Bangkok: The Prime Minister opened the “Maha Songkran World Water Festival 2025” at Sanam Luang, marking the Thai New Year with a grand water splashing celebration and promoting Thai cultural heritage as a global event.
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Paethongtarn Shinawatra, Prime Minister, arrived in a vibrant pink Thai silk dress, complemented by a colorful silk suit adorned with purple flowers. The Prime Minister described it as a cheerful Songkran outfit. Cabinet members donned local identity patterns representing each province as they attended the “Maha Songkran World Water Festival 2025” parade on Ratchadamnoen Nai Road.
The Prime Minister declared the event open, highlighting that this is the second consecutive year the World Water Festival has been held. She noted the collaboration between the private, government, and public sectors in organizing the event. Emphasizing the significance of Songkran as a national event, she expressed confidence that if Songkran is promoted as a key event across Thailand, it will attract worldwide attention, making the country a prime destination for global tourists.
Ms. Paethongtarn stated, “This is a tangible upgrade of Songkran, developing the existing Thai culture. When technology, modernity, and creativity are added, it will add economic value to our traditions and stimulate the economy in Bangkok and the whole country in an interesting way.”
The Prime Minister also stressed the government’s efforts to promote year-round travel across various provinces. In April, the Songkran festival extends from early in the month until Wan Lai on April 25-27, allowing for nearly month-long travel opportunities. By extending the festival beyond its traditional three days and holding events nationwide, it is anticipated that tourists will spend more time in Thailand, aiding economic circulation.
Following her speech, the Prime Minister watched a display featuring 1,200 drones, showcasing images such as the Maha Songkran World Water Festival 2025 logo, Garuda, Wat Arun, and other iconic Thai symbols.
TAT projects that during the Songkran Festival, from April 12-16, 2025, tourist activity will generate over 26.5 billion baht in revenue, an 8 percent increase from the previous year. Approximately 476,000 foreign tourists are expected, marking a 3 percent rise and generating 7.324 billion baht. The number of Thai visitors is anticipated to reach 4,418,500, up by 6 percent, contributing approximately 19.24 billion baht. TAT also forecasts that the Sanam Luang activities will draw over 800,000 Thai and foreign tourists, generating over 3.2 billion baht in economic circulation.