Thailand Unveils Maha Songkran World Water Festival 2025 with a Grand Cultural Showcase in Bangkok
(IN SHORT) Thailand launched the Maha Songkran World Water Festival 2025 with a spectacular parade and cultural program in Bangkok, marking the official start of its UNESCO-listed Thai New Year. Hosted at Sanam Luang from 11–15 April, the festival is the centrepiece of the Amazing Thailand Grand Tourism & Sports Year 2025. The event features themed floats, traditional and contemporary performances, immersive regional showcases, and eco-conscious initiatives, all celebrating Thai heritage and creativity. With nightly drone shows, music concerts, and interactive zones, the festival projects over 26.5 billion Baht in revenue and reinforces Thailand’s global image as a premier cultural destination.
(PRESS RELEASE) BANGKOK, 2025-Apr-14 — /Travel PR News/ — Thailand officially launched the Maha Songkran World Water Festival 2025 last night with a breathtaking celebration at Sanam Luang in the heart of Bangkok. Running from 11–15 April, the event serves as the flagship of the Amazing Thailand Grand Tourism & Sports Year 2025 and highlights the country’s vibrant heritage through the Thailand Summer Festival campaign.
The festivities kicked off with the Maha Songkran Parade, attended by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, government ministers, ambassadors, and members of the National Soft Power Strategy Committee. Marking the start of Thailand’s UNESCO-listed Songkran celebrations, the event spotlighted the nation’s cultural richness and artistic expression through a dazzling procession of eight themed floats along Ratchadamnoen Avenue.
Prime Minister Shinawatra praised the festival’s fusion of soft power, technology, and creativity, calling it a “memorable experience that elevates tourism and strengthens the economy.” Minister of Tourism and Sports, Sorawong Thienthong, added that the festival reinforces Thailand’s ambition to rank among the world’s top ten festival destinations.
The parade brought to life symbols of Thai identity—from mythical serpents and floating markets to cultural icons like the elephant and the tuk-tuk. Floats such as The River of Blessings, The Flavour of Siam, and Songkran Through Young Eyes captured the spirit of tradition, innovation, and community celebration.
A second parade will take place on 13 April, with all floats remaining on display at Sanam Luang until 15 April. Daily activities run from 15:00 to 23:00 Hrs., offering immersive cultural zones, live performances, and regional showcases.
Each evening, the Main Stage hosts an electrifying lineup of musical talent, with performances from major Thai artists including Bodyslam, Carabao, Jeff Satur, and Joey Boy, accompanied by classical Thai arts such as khon masked drama and ballroom dancing. A synchronised drone light show with 1,200 drones caps off each night with visual wonder.
The Smaller Performance area features traditional acts such as shadow puppetry, Nora dance, and Hun Krabok puppetry. Meanwhile, the Regional Identity Zone presents five uniquely themed areas representing Thailand’s regions, blending architecture, crafts, and hands-on workshops.
Visitors can also enjoy the Thai Charms Zone, which introduces Thailand’s “5 Must Do” experiences, and a nostalgic Temple Fair complete with a haunted house, open-air cinema, and New Year rituals like Buddha bathing and elder blessings.
For younger attendees, the Water Play Zone features giant spill buckets, fountains, and EDM sets by popular DJs. Over 100 vendor booths offer regional foods and crafts, while the event’s green commitment is reinforced by the GCYOU-TURN recycling initiative that transforms plastic bottles into reusable items on-site.
Guests can navigate the festivities with a Festival Web App providing schedules, maps, and nationwide Songkran event listings. Free shuttles connect visitors from Central Pinklao and MRT Sanam Chai Station from 15:00 to 23:00 daily.
With a projection of over 26.5 billion Baht in revenue, Songkran 2025 is expected to attract more than 476,000 international tourists and over 4.4 million domestic visitors between 12–16 April, underlining Thailand’s place on the global stage as a cultural powerhouse.
SOURCE: Tourism Authority of Thailand
