Songkran, the annual Thai New Year celebration, evokes mixed feelings. For some it is a spiritual and traditional celebration, while others experience it as a hectic water festival. This article offers a personal look at the various aspects of Songkran, with respect for Thai culture and a nod to the sometimes uncomfortable situations that the festival entails.
'The smile behind exciting Thailand' is the first book by Ger de Kok. Ger has, according to him, a good insight into the real Thailand. After visiting Thailand for many years, he decided to write down his opinion and his experiences with Thailand in this book.
Road safety during Songkran under scrutiny: again this year, a significant number of accidents and fatalities
The Center for the Prevention and Reduction of Traffic Accidents released the report on the 2024 Songkran Festival, showing that 2.044 accidents were recorded with 2.060 injuries and 287 deaths. The results underline the need for improved road safety measures, especially against the backdrop of fast driving, reckless overtaking and drunk driving.
The final day of the Songkran festival in Pattaya has attracted large crowds on Beach Road and at Central Festival. Known for its lively water fights, the event marks a period of celebration and renewal. While many visitors enjoyed the festivities, opponents of the water festival breathed a sigh of relief at the conclusion.
Happy Thai New Year: Sawadee Pi Mai, Songkran can begin!
The Thai New Year, Songkran, is more than a playful water fight; it is a time of renewal and community. Every year, the streets of Thailand transform into vibrant arenas where everyone, young and old, celebrate the transition to a new year with rituals that both cleanse and connect.
The Songkran Festival, a highlight in Thailand that marks the traditional New Year, brings a time of joy with lively water fights and cultural festivities. As excitement grows among participants worldwide, experts emphasize the importance of preparation for a safe and enjoyable experience. From traffic planning to sun protection, this article offers advice on how to fully enjoy Songkran without compromise.
Songkran will last three weeks this year and starts on April 1
This year, Thailand is going big with the celebration of the Songkran festival, which starts on April 1 and lasts three weeks. The nationwide festival, recently recognized as an Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO, promises a mix of fun water activities and cultural events. The government sees it as an opportunity to promote tourism and emphasize Thailand's soft power.
Thailand announces an ambitious transformation of the Songkran festival into a month-long global water festival. Paetongtarn Shinawatra of the Pheu Thai Party unveils plans to make Songkran a top world event, aiming to strengthen Thailand's soft power and attract international visitors, promising a significant economic boost.
'Songkran and neighbors rumor'
This story takes us to the celebration of the Songkran festival in a small Isan village in Thailand. Lieven treats us to a lively portrayal of the festivities, humorous events and personal encounters. Among the rice fields and dancing partygoers, an anecdote unfolds about a mysterious German neighbour, Otto. With a mix of humour, nostalgia and a touch of self-mockery, this story invites you on a journey through the land of smiles and the idiosyncrasies of its inhabitants.
And? Did you get wet the past few days?
Songkran is all but over and many will breathe a sigh of relief. If you live in Pattaya then you are out of luck because it will continue there for a while. On April 19, there is the big Songkran party on Beachroad and then the water fun is over. In any case, who got soaking wet is Prayut.
Happy Songkran! Happy Thai New Year!
The editors and bloggers wish the readers of Thailandblog a Happy Thai New Year. “Happy Songkran” “สุขสันต์วันสงกรานต์” (Suk san wan Songkran).
Songkran in ancient times (video)
Tomorrow is April 13 and that is an important date for Thailand, namely the start of Songkran (April 13 – 15), the Thai new year. Most Thais are on vacation and use Songkran to return to their hometown to ring in the New Year with family. During Songkran, parents and grandparents are thanked by sprinkling water on their children's hands. The water symbolizes happiness and renewal.
Water festivals in Southeast Asia
It's April and therefore time for a number of Southeast Asian countries to ceremonially close the year and usher in a new year. In Thailand we know the Songkran Festival for this. The traditional celebrations in temples are less well known than the boisterous playing with water by both Thais and foreigners.
Discover Thailand's sparkling Songkran Festival The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) invites you to join the festivities of the Songkran Festival, the Thai New Year, at various locations across the country. This year, the agency expects an economic boost of 18 billion baht thanks to both Thai and foreign visitors participating in the celebrations.
Remarkable New Year's Eve traditions
Just a little while and we greet the new year. Many are happy that we can put this 2022 behind us, a year marked by the war in Ukraine, high energy bills and the aftermath of the corona crisis. The old year must first be closed in style and we do that mainly by looking back. The turn of the year, New Year's Eve, is therefore one of traditions. Fireworks and donuts have already been discussed on Thailand blog but there is more.
New Year's tradition: Oliebollen and fireworks (1)
The prelude to the turn of the year is one of traditions: oliebollen, apple turnovers and fireworks. To start with the oliebollen, where does that tradition come from? That is still unclear. They probably have their origin in a Catholic tradition, but they may also have been brought by Portuguese Jews.
Happy Songkran! Happy Thai New Year!
After two years, a festival can finally be held again in the Buddharama Temple in Waalwijk, a large meeting center of mainly Thai people in the Netherlands and Belgium. Make a note of April 16 in your diary.
Agenda: Songkran party on April 16 in Antwerp
Introduce. I run Cafe ISAAN together with my wife in the Breydelstraat in Antwerp. Maybe you already knew it, but I think Antwerp is the heart of Europe where so many Thai cafes are located in one place. All are located close to the central station. There is something for everyone.
Origin of Songkran
According to the Buddhist scriptures of Wat Pho, Songkran originated from the death of Kapila Brahma (กบิล พรหม).
Songkran festivals in Belgium and the Netherlands
The Songkran period is approaching and will be celebrated again this year. In Belgium and the Netherlands, attention will also be paid to Songkran in a number of places.
Thailand summer season started on March 2, 2022
According to the Thai Meteorological Department, Thailand's summer season officially begins today and lasts until mid-May.