The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), in collaboration with the Pak Nam Pran Subdistrict Administrative Organization and the Prachuap Khiri Khan Provincial Administrative Organization, is organizing the Mini Balloon Festival 2026 @ Pranburi alongside the Squid Festival and Seafood Festival 2026 for the second consecutive year from August 7-9, 2026, from 16:00 to 21:00 at the Maharat Field, Pak Nam Pran, Pranburi District, Prachuap Khiri Khan Province.
The opening ceremony was presided over by Mr. Preeda Sukjai, Deputy Governor of Prachuap Khiri Khan Province, together with Mr. Apichai Chattrachelimkit, Deputy Governor for Domestic Marketing of TAT, Ms. Varnpha Kiatpongsa, Central Region Director of TAT, Mr. Sarawut Limarunrak, President of the Prachuap Khiri Khan Provincial Administrative Organization, Mr. Namlap Imthu, President of the Pak Nam Pran Subdistrict Administrative Organization, and other distinguished guests, including Mr. Ishta Sawaras, Director of TAT Prachuap Khiri Khan Office, Mr. Kitipong Siripetchketsom, President of the Hua Hin-Cha-am Tourism Business Association, Mr. Somchai Krajaeim, Chairman of the Prachuap Khiri Khan Tourism Industry Council, Ms. Sirikorn Notim, President of the Prachuap Khiri Khan Chapter of the Thai Floating Market and Restaurant Association, as well as representatives from government agencies, private sectors, and tourists. During the opening ceremony, Pak Nam Pran squid was distributed to tourists to taste its deliciousness.
Mr. Apichai stated that this year’s event builds on the success of the first edition, reflecting Pranburi District’s potential to develop as a creative tourism destination. TAT aims to promote high-quality tourism, creating valuable experiences that encourage tourists to stay longer, spend more, and visit throughout the year, rather than just increasing tourist numbers. He added that Prachuap Khiri Khan Province has the potential to develop into a high-quality tourism destination, with the Mini Balloon Festival 2026 @ Pranburi serving as a marketing tool to create a new image for Pranburi and connect tourists with the area’s diverse attractions. The Squid Festival and Seafood Festival 2026, held during the peak squid season, enhances the culinary tourism experience, allowing tourists to enjoy fresh seafood, experience local culture, and generate income for local businesses. TAT expects at least 50,000 attendees, confident that cooperation between the government, local administrative organizations, private sectors, and communities will elevate Pranburi’s image as a high-quality tourism destination, encouraging repeat visits, distributing income to the local economy, and driving the sustainable growth of Thailand’s tourism industry.
Mr. Preeda Sukjai, Deputy Governor of Prachuap Khiri Khan Province, highlighted the province’s strengths in natural resources, lifestyle, and culture, particularly in Pranburi District, known for its beautiful and unique Pak Nam Pran Beach. The two events blend the area’s unique features with creative tourism activities, with colorful balloons along the beach creating a vibrant and memorable experience for tourists. The famous Pak Nam Pran squid, a result of local wisdom and high-quality ingredients, is another attraction drawing visitors. “Join us to enjoy colorful balloons by the sea and savor Pak Nam Pran squid and fresh seafood in the unique atmosphere of Pak Nam Pran from August 7-9 at the Maharat Field, Pak Nam Pran,” said the Deputy Governor.