Bangkok: Bangkok invites you to celebrate "Songkran Bangkok," a grand event held at 91 locations, emphasizing fun and safety.
According to Thai News Agency, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is organizing the Songkran 2026 celebrations, inviting people to partake in festivities at numerous locations throughout the city. Police will be deployed in concert to ensure safety under the "5 P" initiative.
Mr. Chatchart Sittipunt, Governor of Bangkok, has tasked Ms. Rujira Arin, Deputy Director of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration's Culture, Sports and Tourism Department, Pol. Gen. Adisorn Ngamjitsukri, Advisor to the Governor, and other relevant executives to jointly announce the organization of the Bangkok Songkran Festival 2026. The event, named "Bangkok Songkran," will be hosted at the City Hall Plaza, Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, inviting participation across the city and emphasizing the cultural significance of Songkran, which is recognized by UNESCO as a part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
This year's celebrations span 91 government and private sector organizations, featuring events in 16 key areas categorized into four main groups: international events, economic zones, cultural events, and community and temple cultural heritage showcases.
The "Songkran Bangkok" event is scheduled from April 12-14, 2026, at the City Hall Plaza in Bangkok. It will focus on traditional Thai activities such as the procession of the Phra Phuttha Sihing Buddha image, bathing the Buddha, making merit by offering alms to monks, blessing elders by pouring water, cultural performances, and retro-style Thai dance performances, along with other festive activities reminiscent of a temple fair.
Large-scale events will also be held in key areas such as the Maha Songkran World Water Festival at Benjakitti Park, the Water Festival 2026 along the Chao Phraya River, and Songkran festivals in major economic zones like Siam Square, Khao San Road, Silom Road, Banthat Thong, and leading shopping malls. These events aim to attract both Thai and international tourists by combining cultural activities, music, and entertainment.
Ms. Rujira Arin noted that fewer people are expected to travel to other provinces due to the energy situation, leading to an estimated 30% increase in local participation compared to last year. The BMA has prepared to accommodate this by distributing event areas throughout the city, including designated areas, water play prohibited zones, and traditional community water play zones. The BMA emphasizes appropriate water play and preserving Thai traditions while providing shaded areas for comfort during hot weather.
Pol. Gen. Adisorn Ngamjitsukhsri revealed that the BMA, in collaboration with the Metropolitan Police Command, has implemented strict safety measures under the "5 P" policy: No high-pressure water guns, no alcohol, no nudity, no powder, and water conservation. These are complemented by measures promoting respectful behavior during water fights, health awareness, and responsible use of public spaces. The BMA Command Center will utilize 24-hour connected information and CCTV systems, increasing checkpoints and public service points, and deploying AI-powered CCTV cameras to manage crowd capacity. Water fights will be permitted until 10:00 PM in all areas.
Additionally, preventative safety measures have been prepared, including inspections of buildings and event venues, fire escape routes, fire systems, and various obstacles in cooperation with local district offices to ensure the event runs smoothly and safely.