Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaiboon, Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), said TAT intends to build on this year's Songkran Festival to appeal to new-generation tourists, inviting everyone to mark a creative spot in the city center with the Saneh Art by Songkran Festival, held from 11-30 April 2026 at Lumpini Park (Entertainment Plaza), Bangkok.
The event draws on Thai cultural heritage in a stylish way to create a creative tourism experience (Art Tourism) and elevate Thailand's tourism industry to a high-value level by creatively mixing tourism with contemporary art. This includes showcasing artistic characters and sculptures by Thai artists and young creators with iconic characters.
Artists such as Mamuang, 2CHOEY, POORBOY, TOMATO TWINS, and Crybaby reinterpret the concept of “Saneh” (Charm) through art to tell stories that engage viewers with art appreciation, cultural learning, and enjoyable, accessible experiences.
The Saneh Art by Songkran Festival 2026 is designed as an art space featuring two main highlights:
A large 3D sculpture zone displayed from 11-30 April 2026, showcasing six large sculptures by Thai artists known for their unique styles, including Nisa Srikhamdee, creator of the CRYBABY character; Wisut Pornnimit, known for Mamuang; and Kasemwit Chaveewat, owner of the POORBOY character.
Also featured are Sirinat Saiprasat with the TOMATO TWINS character and 2CHOEY Cherdsak Muykhanmak with his distinctive finger-face character. These sculptures are placed as key landmarks within the area to create memorable photo spots for visitors, transforming Lumpini Park into a new artistic landmark and check-in point in Bangkok.
The recreational activity zone during Songkran runs from 11-15 April 2026. It includes a contemporary art talk stage featuring well-known Thai character artists, an Art Market booth with lifestyle products and designs by artists such as Trendy Editions Mood, Fox and Moon, Finding Goods, Freak Show, Patpixels, The Short Leg, Studio Cat Me Five, Kamjin, and Street Star Gallery.
Visitors can participate in creative art activities like clay sculpting, wood carving, and sketching, alongside Paint by Numbers. There are also booths offering traditional Thai games with a modern Songkran twist, such as Rerirandom, Rider Kan Kluay, circle wheel games, and wowwer kites, plus zones selling Art Toys and snacks.
Additionally, a creative Songkran water play zone will be held from 13-15 April 2026, from 16:00 to 20:00. It combines elements of art, light, color, and sound to offer a new, safe, and unique experience in celebrating the festival.
This initiative aims to add vibrancy and create a joyful atmosphere for tourists to experience a new form of travel through contemporary art activities that blend fun, creativity, and Thai culture perfectly, while elevating the area to an art destination landmark in the city center.
The opening ceremony of the Saneh Art by Songkran Festival 2026 at Lumpini Park (Entertainment Plaza) was honored by the presence of Mr. Chadchart Sittipunt, Governor of Bangkok; Mr. Narong Ruangsri, Permanent Secretary of Bangkok; Mr. Nat Krutsura, Deputy Governor for Tourism Products and Business at TAT; along with various partners, officially launching the event.
Popular with Gen Z: Ms. Jitrawinee Wankorn, Assistant Managing Director of Kasikornbank, received the 2026 GEN Z TOP Brand Award in the Bank category on behalf of the bank. This award recognizes Kasikornbank as the preferred bank brand among Gen Z consumers (born 1997-2012) nationwide, based on a survey of over 2,000 respondents.
The award decodes the motivations behind Gen Z’s purchasing decisions by analyzing both qualitative and quantitative data. It reflects the bank’s success in delivering financial services and communications that resonate with the younger generation at the right time. The award was presented by Brand Buffet website in collaboration with INTAGE (Thailand) and Wisesight at SCBX NEXT TECH, Siam Paragon, recently.
Ajinomoto UMAI Ajinomoto (Thailand) Co., Ltd., a global leader specializing in AminoScience and nutritional food innovation, has launched a new premium line called Ajinomoto UMAI—premium Japanese-style ready-to-eat frozen meals designed to meet the modern lifestyle of healthy and happy eating.
As Japan’s number one frozen gyoza brand, UMAI aims to cater to the growing demand for premium convenience in 2026 by delivering delicious taste, health benefits, and immediately perceptible quality from the very first bite.
The brand introduced Pond Narawit Lertsratkosum as its first brand ambassador, representing a modern lifestyle and reinforcing the brand’s premium quality. The launch event was held at Central Ladprao, showcasing the Delicious Living lifestyle for young consumers to experience authentic Japanese flavors.