The Thailand Summer Festivals initiative aims to revitalize tourism and celebrate the country's rich cultural diversity, as the Prime Minister unveils plans for '7 Months 7 Wonders' spanning from March to September 2025.
On February 26, 2025, Ms. Phaethongthan Shinawatra, the Prime Minister of Thailand, presided over the opening ceremony for the 'Thailand Summer Festivals' program, set against the theme '7 Months 7 Wonders Summer Festivals.' The initiative is packed with various traditional festivals categorized under seven themes: Songkran Festival, Pride Festival, cultural events, music, sports, food, and art and creativity festivals. This endeavor aims to inject vibrancy back to Thailand's tourism, reducing the low season gap and promoting continuous travel throughout the seven months from March to September 2025.
During the opening, the Prime Minister emphasized the valuable role of Thai people as the key soft power of the nation, noting, "The warmth, kindness, and hospitality of the Thai people are compelling reasons why tourists return to Thailand." She urged the collaboration of private sectors to uplift tourism standards, encouraging the public to serve as good hosts, thereby enhancing the country’s appeal as a premier tourist destination.
This year's Songkran Festival, slated to be more magnificent than previous years, promises to feature engaging activities alongside rigorous safety measures for both tourists and locals, providing the best experience possible.
The 'Thailand Summer Festivals' project aims to showcase the wonders of Thai culture and attract tourists to all regions of the country. Its success is set against Thailand's goal to be recognized for tourism year-round, mitigating the low tourist season through dynamic festivals and events reflecting Thailand’s identity.
Mr. Sawangthong Tianthong, Minister of Tourism and Sports, highlighted the significance of the Maha Songkran World Water Festival to be held from April 11-15, 2025, at Thon Sanam Luang, marking the elevation of Thailand’s Songkran tradition to the status of a UNESCO World Heritage site. Last year, over 1.5 million visitors attended the Songkran celebrations, showing a 40% increase compared to the previous year, leading to ambitious expectations for growth this year.
The overall goal is to increase tourist numbers from 36 million last year to potentially over 40 million throughout 2025, powered by enhanced security measures and collaborations with national and local authorities, ensuring both smooth and safe travel experiences. The focus remains not only on quantity but also on the quality of tourist interactions across the country.
Upcoming highlights over the seven-month festival period include:
- March: The Moto GP competition, the international wai khru muay Thai ceremony, the International Kite Festival 2025, and the Pattaya Music Festival.
- April: The Maha Songkran World Water Festival will include eight dazzling parades and widespread regional celebrations.
- May: A series of events focusing on food, music, and culture, such as the Boon Bang Fai Rocket Festival and the Amazing Thailand Grand Taste.
- June: Celebrations for Pride Month with the River Pride of Bangkok 2025 and the Splash International Soft Power Forum.
- July: Festivals commemorated alongside local beliefs, highlighted by candle processions and aquatic celebrations.
- August: Creative events including the Pla Ra and Mor Lam Festivals, music festivals, and the hosting of the FIVB Women’s Volleyball World Championship.
- September: Featuring significant cultural events, including the traditional boat racing, and the Chiang Mai 22K run.
The Thailand Summer Festival initiative is poised to bolster the country's tourism sector significantly, with projections seeing 3.5 trillion baht generated, thereby reinforcing tourism as the driving force behind national economic growth.
Ms. Phaethongthan concluded her remarks by inviting all sectors of the community to embrace the Thailand Summer Festivals, promoting not just local identities but engaging with global sentiments. By emphasizing both cultural richness and hospitality, she believes the potential for tourism growth feels promising.