Thailand: Songkran 2025 festival set to make a global splash

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is preparing for the World Water Festival, Maha Songkran 2025.

See: Thai New Year, Songkran 2025

The event will highlight Thailand's growing reputation as a world-class festival destination.

Mr. Jakkaphon Tangsutthitham, Deputy Minister of Tourism and Sports, said:

“Songkran is more than a celebration, it is a proud symbol of Thai identity and soft power.

With this year's festival, we want to share our cultural richness with the world while encouraging travelers to explore every corner of Thailand, from big cities to hidden gems."

Held from April 11 to 15 in Sanam Luang Park, Bangkok , the festival will mark a milestone in positioning Thailand among the world's top 10 festival destinations.

It builds on the international recognition of “Songkran in Thailand, a traditional Thai New Year festival” as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage and will present a reimagined experience designed to captivate local and international audiences.

One of the highlights of this year's celebration is the Maha Songkran parade, which will feature eight themed processions reflecting Thailand's cultural identity, creativity and soft power.

On April 12 at 5 p.m., the parade will depart from Democracy Monument and proceed to Sanam Luang via Ratchadamnoen Avenue.

On April 13, a second parade will tour Sanam Luang, followed by static displays of the decorated floats at the site until April 15.

Beyond the parades, Sanam Luang will come alive with a multi-zone festival, including:

• Five regional Songkran areas featuring distinct traditions from across Thailand
• “5 Must-Do Thailand” Experiences Highlighting Key Cultural Activities
• A party area in a Thai temple with a haunted house, an outdoor cinema, a Ferris wheel and the construction of a sand pagoda
• Traditional Buddha image bathing and water pouring rituals for the elderly
• A water play area with a giant bucket, fountain shows synchronized to music, a water station (for refills for those playing Songkran) and EDM sets by top DJs
• More than 100 stalls offering food, crafts and regional specialties from the five regions.

Festival-goers can also look forward to nighttime shows on the main stage.

Including traditional performances, contemporary acts and live concerts from some of Thailand's most popular artists, such as:

Bodyslam, Polycat, Jeff Satur, The Toys, 4EVE, Joey Boy, Paradox, Ink Waruntorn and Carabao, among many others.

Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, Governor of TAT, said:

“The Maha Songkran World Water Festival 2025 embodies the spirit of Thailand: joyful, welcoming and full of creative energy.

This year's program is packed with new additions and favorites, designed to inspire wonder while preserving our heritage and ensuring a safe and memorable experience for all."

Songkran Festival 2024 in Thailand. Photo: Thai PBS World

The TAT will also enhance the visitor experience with the Maha Songkran World Water Festival 2025 web app, which will provide real-time updates, area maps and performance schedules.

In line with its commitment to sustainable tourism, the event will highlight “GYOU-TURN,” a plastic recycling and upcycling initiative that will contribute to responsible waste management at the festival.

For added safety and convenience, the Tourist Police Bureau will provide 24-hour assistance in eight languages, in addition to the Thai Tourist Police mobile app , which incorporates an SOS button, GPS location sharing and direct links to national emergency services.

Nationwide, the “Yen Tua La Maha Songkran” series will extend celebrations to communities across Thailand, with events taking place throughout April in provinces including:

Chiang Mai, Khon Kaen, Lampang, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Nong Khai and Ayutthaya, among others.

These regional festivals highlight local heritage while promoting tourism in towns with hidden treasures.

In addition, private sector events, including Maha Songkran at Thailand's largest shopping mall, ICONSIAM , the S2O Songkran Music Festival and GCircuit Songkran 2025, will amplify the festive atmosphere in Bangkok and beyond.

Songkran performance at Iconsiam Shopping Mall in Bangkok. Photo: Iconsiam

For a full list of events, visit: Maha Songkran World Water Festival 2025 .

The TAT predicts that Songkran 2025 will generate more than 26.5 billion baht in tourism revenue between April 12 and 16, an 8% increase from the previous year.

This includes 476,000 international arrivals contributing 7.324 billion baht, and more than 4.4 million domestic visits generating 19.24 billion baht.

See also:

History, origin and tradition of Thai New Year, Songkran

Dos and Don'ts of Songkran, the Thai New Year

Source : TAT News