Staff Correspondent
The Royal Thai Embassy celebrated this UNESCO-recognized festival recently at its premise where scores
of Thai people, friends and acquaintances participated in merit-making, Buddha-bathing and water-
fighting.
Traditionally, it is a time for Thai people to express their gratitude and spiritual devotion for the new
year. Families offer food and floral garlands at the temples and pray for the longevity of their elders. It is
also time to reflect on what they have done in the past year and to ward off negativity and welcome all
good vibes to life.
For the fun part, the act of splashing water has become a major highlight attracting travellers from
around the world to visit Thailand and participate in the greatest water fighting event. In some parts of
the country such as Pattaya, the water fight lasts for more than one week. All elements during Songkran
portray the Thai values of gratitude, respect, generosity, mindfulness and hospitality.
UNESCO inscribed the traditional Thai New Year festival or Songkran on its Intangible Cultural Heritage
of Humanity List during its 18th Session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the
Intangible Cultural Heritage in Botswana on 6 December 2023.
The celebration of Songkran in April is one of Thailand's most well-known festivals where tourists visit
Thailand during the peak of the hottest season to enjoy traditional activities and water-splashing fun.
Water symbolizes pure minds and kind hearts. Pouring water onto each other is a lighthearted gesture
of well wishing.
Songkran is a tradition that has been celebrated since ancient time. The word “Songkran” from Sanskrit
means “movement” referring to the movement of the sun from one zodiac sign to another. Thai
Songkran period is when the sun moves from Pisces to Aries. Normally, it is celebrated for three days (13
– 15 April). It corresponds to the Bengali New Year which follows the same ancient calendar and reflects
the cultural link and similarities between Thailand and Bangladesh.
