The Phra Pradaeng Songkran festival was bustling as Prime Minister Anutin opened the traditional event, joining in Mon-style sabah play and Kuan Kwan Ha Ko preparation. He expressed delight at seeing the people enjoy themselves and clarified that his use of the word "thui" was heartfelt.
At 15:30 on 26 April 2026, at Pom Plang Electric Municipal School, Phra Pradaeng District, Samut Prakan Province, Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, presided over the opening ceremony. The "Phra Pradaeng Songkran" festival. Attending were Mrs. Thananon Charnvirakul, Chairwoman of the Cabinet Spouses Committee and Honorary Advisor of the Ministry of Interior Housewives Association; Mr. Songsak Thongsri, Deputy Prime Minister; Mr. Surasak Phanjaroenworakul, Minister of Tourism and Sports; Ms. Sabida Thaiset, Minister of Culture; Mr. Chaiwat Junthirapong, Secretary to the Minister of Interior; Mr. Atsit Sampanrat, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior; Mr. Supamit Chinsri, Governor of Samut Prakan; Lt. Col. Khet Ratch Chansilp, Acting Security Advisor; Mr. Anon Boonraphakdee, District Chief of Phra Pradaeng; Mr. Sunthorn Pan Saengthong, President of Samut Prakan Provincial Administrative Organization; Mrs. Chiraporn Wachirakhuankhan, Mayor of Phra Pradaeng Municipality; and numerous members of the public.
The Prime Minister and his delegation also watched a cultural performance titled "Visiting the Mon Homeland, Nam Nakhon Khueankhan" by students of municipal schools in Phra Pradaeng, descendants of local Mon-Thai heritage. They heard a report from the Mayor of Phra Pradaeng, then the Prime Minister officially opened the 2026 Phra Pradaeng Songkran festival, cutting the ribbon and releasing birds and fish in accordance with Mon-Thai traditions to extend life and auspiciousness. The delegation paid respects by pouring water on elders in the Mon community and participated in the traditional Mon sabah game to strengthen community bonds, with Mrs. Thananon Charnvirakul joining the game. Afterwards, they visited the Kuan Kwan Ha Ko (traditional Mon sweets) preparation, a heritage practiced especially during Songkran in the Phra Pradaeng area, used for merit-making and sharing during the Thai New Year.
The Prime Minister said that standing amid the smiling crowd was a joyous experience. This was not his first time attending a Mon Songkran event, having previously come when Ms. Raewadee Rasmithat, a former Member of Parliament, invited him to open the festival. After several years' absence, Mr. Thapakorn Kulcharoen, MP for Samut Prakan, coordinated for him to have the honor of rejoining the festival and meeting everyone at Phra Pradaeng Songkran.
He added, "I was surprised to see Phra Pradaeng almost closed off today. From the Suksawat Expressway exit, I witnessed the happiness of people playing water and powder in cheerful celebration. As head of government, I am delighted to see the people's joy. Therefore, the government is ready to support such good traditions and be part of preserving the unique local culture and customs. This area will become a destination for people from other regions wishing to celebrate here after the general Songkran festivities. Then, after work, everyone can enjoy ending the season happily in Phra Pradaeng before returning to honest livelihoods to help sustain the nation. I emphasize that we prioritize all matters concerning our citizens."
Clarifying his use of the word "thui" as heartfelt speech.
The Prime Minister told reporters, "I was reading the script, but then I thought reporters might turn it into news about me disrespecting the scriptwriter by saying 'thui.' That's not the case. When I met the people, I wanted to speak sincerely. When the crowd cheered, I just said 'thui'—we are like one family, speaking openly and having fun. There's no other intention; it's our tradition to enjoy and communicate with trust. For the younger generation, remember the heart of Songkran is not just fun but also connecting love and unity within the community and family." He then read part of the script before speaking again without it: "I now declare the event open. Have fun to the fullest. Why are you just sitting here? Go splash water!"
Youth shout teasingly, "Rich, rich, too rich to handle!"
Later, Mr. Anutin and his wife participated in releasing birds and fish, poured water on Buddha images, paid respects to elders, and played the traditional Mon sabah game with Mrs. Thananon. They also joined the preparation of Kuan Kwan sweets, unique to the Mon community. At one point, an elderly woman presented a Nam Dok Mai mango as a souvenir and wished Mr. Anutin success in managing the country's economy. He accepted the blessing and wished the same in return. Mr. Anutin then walked to open the main stage by the Chao Phraya River, waving to the crowd. Some attendees greeted him and requested photos, while tourists sent mini heart signs and expressed their pride in the Bhumjaithai Party. When he asked if they were locals, villagers confirmed and said they had elected him themselves. Before reaching the main stage, a group of youths shouted teasingly, "Rich, rich, too rich to handle!" Reporters noted that security personnel requested attendees not to splash water on Mr. Anutin along the route.
The Prime Minister also said it was pleasing that the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) had declared "Songkran in Thailand" as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity. "Intangible because it resides in our blood, flesh, and genes. When we celebrate, we wholeheartedly 'go all out.' Phra Pradaeng Songkran is one of five provinces highlighted by UNESCO in this declaration. It is also part of the Great Songkran festivals across four regions, aligning with government projects by the Ministry of Culture and Ministry of Tourism and Sports to promote year-round travel. I thank the Mayor of Phra Pradaeng and all involved for making this joyful for me and the people."
The Prime Minister added that he came to engage openly and with mutual trust with citizens and all sectors, urging the younger generation not to forget the spirit of Songkran, which beyond fun, connects love, bonds, and the heart of family. He then officially opened the event with enthusiasm. "I hereby declare the event open. Go enjoy yourselves fully. Why sit here? Go splash water! Greetings, the event is now open."
The Mayor of Phra Pradaeng Municipality said the Phra Pradaeng Songkran tradition, also known as "Pak Lat Songkran," is an ancient Mon Songkran tradition 212 years old, dating back to the reign of King Phutthaloetla Naphalai. It gathers Mon-Thai descendants in Phra Pradaeng to preserve their Buddhist-rooted traditional way of life. Held in front of the Phra Pradaeng District Office and across the district, it takes place in the weekend following the general Songkran. The 2026 festival was from 24 to 26 April and features distinct Mon-Ramayana culture, including Mon sabah games, Mon Thayem songs, Miss Songkran and young men's contests, parades with floral floats, and water splashing enjoyed by locals and tourists. Additionally, merit-making activities such as Songkran rice offerings, alms-giving, and bird and fish releases at Wat Prodketchettharam Royal Monastery take place amid the ancient Mon community, which remains a spiritual anchor for Buddhists in the area.
