Both Thai and foreign tourists flocked to participate in the event. "Carrying Women into Water" Songkran Festival. Held at Koh Kham Yai, Koh Si Chang District, to preserve the ancient tradition of the local community.
At 08:30 on 18 Apr 2026 GMT+7, a reporter reported that at the beach area of Koh Kham Yai, Tha Thewawong Subdistrict, Koh Si Chang District, Chonburi Province, Mr. Narit Niramaiwong, Governor of Chonburi, presided over the opening ceremony of the Koh Si Chang Songkran Festival—"Flowing Day Koh Kham: Carrying Women into Water." Many local residents of Koh Si Chang and tourists, both Thai and foreign, attended in large numbers.
The "Carrying Women into Water" Songkran tradition at Koh Kham Yai, Koh Si Chang District, Chonburi Province, is held annually. It is a joyful event for local young men and women as well as tourists who visit Koh Kham Yai, located 1 km from Koh Si Chang District and 12 km by boat from Charoen Pier, Si Racha, taking about 45 minutes to reach. The festival features many activities such as merit-making with alms giving, water blessing of Buddha images, rice offering rituals, sand pagoda building, traditional games, boat racing, sea boxing, and the "Carrying Women into Water" tradition, all of which bring great enjoyment to participants.
A distinctive highlight of Koh Si Chang's Songkran festival is the "Carrying Women into Water" custom, which dates back to King Rama V's era. It is held every 18 April at Koh Kham Yai. Since the locals' main occupation is fishing and they frequently go to sea, Songkran serves as a break when they stop fishing and gather with family, residents, and tourists on Koh Kham Yai.
Additionally, local residents and descendants who work elsewhere return to their hometown of Koh Si Chang during Songkran each year. This allows young people and families to reunite, reconcile, and seek forgiveness for any misunderstandings. On 18 April annually, young men or elders select a woman they favor and ask permission to carry her into the sea, exchanging blessings as they do so.
Besides young couples, elders are also carried into the water by their descendants so they can enjoy the festival with family and receive Songkran blessings. Female tourists, both Thai and foreign visitors who are not locals, willingly participate in this "Carrying Women into Water" tradition at Koh Kham Yai without reservation.
Many foreigners from various countries and languages travel in large numbers to attend this festival. They stay overnight on Koh Si Chang and joyfully participate in the "Carrying Women into Water" event, often taking photos to share with friends abroad. This ancient tradition, preserved by Koh Si Chang residents for generations, fascinates and amazes foreign visitors, drawing worldwide attention and tourism.