The spirit of renewal and gratitude returns to Amari SPICE Penang as the hotel once again celebrates Thailand’s enchanting Loy Krathong Festival with a vibrant showcase of Thai culture, cuisine, and tradition.
Known as the “Festival of Lights,” Loy Krathong is one of Thailand’s most beloved celebrations, marked by the release of beautifully decorated floating offerings on rivers and lakes to honour the Goddess of Water. The act symbolises letting go of negativity and embracing new beginnings — a fitting reflection of the festival’s enduring charm.
Continuing its close collaboration with the Royal Thai Consulate of Penang, Amari SPICE Penang will hosted this year’s celebration with a special ceremony featuring remarks by Ms. Janet Lam, Director of Marketing Communications at Amari SPICE Penang and HE Mr. Psusist Wongsurawat, Royal Thai Consul-General of Penang.
Also present was HE Mr Shinya Mashida, Consul-General of Japan, Mr Kuroe Kusuke, Deputy Consul-General of Japan and Ms Ding Qiao, Deputy Consul- General of China,
In her welcoming address, Lam shared that this year marks the third year they are gathering to honour this cherished occasion.
“We come together to reflect, to give thanks and welcome new beginnings. It is a celebration that embodies beauty, harmony, and the heartfelt spirit of Thai culture — values that lie at the very heart of the Amari brand.
“We also present to you our first-ever collaboration with the talented Chef Pond, Masterchef Thailand, also the head chef of Khaosan Tapas Bar, Penang. Together with Amaya Food Gallery, we are serving you a modern expression of Thai culinary artistry. This year’s Amazing Thai Festival is a reflection of how tradition and creativity coexist harmoniously, so please take your time to go through the buffet spread.” she said.
Meanwhile, Mr Psusist expressed grief at the passing of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit the Queen Mother of Thailand on 24 October.
“Our Queen Mother had devoted her entire life to promote the uniqueness of Thai culture. Her Majesty had shown us her profound passion in Thai tradition and had worked tirelessly to preserve and promote Thai arts, culture and craftsmanship, particularly, Thai silk, Thai traditional costumes, Thai traditional handicrafts and Thai cultural performances, which are our identity and pride. “As one of the most beautiful and meaningful traditions, Loy Kratong takes place on the full moon evening of the 12th lunar month, usually in November, each year. Tracing back to the Sukhothai era more than 700 years ago, Loy Kratong is the ceremony where the Thai people gather by the waterway and float a “krathong” on the water,” he said.
Guests had an authentic cultural experience, including a captivating performance by the Nora Dance Troupe, renowned for its colourful costumes, expressive storytelling, and rhythmic Southern Thai dance traditions.
Event highlights included a live cooking demonstration by Ms. Suratchaya Palawongse, Deputy Consul-General of the Royal Thai Consulate–Penang; the symbolic floating of the krathong; and an exclusive guided culinary tour led by Chef Sahadol Tantrapim (Chef Pond) and Executive Chef Azmi Affandi, who personally hosted VIP guests through the Thai Cuisine and Khaosan Tapas Bar stations.
Chef Pond who is a familiar face to fans of MasterChef Thailand Season 3 and MasterChef All Stars 2019, — affectionately dubbed the “Pressure Test King” — brings his creative flair from Bangkok to Penang, where his restaurant, Khaosan Tapas Bar, has introduced the city’s first modern Thai street food and cocktail experience.
Other dishes available are Larb Kua, an aromatic Isaan-style salad with herbs and roasted rice powder; Khao Soi, a Northern Thai curry noodle soup enriched with coconut milk and topped with crispy noodles and Pla Rad Prik, crispy deep-fried grouper fish served with spicy chilli sauce and more.
For dessert, guests can enjoy Ma Muang, a coconut panna cotta with mango and crispy mung beans, paired perfectly with the Khaosan Tiki, a tropical cocktail blending rum, Cointreau, pineapple, and passionfruit. Guests also took part in the release of beautifully decorated floating offerings.
Guests are invited to reserve their tables and experience the flavours, colours, and spirit of Thailand — right here at Amari SPICE Penang.
This sounds warm and magical; Loy Krathong with Thai cuisine at Amari SPICE Penang must have brightened the night. Hope to hear more about the festival’s wonderful moments and flavors.