Bangkok: Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul attended the Lao New Year (Songkran) celebration for the year 2026 at the Embassy of the Lao People's Democratic Republic in Bangkok, Thailand. He was warmly welcomed by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Thongsavanh Phomvihane of Laos, his wife Mrs. Vadsana Phomvihane, and Ambassador of Laos Sisavath Inphachan.

According to Thai News Agency, on this occasion, the Prime Minister presented a vase of flowers to congratulate the Ambassador of the Lao PDR before attending the Baisri Su Khwan ceremony in the club hall. This is an important Laotian traditional ceremony involving prayers to call back the spirit, anointing, making holy water, and tying sacred threads for good fortune.

Following that, the Prime Minister attended a reception celebrating the Lao New Year at the lawn in front of the Embassy. The Ambassador of Laos gave a welcoming speech, and the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Laos offered New Year greetings, emphasizing the strong relationship between the two countries.

The Prime Minister also joined a meal while watching eight Lao cultural performances, including blessing dances, folk performances, and Lao songs, reflecting the unique identity and beauty of Lao culture. The atmosphere was friendly and warm, with many distinguished guests from the government, private sector, diplomatic corps, and those involved in Thai-Lao cooperation in attendance.

In addition, the Prime Minister joined the attendees in a Lao New Year dance, fostering closeness and friendliness, before the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Lao PDR presented a bouquet of flowers to the performers and invited the Prime Minister onto the stage for a group photo with the distinguished guests.

The Baisri Su Khwan ceremony and Lao New Year celebration were attended by approximately 500 people, including diplomats and representatives from the government and private sectors that cooperate with the Lao PDR. This reflects the close relationship in all dimensions-cultural, social, and economic-between the two countries.