ICONSIAM collaborates with government and private sectors to host a grand $1.6 million Songkran Festival, aiming to draw 1.5 million visitors.
BANGKOK, THAILAND – In celebration of the Songkran Festival‘s prestigious recognition by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage, ICONSIAM, the global landmark on the Chao Phraya River, has collaborated with the government including the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, Ministry of Culture, Tourism Authority of Thailand, The Government Public Relations Department, Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, The Thai Chamber of Commerce and Board of Trade of Thailand and various private sectors to invest over $1.6 million (60 million baht) in marketing activities aiming to elevate “THE ICONIC SONGKRAN FESTIVAL 2024” into a world-class festival, expecting over 1.5 million visitors to attend. The concept of “THAICONIC SONGKRAN CELEBRATION: Joyful Songkran Festival, Continuing the Legacy of World Heritage” honors Thai identity by blending traditional Thai recreational activities with contemporary cultural entertainment. This event promises to deliver the most memorable experiences, with grand celebrations filling every corner of ICONSIAM from April 10 to 21, 2024.
Mr. Supoj Chaiwatsirikul, Managing Director of ICONSIAM Company Limited, said, “As a world-class landmark along the Chao Phraya River, serving as a significant tourist destination in Bangkok and Thailand, this year, ICONSIAM plans to host the Songkran event even more spectacularly and memorable than ever before. The celebration is particularly meaningful as the ‘Songkran in Thailand’ festival was registered as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO at the end of last year. “THE ICONIC SONGKRAN FESTIVAL 2024 aims to showcase the traditions and customs of Songkran while welcoming tourists from around the world with warm hospitality and contemporary Thai entertainment. This collaborative effort seeks to create a historic event and promote Songkran in Thailand as a world-class festival. The goal is to honor Thai cultural heritage by blending contemporary elements and presenting it in a way that resonates with future generations, ensuring that this heritage lasts forever. The Songkran Festival is another important factor that will help accelerate economic growth for Thailand. This year, we are confident that there will be at least 1.5 million Thais and international tourists celebrating the Songkran Festival at ICONSIAM, contributing to a 50% increase in shopping centre turnover compared the same period last year.”
“THE ICONIC SONGKRAN FESTIVAL 2024” at ICONSIAM promises a vibrant celebration of Thai culture and traditions, featuring several highlights from April 10 to 21 (12 days):
Songkran Mahothorndevi Parade: A 7-day parade along the Chao Phraya River from April 10 -16, showcasing Thai cultural richness, featuring 7 famous actresses and artists, including Aff Taksaorn, Pie Rinrada, Becky Rebecca, Bella Ranee, Mai Davika and Diana Flipo, as well as internationally renowned Thai artist Minnie, a member of South Korean girl group (G) I-DLE, to be represented as Miss Songkran 2024.
Bathing of the Buddha Sihing: ICONSIAM has brought the replica of the Phra Buddha Sihing from Wat Phra Singh Woramahawihan, Chiang Mai Province to be placed at Exit Gate 1, G Floor, ICONLUXE Zone. Visitors can participate in a water-pouring ceremony to ask for blessings and purification. This traditional ritual is believed to bring good luck and prosperity to those who take part in it.
Songkran Water Splashing: Enjoy water splashing festivities at Water Splash Landmark at River Park, the only place in Thailand offering such an experience amidst the scenic backdrop of the Chao Phraya River from 10 – 16 April. Moreover, there will also be mini-concerts performed by Nont Tanont, MEAN, PROXIE, 4EVE, ATLAS, BUS, LYKN, and other cultural performances added to the festive atmosphere from 10 – 21 April.
ICONSIAM x NaRaYa x Collector Project: In an initiative to encourage Thai people to wear the “Floral Shirts” during the Songkran celebration, ICONSIAM teamed up with NaRaYa and Collector Project led by the artist Ek Thongprasert, to create a uniquely floral shirt inspired from the exquisite floral patterns crafted by Thai artisans, which grace the pagodas and the ordination hall of Wat Pho, the artist has transformed these into a contemporary pop art style on shirts under the design “Prosperity in Bloom.” This collaboration celebrates the new beginnings and unparalleled elegance of joy for the New Year.
Overall, the event promises a joyous and culturally enriching experience for visitors, combining traditional festivities with modern entertainment and fun activities.
George is the News Feed Manager, Content Creator, and Social Media Manager at the TravelDailyNews network of online newspapers. At the same time, he is completing his studies in the Department of Business Administration at the Athens University of Economics and Business.