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.
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.
10 Best Places in Thailand to Celebrate Songkran
Songkran is the traditional Thai New Year, which you probably know as a large-scale water festival. Yet its origins go back much further and have deep cultural and spiritual roots.
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.
Thai New Year Songkran: 'You love it or you hate it!'
Soon Songkran will erupt again. Thailand celebrates the New Year on April 13. The Songkran water festival, one of the most famous and popular festivals in Thailand, evokes mixed feelings among Thais and expats. While some love the party and festivities, others find it horrible and prefer to avoid the crowds and splashing water.
Pattaya Mayor Sonthaya Kunplome said the Songkran water festival will return in April, with the city sponsoring an official “wan lai” celebration.