Organised by Thai PBS Centre for Social Agenda and Public Policy Communication with a network of partners, the Bangkok Active Festival brought Bangkokians together at Lumphini Park from 19–21 June 2026 to imagine, debate and help shape the future of the city.
Across three days, the festival created space for citizens, artists, young people, policymakers and communities to share ideas and envision a better Bangkok — from greener neighbourhoods and improved public transport to stronger communities, greater inclusion and solutions to urban poverty.
Giving Voice to a Greener Bangkok
As part of the festival’s programme of creative voices, I took to the stage to perform my original spoken-word poem, ‘Breathe Green’.
Written in response to Bangkok’s environmental challenges, Breathe Green reflects on our relationship with the city we inhabit and asks us to consider what a greener, healthier Bangkok could look like. Through poetry, the performance explores the importance of clean air, green spaces, environmental responsibility and our collective role in creating a more liveable city.
Spoken word provided a space to transform these concerns into something personal, expressive and shared, reminding audiences that conversations about the future of our city can take many forms.
Creativity, Conversation & Civic Action
From Vision in the Park and Bangkok Open Mic to exhibitions, policy discussions, interactive activities, sustainable markets and community spaces, the festival encouraged people not simply to observe but to participate.
This spirit of participation resonated strongly with Purnima’s creative practice. As a spoken-word poet and educator, I believe in the power of creative expression to give voice to ideas, encourage dialogue and inspire people to imagine possibilities for change.
Performing at Bangkok Active Festival was an opportunity to bring poetry into this wider civic conversation – using creative expression to reflect on the Bangkok we experience today and the city we hope to create tomorrow.
Because a better Bangkok begins with imagining what is possible and finding the courage to give that vision a voice.
