The government spokesperson revealed that the international community praises the Thai Songkran Festival as a world cultural heritage and a global event, reflecting cultural strength and attracting worldwide attention that no one can claim, and noted its unique status.
On 15 Apr 2026 GMT+7, Ms. Ratchada Thanadirek, spokesperson for the Office of the Prime Minister, stated that this year's Songkran Festival celebration was grand, demonstrating the power of “Thai Songkran” as a UNESCO-recognized world cultural heritage. This recognition is acknowledged by all nations and connects people worldwide through culture, tradition, and enjoyment.
This year, 42 foreign embassies in Thailand, including those of the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Denmark, Germany, India, Belgium, China, the Philippines, Vietnam, Australia, and the United States, collaborated to produce promotional media showcasing Thai charm through creative and contemporary perspectives.
Leading media outlets such as AP, Reuters, Euronews, and Xinhua widely covered the crowded festivities at various water play locations like Khao San Road, calling Songkran one of the world's largest and most vibrant festivals. Their reports highlighted the fun atmosphere and the blend of traditional and modern cultures. Meanwhile, North American Newswire praised the Thai Songkran Festival as a “World Water Festival” on the global stage, playing a vital role in driving Thailand's economy and tourism.
Additionally, Thailand’s safety measures were highlighted, including regulations governing appropriate behavior, accident prevention, and creating a safe environment for residents and tourists. The Straits Times featured Thailand’s “10 Rules” for safe water play, such as prohibiting sexual harassment, forbidding unwanted powder smearing, and banning high-pressure water guns, reflecting the festival's international-standard organization.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) projected that during the Songkran Festival from 11–15 April 2026 GMT+7, total tourism revenue would exceed 30.35 billion baht, with approximately 500,000 foreign tourists generating about 8.1 billion baht—an increase of 6% compared to the same period last year.
The spokesperson for the Office of the Prime Minister added that the government is committed to promoting cultural heritage wisdom and using the Songkran Festival as a tool to create economic and social opportunities. The focus is on distributing opportunities across all regions to enhance Thailand’s competitiveness on the global stage with pride.
“The Prime Minister commended the success of Songkran celebrations in every area and province of Thailand, achieved through the cooperation and unity of all sectors—government, private, and citizens—who jointly present moments of happiness that people from abroad and different languages celebrate alongside Thais. This reflects the power of Thai culture to genuinely connect smiles, warmth, and friendship across borders,” she said.