Top 10 global events
“Maha Songkran World Water Festival 2024” extravaganza will take place from 11-15 April in Bangkok, along Ratchadamnoen Klang Avenue and at Sanam Luang.
The event is set to illustrate the rich culture and tradition of Thai soft power with spectacular Songkran parades and celebrations, officially announced by Thailand’s Ministry of Tourism and Sports, together with the Ministry of Culture, the Ministry of Interior, and the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT).
According to press release of TAT, the Songkran celebrations will be organized in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Khon Kaen, Samut Prakan, Chon Buri, and Phuket,
The festival also marks to celebrate its UNESCO ‘Intangible Cultural Heritage’ status and to help promote Thai soft power to a global recognition.”
For this, Miss Universe 2023 first runner-up Miss Antonia Porsild has been named as Mahodhara Devi, the Nang Songkran goddess of 2024.
It has also composed the Songkran songs in Thai, English, Chinese, and French to enhance the awareness of the festival’s cultural heritage, the report added.
Tourism and Sports Minister, Ms. Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol said “The government places festivals at the core of its Thai soft power promotion with an aim to push Songkran to become one of the top 10 global festivals.”
The ‘Maha Songkran Parade’ with over 20 grand processions featuring more than 1,000 performers that will be marching along the Ratchadamnoen Klang Avenue to Sanam Luang.”
“The Maha Songkran World Water Festival 2024 to be broadcasted globally via CNN, BBC and iQIYI will showcase Thai traditions and cultural values to the world,” said TAT Governor, Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibool.
International celebrities and influencers are also to be invited to experience Songkran in Thailand and ultimately inspire their fans and followers to embark on a journey to create and share their own “Amazing Thailand: Your Stories Never End.”
The Thai Govt asks Thais to be a good host and help ensure the good image of Thailand and boost tourist confidence in our safety and security measures.”
Throughout five days amazing Songkran festivities, Sanam Luang will be the main location for the Maha Songkran World Water Festival 2024 with a musical dancing fountain, water tunnel, gigantic wading pool, and water station.
Cultural and musical performances including Khon masked drama and Nora dance drama – both recognised by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage performing arts – as well as contemporary and orchestra performances will be taking place at the main stage including Muay Thai Maha Songkran and Thai summer dishes.
On 13 April, the traditional Thai New Year, there will be a merit-making ceremony and other activities including purifying a Buddha image with scented water for blessing.
Recognising the importance of organising an environmentally sustainable event, TAT, in partnership with PTT Global Chemical, organises a GCYOU Turn activity for plastic waste management.
TAT expects the “Maha Songkran World Water Festival 2024” will inspire more travel and tourism activities during 12-16 April, resulting in 24.42 billion Bath in overall tourism revenue, an increase of 18% when compared to the same period in 2023. This constitutes 8.76 billion Baht from international tourism and 15.66 billion Baht from domestic tourism with 510,000 visitor arrivals and 4.29 million domestic trips. Songkran celebrations in Bangkok are expected to generate 3.69 billion Baht in revenue and attract 653,590 domestic trips, TAT added.
