The Ministry of Culture is encouraging everyone to join the celebration of Songkran Festival throughout the country, with an emphasis on preserving the values of Thai culture, ensuring that people will celebrate the traditional Thai New Year with happiness.

Minister of Culture Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol said that the ministry has launched the campaign for Songkran celebration this year under the theme “Once in a Lifetime: Experience Songkran in Thailand.” The festival should be celebrated appropriately in accordance with different cultural backgrounds of each community in all regions of the country. 

Many foreigners find Songkran a great time to visit Thailand to experience distinctive cultural activities in a delightful atmosphere. The meaningful elements of Songkran are expressed through culture-rich ceremonies and rituals that reflect both local beliefs and practices.

In 2023, UNESCO inscribed “Songkran in Thailand, traditional Thai New Year festival,” on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The tradition of Songkran has been practiced and passed down from generation to generation by Thai people and ethnic communities. This meaningful tradition reflects the Thai values of gratitude to ancestors, generosity and goodwill toward others, and a spirit of unity.  

Songkran is the festival that Thai people of all ages wait for every year, particularly the country folk, who still retain their traditional practices. Although this festival of entertaining and socializing covers one week or more in some rural areas, the highlight is between 13 and 15 April. 

On this occasion, people both young and old usually go to the local temple for merit-making, such as alms-giving to monks. They also sprinkle Buddha images with scented water. Young people pour lustral water onto the palms of their elders as a gesture of respect and present them with gifts. In return, the elders give their blessings to them. 

It is also a time when Thais splash water over friends and other people to give them a New Year blessing. The water-splashing has made the festival famous around the globe. The fact that April is the hottest month of the year in Thailand makes the blessing very welcome.

In Bangkok, the festival is celebrated in many areas, particularly Siam – Sam Yan (Pathum Wan District), Silom Road, Sanam Luang, ICONSIAM, and the Fashion Island Shopping Mall.