PM Anutin credits Phi Ta Khon spirit for good fortune and rise to top job

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul yesterday revealed that he believes in the spiritual power of ‘Phi Ta Khon’, saying that the spirit is thought to bring good fortune and to have helped in his rise in politics, including his appointment as prime minister.

Anutin said he has kept ‘Phi Ta Khon’ pictures and souvenirs in his offices since his tenure as public health minister and believes that they have contributed to his success and prosperity.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the annual Bun Luang and Phi Ta Khon festivals in Dan Sai district of Loei province on Sunday, Anutin said the cultural icon had become a source of encouragement and auspiciousness in his life.

"After I came to open this festival in 2024, I kept ‘Phi Ta Khon’ pictures and souvenirs in my office. From my time as public health minister until becoming prime minister, I have believed that ‘Phi Ta Khon’ has brought good fortune and helped me advance to where I am today," he said.

Anutin initially raised a ‘Phi Ta Khon’ mask on stage before putting it on, drawing cheers and smiles from the audience. His wife, Thananon Niramit, who was also on stage, raised a Phi Ta Khon mask but did not put it on.

The festival, widely known as Thailand's "Ghost Festival", is famous for its colourful masks, elaborate costumes and lively street parades.

Loei Governor Chaipot Charoenphon said the Bun Luang and Phi Ta Khon festivals are held annually to preserve local arts, culture and traditions while strengthening unity among residents.

Thousands of performers joined this year's colourful parade, featuring the distinctive ‘Phi Ta Khon’ masks and costumes associated with local beliefs linked to the Vessantara Jātaka, one of the most important narratives in the Buddhist world.

The governor said the festival also plays an important role in promoting cultural tourism in Loei, attracting large numbers of visitors each year.

Jariyathorn Suhu, director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand's Loei Office, said the festival remains one of the province's largest tourism events.

He said accommodation in Dan Sai, Phu Ruea and Na Haeo districts had been fully booked for the festival period.

Visitors who were unable to secure rooms in those areas have sought accommodation in Loei city and Chiang Khan district instead, where lodging was also reported to be fully occupied.