Samut prakan: Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and his wife joined local celebrations for the Phra Pradaeng Songkran festival on Sunday, vowing to preserve the country's unique cultural heritage following its recognition by UNESCO. The Prime Minister, dressed in a traditional floral shirt, was accompanied by his wife, Thanonont Charnvirakul, who wore a traditional Thai-Raman outfit to honor the Mon ethnic community that historically settled in the district.

According to Thai News Agency, Anutin bypassed his prepared script to deliver a more personal message to a massive crowd in Samut Prakan, emphasizing his government's commitment to public happiness and local tourism. The Phra Pradaeng festival, also known as "Pak Lat Songkran," is held later than the official national holiday and is famed for its distinct Mon (Raman) traditions. This year's event comes after UNESCO officially inscribed "Songkran in Thailand" on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Anutin highlighted a new government initiative, "Travel Thailand Every Month," designed to transform local traditions into year-round festivals to stimulate the economy. Following the opening ceremony, the Prime Minister and his delegation participated in merit-making activities, including releasing birds and fish, and joined in "Saba," a traditional Mon folk game.

Local authorities implemented strict safety measures for the event, including a ban on pickup trucks carrying water tanks and passengers on 13 major roads to prevent accidents and manage the heavy traffic flow.