Tuesday, April 2, 2024
The grand inauguration of the Maha Songkran World Water Festival 2024 took place during the 42nd Thailand Tourism Festival in Bangkok. This event pledges an extravagant commemoration of the traditional Thai New Year, recognized as a UNESCO-listed Intangible Cultural Heritage. Scheduled to unfold from 11th to 15th April in Bangkok, the festival promises an immersive experience steeped in cultural richness and celebration.
Tourism and Sports Minister, Ms. Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol, said “The Maha Songkran World Water Festival 2024 marks the global recognition of the vibrant celebration of Thai New Year. The five-day spectacle is a part of the government’s soft power promotion policy to boost the country’s cultural significance on the global stage.”
The commencement event provided a preview of the grand spectacle as preparations kicked off for the upcoming five-day extravaganza, meticulously organized by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) under the Ministry of Tourism and Sports. This event celebrates UNESCO’s recognition of ‘Songkran in Thailand, Traditional Thai New Year Festival’ as part of the esteemed Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity List.
The colorful procession showcased elements from five regions, including a magnificent display featuring the Nang Songkran goddess of 2024, giving a glimpse of the grandeur expected during the 20-procession spectacle set for April 11.
On April 11, the procession will traverse Ratchadamnoen Klang Avenue, commencing from the Phan Fa Lilat Bridge and culminating at Sanam Luang, where it will be on display until April 15.
Leading the array of 20 splendid processions will be the Buddha image procession, followed by the Mahodhara Devi procession (the Nang Songkran goddess of 2024), processions representing Songkran traditions from 16 provinces along with cultural performances featuring over 1,000 artists, processions showcasing unique traditions from five other provinces, and finally, processions highlighting Thai soft power.
Songkran in Thailand is a nationwide celebration spanning three days, from April 13-15, with April 13 also marked as National Elderly Day, while April 14 and 15 are celebrated as the respective days are National Family Day and Thai New Year’s Day.
The five-day festival promises an exciting lineup of activities, providing tourists with a delightful experience of Songkran celebrations across the country while instilling pride among Thais for their rich cultural heritage.
Minister Attached to the Prime Minister’s Office, Mrs. Puangpet Chunlaiad, said “Songkran for Thais is a time for people who have moved to other cities or towns to travel back home for family reunions, pay respects to the elders and ask for blessings, as well as visiting temples for merit-making activities. People are advised always to be careful when travelling during this celebratory time.”
The Ministry of Culture cordially invites everyone to join in the Songkran celebrations across six distinct locations: Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Khon Kaen, Samut Prakan, Chon Buri, and Phuket. This joyous occasion marks the recognition of Songkran as a UNESCO ‘Intangible Cultural Heritage’ in Thailand.
“Thais are also encouraged to visit temples to make offerings and to pray for good luck in provinces with the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Sukhothai, Kamphaeng Phet, Ayutthaya, Udon Thani, and Phetchabun, as well as exploring local experiences at the 10 model tourism communities of 2023,” Culture Minister, Mr. Sermsak Pongpanit, said.
The Ministry of Culture has unveiled 10 model tourism communities situated in Kanchanaburi, Chumphon, Chiang Saen, Phrae, Yasothon, Ranong, Ratchaburi, Lamphun, Samut Sakhon, and Udon Thani.
In tandem with this, TAT plans to utilize the inaugural ceremony as a focal point for introducing 72 faith-centric tourism routes scattered across various locations within five regions.
These routes encompass diverse experiences such as paying respects to Buddha relics, retracing the steps of revered monks, and exploring renowned temples. Each route encompasses tourism communities, local attractions, temples, monasteries, and unique culinary adventures.
The upcoming “Maha Songkran World Water Festival 2024” alongside Songkran festivities nationwide from April 12-16 are anticipated to stimulate heightened travel and tourism activities, culminating in an estimated overall tourism revenue of 24.42 billion Baht.
This revenue projection includes 8.76 billion Baht from international tourism and 15.66 billion Baht from domestic tourism, with expectations of 510,000 international visitor arrivals and 4.29 million domestic trips.
Furthermore, Songkran celebrations in Bangkok are poised to generate 3.69 billion Baht in revenue and entice 653,590 domestic trips.
Wednesday, May 1, 2024
Wednesday, May 1, 2024
Wednesday, May 1, 2024
