By Chen Guanxin, compiled and reported
The annual Thailand Songkran Festival, which attracts numerous tourists from around the world, will take place from April 6 to 28 in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Ayutthaya, Sukhothai, and other locations. Global visitors are welcome to join in the celebrations of traditional Thai New Year joy.
The world-famous Thailand Songkran Festival will begin on April 6, attracting many tourists to celebrate the splash-filled Thai New Year. (Photo provided by Tourism Authority of Thailand)
The Songkran Festival (also known as the Thai New Year) is the most joyful traditional holiday for Thai people. The Thai word “Songkran” originates from the Sanskrit word meaning “passage into,” signifying the movement into a new astrological phase and the start of a new year. During this period, Thai people who live abroad return to their hometowns to reunite with family, highlighting the festival’s great significance. Although Thailand’s official New Year has long been changed to January 1st, people still honor this ancient tradition. To this day, in the hottest month of April, people splash water on one another as a symbol of blessings — washing away the misfortunes of the past year and collecting good luck for the year ahead, while also cooling off during the peak heat.
During this time, the entire Khao San Road — a backpacker favorite in Bangkok — is filled with joyful scenes of locals and foreigners splashing water on each other. In Chiang Mai’s Old City, eye-catching parades and trucks packed with people continuously spray water guns at other vehicles and pedestrians, creating a lively and wild atmosphere similar to vigorously splashing neighboring boat passengers with ladles while rafting on the Shiguanxi River. The main celebration spots in Ayutthaya include the ancient city of Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Wat Phra Mongkhon Bophit, and areas around the province. People dress in traditional Thai attire to offer food to monks at temples, pray for blessings, and gently pour scented water over the palms of elders. There are also elephant parades painted in vibrant colors joining in the water festivities, offering an even richer taste of local culture. For detailed event information, please visit the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s website: www.tattpe.org.tw/Main/Main.aspx.
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