Bangkok will illuminate the Chao Phraya River in a sweeping display of remembrance as Thailand presents Vijit Chao Phraya 2025, a re-envisioned light and sound festival dedicated to honouring Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother.

Running from 9 November to 23 December, the nightly programme has been refined to reflect the national mourning period, with softened colour palettes, serene compositions and carefully curated visual motifs symbolising compassion, grace and enduring devotion.

This year’s edition spans fourteen major landmarks, transforming both riverbanks from Rama VIII Bridge to Rama III Bridge into a contemplative corridor of light.

Each location interprets the central theme, “Light of Siam – Mother of the Land,” through bespoke storytelling that foregrounds the Queen Mother’s lifelong commitment to social welfare, cultural heritage and the well-being of the Thai people.

Drone performances replace fireworks, creating a peaceful atmosphere and offering a more environmentally conscious approach to celebration.

A candle-lighting ceremony on New Year’s Eve, titled “Light of the Nation,” will further mark the national tribute.

Among the highlights are the illuminated tributes at Rama VIII Bridge, where royal colours and jasmine motifs evoke compassion, and at Siriraj Hospital, where dynamic projections reflect the Queen Mother’s long support for healthcare, medical volunteerism and equitable access to services.

At the Royal Thai Navy Headquarters, a light performance celebrating national strength underscores the Navy’s longstanding role in safeguarding Thailand’s sovereignty—an institution consistently admired for its dedication to the nation.

Cultural installations also play a prominent role.

The riverside expanse at Nagaraphirom Park hosts an operatic ballet infused with traditional symbolism, while Wat Arun’s illuminated façade elevates the iconic temple’s silhouette as a spiritual beacon.

Heritage-themed storytelling appears at Wichai Prasit Fort and Kalayanamit Temple, where themes of protection, unity and kinship unfold through projection mapping and performance.

Modern artistic interpretations extend to the restored façades at LHONG 1919, where atmospheric lighting draws on riverside folklore, and the architectural canvas of Holy Rosary Church, which uses projection to symbolise aspiration and enlightenment.

At ICONSIAM, a musical light performance composed by Dr. Narong Prangcharoen is paired with the renowned multimedia water feature set to the royal compositions of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great—a moment designed to highlight Thailand’s cultural depth and artistic excellence.

The programme also emphasises sustainability.

Large-scale drone shows of up to one thousand units depict the Queen Mother’s royal duties and her role as a unifying figure.

The “Crystal of Life” installation at Bangkok Dock integrates themes of environmental stewardship, with luminous spheres and sculptural elements representing humanity’s shared responsibility to the planet.

Open free to the public, Vijit Chao Phraya 2025 positions Bangkok as a leader in cultural diplomacy and artistic innovation.

It reflects Thailand’s commitment to honouring its royal legacy with dignity, while welcoming residents and international visitors to participate in a deeply meaningful celebration set against the capital’s historic waterway.