As Thailand celebrates the traditional Songkran festival, the atmosphere is filled with joy and family gatherings, but this year, there is a noticeable dip in attendance at popular attractions. On April 15, 2025, the Prime Minister, Phetongtharn Shinawatra, participated in the festivities by pouring water to receive blessings from his grandmother, a cherished tradition that symbolizes respect and gratitude.
Prime Minister Phetongtharn, alongside her father, Thaksin Shinawatra, and her husband, engaged in the traditional water pouring ceremony known as "rot nam dam hua". This event took place in San Kamphaeng, Chiang Mai, where they also performed the ritual of hanging the Lanna-style banners, a practice believed to bring good fortune. During the ceremony, the Prime Minister greeted the gathered crowd in the Northern dialect, saying, "Sawasdee po mae phi nong, jao. Uu muang bo chang, kon uu jang yu trong noon," which translates to, "Hello, everyone! It’s good to see you all here."
As the Prime Minister reminisced about her father's childhood experiences in the area, she expressed her happiness to be a part of the celebrations, noting the deep-rooted connections her family has with San Kamphaeng. This year’s Songkran coincided with Family Day, further emphasizing the importance of familial bonds during the festival.
In contrast, Siam Amazing Park, a major attraction in Bangkok, reported a 15% decrease in visitor numbers compared to last year. On the same day, Narongphon Na Lamliang, the Head of Marketing and Assistant Managing Director of Siam Amazing Park, shared that the park is averaging around 5,000 visitors daily. She attributed the decline to growing concerns over natural disasters, trade wars, and a sluggish economy, which have led many families to opt for local leisure activities rather than traveling.
Despite the lower turnout, Siam Amazing Park has organized various entertainment activities to engage visitors. Narongphon stated, "This year's Songkran festival is similar to previous years, but we are seeing a trend of families choosing to stay closer to home." The park's management is hopeful that the festive spirit will attract more visitors as the week progresses.
General Decha Hemkrasri, President of the National Sports Association of Thailand, also made headlines as he announced the selection of young cyclists to represent Thailand in the upcoming 3rd Asian Youth Games in Bahrain, scheduled from April 21-31, 2025. This initiative aims to nurture talent among youth aged 14-17, born between 2008 and 2011. The selection process will begin with the second round of competitions from April 25-27, 2025, in Chanthaburi Province.
General Decha emphasized the importance of discipline and dedication among the young athletes, stating, "Getting selected to represent Thailand is an honor for both the athlete and their family. It’s crucial for them to train hard and follow the guidelines set by their coaches." The association plans to host several competitions leading up to the games, providing ample opportunities for aspiring cyclists to showcase their skills.
In addition to the competitions, the Sports Association will focus on creating a positive impression of Thailand on the international stage. General Decha highlighted the significance of selecting athletes based on merit and performance, aiming to build a strong national team.
As families across Thailand enjoy the Songkran festivities, many are also taking the opportunity to spend quality time together, whether at home or at local attractions. In Chaiyaphum Province, families have opted for nature excursions at the Tat Ton National Park, where they can relax and bond while enjoying the beauty of the outdoors. Children splash in waterfalls while adults share meals and stories, creating cherished memories.
For those in Bangkok, various temples and sacred sites have become popular destinations for families seeking blessings for the new year. Many have taken the time to engage in merit-making activities, visiting important temples to pray for health and prosperity.
The blending of traditional customs with modern-day challenges paints a vivid picture of how Thai society adapts to changing circumstances. While some families may choose to stay close to home this Songkran, the spirit of togetherness and cultural preservation remains strong.
As the festival continues, it serves as a reminder of the importance of family, tradition, and the resilience of the Thai people in the face of adversity. The government’s efforts to promote cultural events like Songkran not only strengthen community ties but also encourage the younger generation to embrace their heritage.
Looking ahead, both the government and local businesses hope to revitalize tourism and cultural participation as the economy gradually recovers. With the upcoming Asian Youth Games and ongoing traditional celebrations, there is optimism that Thailand will continue to showcase its rich cultural heritage while fostering a spirit of unity and resilience.
