Thailand aims to put Songkran in the world's top 10 festivals

NDO - The Thai Ministry of Tourism and Sports said that organizing large-scale festivals is an important factor in promoting the country's soft power. The Maha Songkran parade with more than 1,000 artists performing during this year's traditional New Year in Bangkok will be a highlight to help Thailand aim to make Songkran one of the top 10 festivals globally.

The Ministry of Tourism and Sports, Ministry of Culture, Ministry of the Interior and the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) have officially announced the Maha Songkran World Water Festival 2024 program.

In Bangkok, this year's festival will be held from April 11 to 15 along Ratchadamnoen Klang and Sanam Luang Boulevards. The highlight of the 2024 festival will be the Maha Songkran parade on April 11, with the participation of more than 1,000 artists.

The Cultural Promotion Department of the Ministry of Culture of Thailand has selected Anntonia Porsild, the first runner-up at the Miss Universe 2023 pageant, to play Mahodhara Devi, the Songkran goddess of 2024. The Ministry of Culture of Thailand has also commissioned the production of Songkran songs in Thai, English, Chinese and French to widely promote the festival.

Over the course of five days, Sanam Luang will be the main venue for the 2024 Maha Songkran World Water Festival. Traditional theatrical performances such as Khon and Nora dance dramas, as well as contemporary music festivals, will take place. Water splashing, Muay Thai performances, drone shows, and visits to food and local product fairs are among the activities that organizers expect to attract a large number of visitors.

Artists in traditional Thai costumes. (Photo: TAT)

The spectacular Maha Songkran World Water Festival 2024 will showcase Thailand’s traditions and cultural values ​​to the world, said TAT Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool. The event will be broadcast globally on the world’s leading television channels. Many international celebrities and influencers have been invited to experience the Songkran festival in Thailand.

TAT expects the Maha Songkran World Water Festival 2024 to inspire more travel and tourism activities during April 12-16, generating total tourism revenue of about 24.42 billion baht, up 18% compared to the same period in 2023.

Thai Culture Minister Sermsak Pongpanit said that in addition to Bangkok, Songkran celebrations are also widely held in localities across the country; including prominent localities such as Chiang Mai, Khon Kaen, Samut Prakan, Chon Buri and Phuket. This year's festival in Thailand is expected to be more spectacular than previous years to celebrate the recognition of Songkran as an Intangible Cultural Heritage by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in December 2023.

Thai Culture Minister Sermsak Pongpanit. (Photo: TAT)

Previously, the Thai government approved a special budget of more than 104 million baht (about 2.9 million USD) to organize the Maha Songkran World Water Festival in Bangkok and some key provinces next April. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has implemented a plan to use some technological solutions such as artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance security during the Songkran festival.

Source: https://nhandan.vn/thailand-targets-tet-songkran-vacation-top-10-le-hoi-hang-dau-the-gioi-post800163.html