Prime Minister Anutin and Sihasak attended the Lao New Year Sabai Dee merit-making event, reinforcing ties between the two countries and joining the Baisri Su Kwan ceremony through beautiful traditional culture.
At 5:00 p.m. on 5 April 2026 GMT+7, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul attended the 2026 Lao New Year Songkran merit-making event at the Embassy of the Lao People's Democratic Republic in Bangkok. The event was warmly hosted by Mr. Thongsa Van Phomvihane, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Laos, along with Mrs. Wadsana Phomvihane, his wife, and Mr. Sisavat Inpachan, Lao Ambassador to Thailand. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sihasak Puangketkaew also joined the event.
On this occasion, the Prime Minister presented a flower vase to the Lao Ambassador as a congratulatory gift before participating in the Baisri Su Kwan ceremony in the club hall. This important Lao customary ritual included chanting to call the spirit, anointing with holy water, and tying sacred threads for good fortune. Afterwards, the Prime Minister attended the Lao New Year banquet on the embassy lawn. The Lao Ambassador delivered a welcome speech, while the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Laos offered blessings emphasizing the strong bond between the two nations.
The Prime Minister also enjoyed a meal while watching eight Lao cultural performances, including blessing dances, folk shows, and Lao singing that highlighted the distinctiveness and beauty of Lao culture. The event was held in a friendly and warm atmosphere, attended by honored guests from government, private sectors, diplomatic corps, and those involved in Thailand-Laos cooperation.
Additionally, the Prime Minister joined the traditional Lao New Year circle dance with participants, fostering closeness and camaraderie. The Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Laos then presented a bouquet to the performers and invited the Prime Minister to the stage for a group photo with distinguished guests.
Approximately 500 people attended the Baisri Su Kwan ceremony and Lao New Year banquet, including diplomats, government and private sector representatives collaborating with Laos. This reflected the close relationship in all dimensions—cultural, social, and economic—between the two countries.
