The 10th annual “Chim Pu Chak @ Cha-am” Crab Festival is drawing large crowds, as tourists and locals gather along the beach to enjoy fresh seafood and cultural activities.
The festival, which began on March 8, is a major event for Cha-am, highlighting the area’s reputation for seafood and its role in Thailand’s food tourism strategy.
Deputy Minister of Commerce Napinthorn Srisanpang presided over the festival’s opening ceremony at the scenic viewpoint on Cha-am Beach. He was joined by Phetchaburi Governor Pol. Lt. Phopchanok Chalanukhro, Phetchaburi Red Cross President Mrs. Natthinee Khongbuchakiat, Phetchaburi MP Mr. Ruek Yudee, and several other provincial and local officials. Representatives from the private sector, including the Thai Hotels Association and the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), were also in attendance.
Speaking at the event, Napinthorn described Cha-am as a key tourist destination that generates substantial income for the local community. He commended efforts by Cha-am Municipality and TAT’s Phetchaburi Office to promote tourism through initiatives such as the festival, which help distribute income and improve the quality of life for residents. He also acknowledged Singha Corporation and other partners for their role in making the event possible.
Now in its 10th year, the “Chim Pu Chak @ Cha-am” Festival has gained national recognition, attracting visitors eager to sample fresh blue crab and seafood sourced from local fishermen. The festival aligns with Thailand’s food tourism strategy, positioning Cha-am’s blue crab as a cultural asset. Phetchaburi, designated as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, is leveraging the festival to promote local cuisine and traditions, with blue crab featured as one of the “5 Fs”—Food—under Thailand’s cultural identity strategy.
The festival offers a range of attractions, including over 60 food stalls serving fresh seafood and signature crab dishes crafted by chefs from leading hotels and restaurants in Cha-am. Visitors can also watch demonstrations of traditional crab-fishing techniques, browse local handicrafts, and enjoy live music performances each evening.
In addition to food and entertainment, the festival features a conservation initiative called “Releasing Young Blue Crabs Back into the Sea.” Each evening between 6:00 PM and 7:30 PM, 4 million juvenile crabs are released, an activity open to all visitors free of charge.
The “Chim Pu Chak @ Cha-am” Festival continues until March 15 at the scenic viewpoint on Cha-am Beach, offering visitors a chance to experience Cha-am’s seafood culture and support local businesses.
