Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra Celebrates Songkran in Chiang Mai
Family Reunion and Cultural Traditions Highlight Festivities
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra traveled to Chiang Mai on Sunday, April 13, to celebrate Songkran, Thailand’s traditional New Year, alongside her father, former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, her husband Pitaka Suksawat, and their two children. Upon arriving at Wing 41 Command Airport via an Air Force plane, she was warmly greeted by her family before heading to Wat Umong in Mueang district. At the temple, Paetongtarn embraced her father and paid respects to Phra Songpol Kharu Dhammo, the temple’s representative monk. The family received amulets and explored the ancient tunnels housing Buddha images, marking the start of their spiritual celebration.
Songkran Festivities Promote Tourism and Cultural Exchange
Amazing Songkran Chiangmai x Boryeong Mud Festival Takes Center Stage
The Prime Minister presided over the opening ceremony of the “Amazing Songkran Chiangmai x Boryeong Mud Festival 2025,” a cultural collaboration between Thailand and South Korea. Held at Tha Phae Gate, this event blended Thai traditions with South Korean elements, showcasing a unique fusion of cultures. The festival featured vibrant parades, including the “Tuk Tuk Thailand Maha Muan Maha Mun” procession, and the launch of the “Maha Songkran Chiang Mai Amazing Water Splash Tunnel,” emphasizing Chiang Mai’s role as a hub for cultural tourism.
Spiritual Ceremonies at Wat Phra Singh
Honoring Traditions Through Sacred Rituals
Paetongtarn visited Wat Phra Singh Woramahawihan to partake in the traditional water-pouring ceremony for the revered Phra Phuttha Sihing Buddha image. This sacred ritual is a hallmark of Songkran celebrations in Chiang Mai and underscores the spiritual significance of the festival. Following this ceremony, she engaged with locals at Maya Lifestyle Shopping Centre during the “SF My Water World Songkran Festival,” blending cultural appreciation with modern festivities.
Local Traditions in San Kamphaeng District
Pee Mai Muang Sankamphaeng Event Showcases Community Spirit
On Monday, April 14, Paetongtarn joined the Pee Mai Muang Sankamphaeng event at Lhong Him Khao community in San Kamphaeng district. She witnessed traditional performances, participated in rituals such as bathing Buddha images and pouring water on elders for blessings (Rod Nam Dum Hua), and explored local handicrafts at the “Following the Footsteps of Handicrafts: San Kamphaeng Memories Festival.” The event featured OTOP products that highlighted local craftsmanship and bolstered community pride.
Government’s Commitment to Cultural Tourism
Soft Power Strategy Drives Economic Growth
Paetongtarn’s participation in these events reflects her administration’s dedication to promoting Thai culture and tourism as key drivers of economic development. By blending tradition with innovation, she aims to strengthen Thailand’s soft power strategy while fostering cultural exchange and boosting international tourism. Her visit also carried personal significance as Chiang Mai is her father’s hometown, adding emotional depth to her official duties during Songkran.
