The "Thai New Year: Songkran Festival 2026" happily closed Hollywood Boulevard in Los Angeles, USA, spanning 3 kilometers. The event attracted over 200,000 attendees, and Pad Thai sales successfully set a world record.
On 27 Apr 2026 GMT+7, reporters covered the "Thai New Year: Songkran Festival 2026" held in Los Angeles, USA. This was the largest outdoor Thai festival outside Thailand, closing Hollywood Boulevard over a 3-kilometer stretch. The event began on 26 Apr 2026 GMT+7.2526At 08:00 US local time, Mr. Tor Sornlump, Consul General in Los Angeles, presided over the Buddhist alms-giving ceremony. Mr. Teerat Iam-urai-rat, event chairman; Ms. Pornpan Intratat, director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand's Los Angeles office; and Mr. Niwat Hansawat, director of the International Trade Promotion Office in Los Angeles, also participated.
At 10:00, Mr. Tor led a cultural parade along a 1.5-kilometer route featuring cultural groups from Thailand’s four regions, Thai youth in traditional costumes, and contestants of Miss Thai Town 2026. The parade entered the heart of Hollywood Boulevard, drawing large crowds of Thai, American, and international spectators lining both sides of the street.influencers30 people including media representativesThai communityand foreigners participated in promoting the event.
At 11:00, the festival's highlight began: setting a world record for selling 1,200 boxes of Pad Thai—an internationally popular dish—within one hour. The Guinness World Records team was invited to verify the attempt.Guinness World RecordsAmong attendees were Khunying Sudarat Keyuraphan, former Minister of Public Health; Mr. Somjai Nuk Engtrakul, former Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Finance; Mr. Pita Limjaroenrat, former leader of the Move Forward Party; Mr. Tor; Mr. Napadol Wongchaivat, CEO of Thai New Year; American politicians; and various public figures. Chefs from 48 renowned restaurants prepared Pad Thai for sale.
Before starting the record attempt, theGuinness World Recordsteam checked the rules and found that among registered participants, 300 were under 16 years old, which violated the minimum age requirement of 16 years. The host then announced that attendees must re-register and purchase Pad Thai at 10 US dollars per plate.recordParticipants, both Thai and foreign, lined up enthusiastically, ultimately reaching 1,338 boxes sold within one hour—exceeding the target and successfully setting the world record amid cheers.Guinness World Recordsrepresentatives then took the stage to officially announce the new world record. Participants received certificates commemorating their involvement.
Reporters added that the official opening ceremony of the Thai New Year: Songkran Festival 2026 took place at 13:00 at the main stage. Mr. Tor, Ms. Karen Bass, Mayor of Los Angeles, Ms. Maria Elena Durazo, Hollywood district senator, and other dignitaries attended.Mayor of Los AngelesThe event's highlight included a giant Pad Thai wok cooking demonstration, featuring Khunying Sudarat Keyuraphan, Mr. Somjai Nuk, Mr. Pita, Mr. Tor, Mr. Napadol, Mr. Sanchai Engtrakul (or Peck), Thailand-side event chairman, and American politicians participating together.Before starting the competitionshowcasing various Pad Thai styles from different chefs.
Overall, this year's event was a tremendous success, attracting many Thai and foreign attendees dressed in jeans and traditional shawls. Food and fruit booths were crowded, especially for sticky rice with mango, sticky rice with durian, and fresh durian, which sold very well. Young people gathered enthusiastically.togetherThey greatly enjoyed cultural and musical performances on various stages, as well as activities and Muay Thai boxing, with audiences packed throughout the day from 08:00 to 21:00. Over 200,000 people attended the event.
