"Sabida" launched the grand Songkran festival on Khao San Road, featuring numerous Thai cultural activities for tourists to enjoy. It is believed that foreign tourists want to witness Thailand’s unique identity.
At 5:00 p.m. on 12 April 2026, Ms. Sabida Thaiset, Minister of Culture, presided over the opening ceremony of the grand Songkran tradition on Khao San Road. The event welcomed both Thai and foreign tourists to join in water celebrations during the Songkran festival from 12 to 15 April 2026. The Khao San Road Merchants Association and related agencies also participated in the ceremony.
Minister Sabida opened the event by striking a gong and cutting a ribbon to release parade floats. The festival featured performances such as the Khon play 'Mekhala Ram Su,' Nora dance offerings, Kratua Tiger stabbing, Nang Noppamas contests from Thailand and neighboring countries, and beautifully decorated floats representing the culture of Thailand’s four regions for tourists to enjoy throughout the historic city.
The Minister of Culture stated that the 2026 Khao San Road Songkran festival is a traditional Songkran event. The Ministry of Culture has promoted public campaigns encouraging wearing traditional Thai dress as part of celebrating Songkran, which was registered as a world heritage tradition in 2023. Songkran is a long-standing tradition. The Khao San Road event is considered the origin of various 'Khao' (rice) roads in Thailand, inspiring similar celebrations in other provinces like Khao Niao Road in Khon Kaen and Khao Man Road in Uthai Thani. Importantly, this year the Ministry supports traditional activities and performances such as Khon, recognizing these areas as key to promoting Thai arts and culture. It is believed that foreign visitors are not only interested in water play but also wish to experience the authentic identity of Thai Songkran traditions.