Nene Royal Statue Featured at Samut Prakan’s Traditional Rab Bua Festival

On October 23, 2026, the annual Rab Bua (Lotus Receiving) festival took place at Wat Bang Phli Yai Nai in Samut Prakan province. The event, a significant local cultural tradition, featured a grand procession of a replica of the Luang Pho To Buddha statue, which was transported through the streets to allow residents and visitors to pay their respects.

Beyond the religious ceremonies, a notable attraction drew significant attention: a statue of Thai artist Nene Royal (Rattikan Amloy), the winner of America’s Got Talent 2026. The figure, depicted in a red dress with her signature guitar and making a heart gesture, was displayed in front of the temple’s ordination hall. According to Khaosod Online, the statue was installed to honor the artist's recent global success and to add a contemporary cultural element to the traditional festivities.

For residents and travelers, the festival offers a vibrant look at local devotion and community spirit. While the procession and the statue display were the primary features of this year's event, visitors should note that such cultural celebrations often involve large crowds and temporary traffic adjustments in the Bang Phli area. It remains to be confirmed how long the statue will remain on display at the temple grounds following the conclusion of the festival.