Thailand’s annual Songkran Water Festival, celebrated April 13–15 as the Thai New Year, began with lively scenes across the country. In Bangkok, crowds of locals and tourists took part in water fights and cultural events amid extreme heat. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra joined the festivities and welcomed growing international interest. UNESCO recognized Songkran as an Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2023. This year, 4.4 million people, including 476,000 foreign tourists, are expected to attend.
