The Phuket chapter of the Federation of Business and Professional Women of Thailand Association was selected to host the 2026 Candle Lighting Ceremony, in collaboration with chapters from Songkhla and Surat Thani provinces.
The traditionally prestigious occasion, under Royal Patronage, took place on Friday, Feb 27 at the Novotel Phuket City Phokeethra, with festivities commencing at 5pm. The event was presided over by Phuket Vice Governor Suwit Phansengiam who welcomed guests and delivered a keynote address.
Dignitaries joining Mr Suwit included: Khunying Natika Watthanavekin Angubolkul, President of the Federation of Business and Professional Women of Thailand under the Royal Patronage; Natthakanya Saengpho, President of the Business and Professional Women of Thailand Association; in addition to selected committee members and association members from across the country, distinguished guests, and members of the media.
The annual traditional candle lighting ceremony is held to demonstrate the power, determination and role of women in participating in the development of society, communities and the nation as a whole.
It also serves as a platform for networking, exchanging ideas and experiences, and strengthening good relations among members from all regions, leading to activities that benefit the public.
Strengthen unity
“This event showcases the important role of women in driving social and economic development,” explained Mr Suwit in his welcome remarks.
“The fact that the Thai Business and Professional Women’s Association of Phuket has been honoured to host the 2026 Traditional Candle Lighting Ceremony, together with associations in Songkhla and Surat Thani provinces, is a significant opportunity to build good relationships and strengthen unity among members from across the country.
“This event is an important opportunity for Phuket to welcome association members from across the country and showcase the province’s potential as a centre for national-level activities, while strongly promoting the role of women in economic and social development.”
The Vice Governor further explained the importance of Phuket as a leading tourist destination, adding that a conscious effort has been made in recent times to promote a more diverse offering to visitors above and beyond the more widley recognised and traditional attractions.
“Currently tourism in Phuket has been developed to be more diverse,” he said. “In addition to the sea and beaches that attract tourists from all over the world, Phuket also has outstanding arts and culture. This is especially apparent with the unique character of the old town community that reflects the blend of Thai, Chinese and Malay cultures through Sino-European architecture and the Baba-Nyonya clothing culture, which is a valuable cultural heritage and was registered as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 2024.
“Furthermore, Phuket has a distinctive community lifestyle and unique local cuisine, emphasised by UNESCO declaring Phuket a Creative City of Gastronomy in 2015. All of these are important charms that impress visitors from around the world,” Mr Suwit concluded.
Mrs Natthakanya Saengpho stated that the Phuket chapter of the Business and Professional Women of Thailand Association was honoured to host such a prestigious occasion.
“This is an important activity that has been passed down through generations as a tradition to promote love, unity and cooperation among business and professional women nationwide,” she said as part of her speech to the audience.