Thailand Kicks Off Maha Songkran World Water Festival 2025 with Spectacular Parade
By Kenny Teng Khoon Hock
BANGKOK, April 12 (Bernama) — Thailand kicked off the Maha Songkran World Water Festival 2025 with a spectacular parade in Bangkok on Saturday, marking the start of the traditional Thai New Year celebrations.
Prime Minister’s Message
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, along with cabinet ministers, attended the opening ceremony of this year’s Songkran, which had been officially inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2023.
“The Maha Songkran World Water Festival 2025 aims to boost tourism, stimulate the economy, and highlight Thailand’s capability to host world-class events,” she said in a statement on Saturday.
Preparations for the Festival
Meanwhile, commissioner of the Immigration Bureau, Pol Lt Gen Panumas Boonyalak, said immigration officers and airport authorities have been mobilised nationwide to ensure safety and provide convenience for foreign tourists and the public during the festivities.
He said Thailand is entering its peak tourist season, with a sharp rise in foreign arrivals expected during the Songkran celebration, where daily tourist numbers are projected to reach 150,000.
Songkran Traditions
Songkran, traditionally celebrated from April 13 to 15, includes family reunions, paying respects to elders and ancestors, and the washing of sacred Buddha images.
This year, April 16 has been declared an additional public holiday to compensate for April 13 falling on a Sunday.
Water Festival Activities
The festival is widely known for its water-throwing activities, vibrant parades, and colourful displays, which symbolise the start of the Thai New Year in a spirit of joy and renewal.
A Video from the Festival
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Conclusion
The Maha Songkran World Water Festival 2025 is a significant event that celebrates the traditional Thai New Year and promotes tourism, economy, and cultural heritage. With its vibrant parades, water-throwing activities, and colourful displays, the festival is a must-attend event for anyone interested in experiencing Thai culture.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Maha Songkran World Water Festival 2025? – The Maha Songkran World Water Festival 2025 is a traditional Thai New Year celebration that promotes tourism, economy, and cultural heritage.
- When is the festival celebrated? – The festival is celebrated from April 13 to 15, with April 16 declared as an additional public holiday.
- What are the main activities of the festival? – The festival includes water-throwing activities, vibrant parades, and colourful displays, as well as family reunions, paying respects to elders and ancestors, and the washing of sacred Buddha images.
- How can I stay updated on the festival? – Follow BERNAMA on social media platforms for up-to-date information and live coverage of the festival.