Edited by Anna Popper
On 30 August 2025, the Royal Thai Embassy in Budapest proudly hosted the grand open-air Thai Festival 2025, a celebration of Thailand’s rich culture, hospitality, and tourism.
Over the years, this festival has become a cherished tradition in Budapest, eagerly anticipated by locals and visitors alike.
This year, the rooftop garden of the WESTEND Shopping Centre, overlooking the historic Nyugati Railway Station on Pest’s Grand Boulevard – designed by Gustave Eiffel and inaugurated in 1877 – provided a stunning and memorable backdrop for the lively event.
The festival commenced with a solemn opening on stage, marked by the sound of a traditional gong by H.E. Mr. Phrommes Bhaholpolbhayuhasena, Ambassador of Thailand to Hungary.
The Ambassador warmly greeted the audience, including newcomers, returning guests, and members of the Diplomatic Corps. In his opening address, he expressed heartfelt appreciation to all participants, noting that their presence and contributions were key to the success of the event.
Guests embarked on a culinary journey, one of the festival’s annual main attractions, with the participation of local Thai restaurants, including Rim Thanonh Thai Food, Tom Yum Thai Étterem, Khraw Pak Thai, Kao Niaw Ping Kai, Thai Food Express, and Parázs Thai Étterem, offering authentic Thai flavours that delighted every palate.
The wellness corner, presented by De Lanna Thai Massage, introduced visitors to Thailand’s world-renowned spa and relaxation traditions.
Other participants enriched the festival with their offerings. La Raza Home and COCOBEAUTYTHAILAND showcased Thai cosmetic and lifestyle products, Thaiszotar.hu, a travel agency, highlighted Thailand as a tourist destination, and MAMA: Thai President Foods (Hungary) Kft. presented Thai food.
The Thai Trade Centre in Budapest, the Thai Student Association, and the local Thai Temple reflected the vibrant Thai community and its active cultural presence in Hungary. A special feature of the festival was the intimate Thai shrine set up by Wat Thai Rattanaprateep, where visitors could offer flowers, light incense, and observe traditional rituals, providing a serene and reflective moment amid the lively festival atmosphere.
Visitors were captivated by the mesmerizing performances of Thai dancers dressed in exquisite Praewa silk, moving gracefully to traditional Thai music. Their performances displayed the elegance, intricate movements, and vibrant colours of Thailand’s cultural heritage, representing various regions of the country.
The Master of Ceremony introduced a live cooking demonstration by a Thai chef, who pleased the audience by preparing Thailand’s most iconic dishes such as Tom Yum Kung and Pad Thai, offering insights into authentic flavours and traditional methods of preparation.
The festival also featured a Muay Thai demonstration by the Hungarian Muaythai Federation. This included the Wai Khru Ram Muay ceremony, which honours trainers and ancestors, providing visitors with a dynamic glimpse into Thailand’s national sport and cultural heritage.
As part of the entertainment, interactive Kahoot quizzes, games, and raffles engaged attendees of all ages, offering prizes and gifts from local Thai vendors. The grand raffle prize – a round-trip ticket from Budapest to Bangkok, courtesy of Turkish Airlines – brought great joy to a lucky winner.
Highlighting Thailand as a premier tourist destination, the festival embraced the internationally recognized motto “Amazing Thailand”, inviting Hungarians and international visitors to explore the country’s rich cultural and natural treasures.
Although the festival had to end earlier than planned due to rain, the joyful atmosphere persisted. Hundreds of attendees experienced Thai culture, cuisine, wellness, sport and tourism, and were impressed by Thailand’s vibrant spirit.
The Royal Thai Embassy in Budapest extends its heartfelt gratitude to all participants, vendors, and the large and supportive Thai community in Hungary, and looks forward to many more cultural events in the future, as part of Thailand’s active Cultural Diplomacy in Hungary.
Source: Royal Thai Embassy Budapest
Photos from the Royal Thai Embassy Budapest, and DPA
