The yearly crab-eating fest in Bangkok’s Bang Khunthien district kicked off on Friday under the auspices of Governor Chadchart Sittipunt.

The event will run until Monday, when Thailand marks the yearly Makha Bucha Day.

At the event, Chadchart said Bang Khunthien is unique because it is the only district in Bangkok that has a coast, with the Bay of Bangkok lapping at its shore.

“The district’s yearly crab-eating festival will be added to Bangkok’s calendar of events and festivals. Next year the fest will last longer, giving tourists more time to visit the district,” he said.

The governor was referring to his “12 Festivals throughout the Year” policy, which aims to host at least one festival per month. The aim of these festivals is to promote domestic tourism and boost the local economy.

Chadchart added that the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) will work with local communities and the private sector to promote the crab-eating festival more widely, so it becomes an attraction for foreign travellers. The governor reckons this will help further boost Bang Khunthien’s economy.

Apart from serving up fresh crab and seafood delicacies caught in the Bay of Bangkok, the fest will also focus on eco-friendly tourism and the conservation of mangrove forests along the district’s coast

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The crab-eating festival, which wraps up on Monday, runs from 9.30am to 10pm at the football field in Pittayalongkorn Pittayakhom School.

Here visitors can feast on fresh seafood, pick up OTOP products, go on fishing or eating contests, enjoy concerts and a variety of theme park rides.

Those interested in eco-tourism can also book a boat or bicycle trip to check out life in Bang Khunthien’s fishing communities.