiang Mai Province. The Director-General of the Fine Arts Department will preside over the opening ceremony on Friday, February 27, 2026, at 6:00 PM onwards.
Those interested in attending the “Aew Kum Kam Yam Laeng: In Our Hearts Forever Love & Forever” event can participate from February 27th to March 1st, 2026, from 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM at the activity area of Wat I Kang – Wat Nan Chang, Wiang Kum Kam, Tha Wang Tan Subdistrict, Saraphi District, Chiang Mai Province. Admission is free. Registration is available, and participants will receive a special souvenir. Attendees are encouraged to wear traditional Thai clothing or local attire.

For more information, please contact the Fine Arts Department Region 7, Chiang Mai at 0 5322 2262, or follow details of the event, parking locations, and tram pick-up/drop-off points on the Facebook Fanpage: แอ่วกุม กามยามแลง (Aew Kum Kam Yam Laeng).