The Maha Songkran World Water Festival 2025 officially began last night with an impressive celebration in Bangkok. The event, held at Sanam Luang from April 11 to 15, is a major part of the Amazing Thailand Grand Tourism & Sports Year 2025. It highlights Thailand’s rich cultural heritage, creativity, and unity as part of the Thailand Summer Festival campaign.
The festival’s opening day featured the Maha Songkran Parade, attended by the Prime Minister, Cabinet members, ambassadors, and officials from the National Soft Power Strategy Committee. The parade, which marks the start of the UNESCO-listed Songkran, the traditional Thai New Year, was followed by official proceedings at Sanam Luang.
Prime Minister H.E. Ms. Paetongtarn Shinawatra officially opened the festival. She said, “The Maha Songkran World Water Festival 2025 combines soft power, technology, and creativity to offer an unforgettable experience. This event helps boost tourism, supports the economy, and demonstrates Thailand’s capability to host world-class events.”
Mr. Sorawong Thienthong, the Minister of Tourism and Sports, added, “This festival showcases Thailand’s unique cultural identity and its readiness to host large events. It strengthens our global image and supports the government’s goal of making Thailand one of the world’s top 10 festival destinations.”
The parade, which started at 5:30 PM, featured eight intricately designed floats that traveled from Democracy Monument down Ratchadamnoen Avenue to Sanam Luang. Each float represented a different aspect of Songkran, telling stories that reflect Thai culture and tradition.
Notable floats included The River of Blessings, which showcased a majestic Naga, a mythical serpent believed to bring prosperity through water. Colours of the Seasons celebrated Thailand’s tropical fruits, especially durian, the “king of fruit,” and featured floating markets as symbols of abundance. The Flavour of Siam honored Tomyum Kung, Thailand’s famous dish, which is also recognized by UNESCO and reflects the nation’s wisdom and harmony with nature. The Noble Elephant paid tribute to Thailand’s revered elephants, while Betta Brilliance highlighted the vibrant Thai fighting fish, a symbol of national pride and creativity.
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