Russia invites young Thais to attend festival this yearRussia has invited young people in Thailand and other countries to apply to the International Youth Festival 2026, which aims to bring together participants aged 35 or younger. Russia previously hosted such festivals in Moscow in 1985, when it was part of the Soviet Union, and in the Black Sea resort city of Sochi in 2017. More recently, a government-run World Youth Festival was held in the Sirius federal territory from Feb 29 to March 7, 2024, drawing about 20,000 participants from 190 countries, according to Russian officials. Following that event, President Vladimir Putin approved a long-term plan for Russia to host regular youth gatherings, including a World Youth Festival every six years starting in 2030, an International Youth Festival every six years beginning in 2027, and smaller annual thematic events. The International Youth Festival 2026 is scheduled to take place in Ekaterinburg from Sept 11 to 17.

Source: Bangkok Post February 10, 2026 02:12 UTC