Thai-Nepali association backs cultural tourism cooperation in Phuket
The Thai-Nepali Association’s Phuket branch discussed cultural activities and tourism cooperation with Governor Chotinrin Kerdsum on 3 September.
Representatives of the Thai-Nepali Association’s Phuket branch discussed cultural tourism and community cooperation with Phuket Governor Chotinrin Kerdsum during a meeting at Phuket Provincial Hall on 3 September 2026.
The delegation included Phuket branch president Ramjee Paudel and Krishna Nirola, vice-president of the Thai-Nepali Association of Thailand and an honorary adviser to the Phuket branch. The representatives introduced the branch committee and discussed the role of the Nepalese community in Phuket’s multicultural society.
The association said it was willing to work with Phuket authorities to develop cultural tourism and promote the province’s cultural diversity. Its activities include annual traditional events, such as New Year celebrations and Hartalika Teej, a festival associated with Nepalese women.
The 2026 Hartalika Teej festival will be observed on Monday, 14 September. Its traditions include fasting and prayers to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, as well as traditional dress, bangles and henna decorations. The festival commemorates the reunion of the two deities and provides an occasion for women to pray for their families’ wellbeing and, for unmarried women, to seek a suitable life partner.
Governor Chotinrin said he supported efforts to strengthen relations between Thai and Nepalese people. He asked the association to coordinate with relevant government agencies and local communities when organising religious and cultural activities, to promote mutual understanding and ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
