Bangkok Water Festival the centrepiece of Thailand's year-long tourism and sport campaign

Thailand’s Maha Songkran World Water Festival 2025 is underway in Bangkok with the festival being the centrepiece of the ‘Amazing Thailand Grand Tourism and Sports Year 2025’, under the Thailand Summer Festival campaign spotlighting Thai heritage, creativity, and cultural unity.

Tourism Authority of Thailand launched the ‘Amazing Thailand Grand Tourism and Sports Year 2025’ initiative in March to integrate tourism and sports, attract global visitors and promote the economy.

Thailand is aiming for global festival recognition as UNESCO-listed Thai New Year takes centre stage with parades, performances, and nationwide celebrations with Thailand Prime Minister, H.E. Ms. Paetongtarn Shinawatra noting "the Maha Songkran World Water Festival 2025 brings together soft power, technology, and creativity to deliver a memorable experience that boosts tourism, drives the economy and showcases Thailand's ability to host world-class events."

The Maha Songkran Parade marked the opening of UNESCO-listed Songkran, the traditional Thai New Year, travelling from Democracy Monument along Ratchadamnoen Avenue to Sanam Luang. The parade featured eight themed floats celebrating Thai culture — from the Naga of River of Blessings and tropical fruits of Colours of the Seasons to Tomyum Kung, elephants, and betta fish. Other highlights included temple fair nostalgia, tuk-tuk flair, and a child's-eye view of Songkran's future. A second parade will circle Sanam Luang today, with all floats remaining on public display at the venue through to 15th April.

Sanam Luang transforms daily throughout the festival into a vibrant cultural hub with concerts, crafts, rituals, and regional showcases. The Main Stage hosts top Thai artists alongside classical performances and a nightly drone show. Smaller stages feature traditional acts like Nora dance and puppetry.

The Regional Identity Zone reflects Thailand's five regions through architecture and hands-on workshops. Visitors can explore temple fair attractions, water play zones, and the "5 Must Do in Thailand" experience. Over 100 booths offer local food and crafts. A festival app and free shuttle service support visitors, while GCYOU-TURN promotes sustainability on-site.

The Festival Web App provides real-time updates, maps, and Songkran listings nationwide to support visitor convenience. Free shuttle services run throughout festival hours from Central Pinklao and MRT Sanam Chai Station.

Tourism Authority of Thailand projects that Songkran 2025 will generate over 26.5 billion Baht (US$790 million) in tourism revenue during 12th–16th April, marking an 8% year-on-year increase. This includes 476,000 international arrivals contributing over 7.32 billion Baht and more than 4.4 million domestic visits generating 19.24 billion Baht.

Tourism Authority of Thailand launched the "Amazing Thailand Grand Tourism and Sports Year 2025" initiative to integrate tourism and sports, attract global visitors and promote the economy. This initiative aims to create a lasting impact in several key areas:

• Local Economic Growth : Attracting both domestic and international tourists will stimulate spending in the tourism sector, including hotels, restaurants, and related businesses.

• Investment Opportunities : The initiative opens doors for investors in tourism, hospitality, transportation, and related services.

• Enhancing National Image : Combining tourism and sports showcases Thailand's diversity and ability to host international events.

• International Connections : The project fosters global relationships through international sports and tourism events, promoting cultural exchange.

• Health and Sports Development : Encourages participation in sports activities, promoting health and skill development among locals and tourists, which can reduce long-term health issues.

• Job Creation and Infrastructure Development : Includes public transportation, roads, and sports facilities construction, contributing to sustainable economic growth.

By integrating tourism and sports, Thailand aims to diversify its economy and elevate its global status sustainably.

Additional Information at Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT)

Image. Prime Minister, H.E. Ms. Paetongtarn Shinawatra, joined by Cabinet members, the National Soft Power Strategy Committee, and Thai tourism officials, marked the official opening of UNESCO-listed Songkran - the traditional Thai New Year - during the Maha Songkran World Water Festival 2025 at Sanam Luang in Bangkok on 12th April.