The Thailand's Songkran Festival 2025, organized by Central Pattana, has concluded with remarkable success, drawing over 10 million participants nationwide. This grand celebration not only showcased the cultural richness of Thailand but also highlighted the festive spirit that resonates with both locals and tourists alike.
Central World, one of the main landmarks for Songkran celebrations in Bangkok, was buzzing with excitement. Over 1 million attendees, including both Thais and foreign visitors, engaged in a variety of activities. Concerts featuring famous artists, exhilarating water fights, and a plethora of shopping and dining options catered to all tastes and preferences. The event truly captured the essence of the festival, making it a memorable experience for everyone involved.
To continue the festive atmosphere, Central Pattana is set to host the ‘FWD Music Live Fest #4’ from April 18 to April 20, 2025. This free concert will take place in front of Central World and will feature more than 60 artists from the T-POP and J-POP genres. Notable performers include Jeff Satur, PROXIE, 4EVE, Three Man Down, Tilly Birds, PERSES, THE TOYS, Tattoo Colour, PRETZELLE, ZOLAR, and WOLF HOWL HARMONY. This lineup promises to deliver an exhilarating experience for attendees, further enhancing the joy of the Songkran festivities.
In addition to the concerts, Central Pattana is organizing Songkran celebrations at eight branches across the country, including locations in Chiang Rai, Lampang, Phitsanulok, Hat Yai, Pattaya Beach, Pattaya Marina, and Nakhon Pathom. A highlight of the festivities will occur at Central Pattaya on April 18, 2025, where “Victoria Kier Thalwick,” the reigning Miss Universe 2024, along with four other continental queens, will participate as cultural ambassadors. They will engage in water play, showcasing the fun and excitement of Thai Songkran celebrations.
For families and children, a special ‘Snoopy Family Zone’ has been created in collaboration with the popular brand Playland. This area will feature the beloved characters from Snoopy & The Peanuts™ gang, along with water play areas, inflatable amusement parks, and ball pits designed to keep children entertained throughout the festival.
Another vibrant aspect of the festival is the ‘Thai Market,’ which will present over 200 traditional Thai dishes. This market allows attendees to shop, taste, and savor the delicious flavors of Thai cuisine, all while enjoying the authentic atmosphere filled with local culture, arts, crafts, and contemporary Thai performances.
However, amidst the joyful celebrations, Thailand experienced seismic activity on April 17, 2025. The Earthquake Monitoring Center of Thailand reported that two regions were affected by a series of tremors, totaling 12 occurrences in the early hours. The most significant of these tremors registered magnitudes of 1.9 and 1.6 on the Richter scale, occurring in the northern province of Chiang Mai at depths of 7 and 2 kilometers, respectively. This seismic activity was notably stronger than tremors recorded on April 14 and 16.
On the same day, the northern part of Thailand faced a severe heat alert as temperatures soared, with regions exceeding the heat hazard threshold. Reports indicated that the Mae Rim District in Chiang Mai recorded heat indices of 1.9 and 1.6 degrees Celsius, while other areas like Mueang Mae Hong Son and Mae Sariang reported indices of 2.6 and 3.4 degrees Celsius, respectively. This extreme weather condition prompted local authorities to issue warnings and advisories to ensure public safety.
In light of these events, Thailand is also advocating for ASEAN to negotiate a trilateral agreement concerning the Songkran festival in response to the recent heatwave. The discussions aim to address the challenges posed by extreme weather conditions and ensure the festival's sustainability and enjoyment for future generations.
The juxtaposition of the lively Songkran festivities against the backdrop of natural challenges highlights the resilience and spirit of the Thai people. As they celebrate their rich cultural heritage, they also remain vigilant and prepared to face any adversities that may arise.
Ultimately, the Thailand's Songkran Festival 2025 not only serves as a platform for cultural expression and community bonding but also reflects the ongoing efforts to adapt and respond to the changing environment. The festival's success this year underscores the importance of unity and joy, even in the face of challenges.
