SONGKRAN IN BANGKOK: A TIME FOR FAMILY, FAITH AND REFLECTION

By Kenny Teng

BANGKOK, April 13 (Bernama) -- After many years of being unable to celebrate the Songkran festival, or Thai New Year, in Bangkok, Pattareeya Konwimon is finally enjoying precious family time in the Thai capital.

Pattareeya, 35, who works as a geotechnical engineer in Thailand's northeastern province of Nong Khai, said Songkran is the best time for her to reconnect with her family.

“I work in Nong Khai and hardly have time to return to Bangkok. So, during these Songkran holidays, I make it a point to spend time with my family and take my parents to visit temples,” she told Bernama at the Wat Saket Ratchawora Mahawihan (Wat Saket) temple on Sunday.

Due to the current hot season in Thailand, Pattareeya prefers staying indoors rather than participating in water-splashing activities on the streets.

“At my age, I no longer enjoy water splashing. Instead, I prefer spending quiet time with my family and enjoying dinner at home,” she said.

In 2023, Thai Songkran was officially inscribed on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Meanwhile, another Bangkok resident, Siriporn Phenphon, 45, shared that she and her family have visited Wat Saket, one of Thailand's oldest temples, for many years, particularly during Songkran.

“For my family, Songkran means a lot. It is the best time for bonding and enjoying a reunion dinner.” 

Siriporn said the first day of Songkran is dedicated to temple visits, prayers and making merit.

Songkran, traditionally celebrated from April 13 to 15, is observed with traditions, including family reunions, paying respects to elders and ancestors, and the washing of sacred Buddha images.

The festival is renowned for its vibrant water-throwing activities, lively parades, and colourful displays, symbolising the start of the Thai New Year with a spirit of joy and renewal.

-- BERNAMA