Bangkok: The Ministry of Culture has announced a significant transformation of Thailand's traditional customs to attract tourists worldwide. The initiative is part of the "Amazing Thailand Grand Tourism and Sports Year 2025," aiming to showcase Thailand's cultural heritage on a global stage.
According to Thai News Agency, during the opening ceremony of the Thailand Summer Festivals under the theme '7 Months 7 Wonders Summer Festivals,' Ms. Suda-wan Wangsupakitchkosol, Minister of Culture, highlighted the ministry's efforts to extend the Thailand Summer Festivals project. The goal is to transform Thailand's traditional customs, recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site and Intangible Cultural Wisdom of Humanity, into a world-class event. The ministry has collaborated with 28 agencies to organize 'Cool All Over the World, Maha Songkran' events nationwide. These events will be held under the theme 'Songkran at My Home, Colorful Thai Style, Happiness Across the World Once in a Lifetime: Experience Songkran in Thailand' and will take place in 17 provinces.
The events will be organized in five identity cities, including Pa Weni tradition in Pi Mai Mueang, Chiang Mai Province; the Isan lifestyle in Khao Niao Road, Khon Kaen Province; Pattaya Old Town lifestyle identity in Chonburi Province; Mon community lifestyle identity in Samut Prakan Province; and the Maha Songkran Festival, Nang Dan Mueang Nakhon Procession in Nakhon Si Thammarat Province. Additionally, 12 attractive cities from four regions of Thailand will participate. These include the North: Chiang Rai, Nan, and Nakhon Sawan; the Central region: Kanchanaburi and Lopburi; the Northeast region: Nakhon Ratchasima, Buriram, Nong Khai, and Surin; and the South region: Songkhla, Phatthalung, and Phuket. In Bangkok, events will take place at Siam-Samyan, Silom Road, Fashion Island, and Wat Suthat Thepwararam Ratchaworamahawihan.
To enhance the festival's global appeal, Songkran songs have been prepared in 20 languages, including Thai, English, French, Chinese, German, and Japanese, allowing for better communication with tourists worldwide. More information can be found on the Department of Cultural Promotion's website and Facebook page. The Thailand Summer Festival project aims to add vibrancy to the Amazing Thailand Grand Tourism and Sports Year 2025. It seeks to position Thailand as a significant global tourism destination, drawing tourists from around the world and generating a total tourism income of 3.5 trillion baht, thereby making the tourism industry a key driver of Thailand's economy.