BANGKOK, April 11 (Xinhua) -- The Maha Songkran World Water Festival 2026 kicked off here in Thailand's capital on Saturday, aiming to elevate the traditional Thai New Year into a major global attraction while showcasing the country's contemporary culture.
Minister of Tourism and Sports Surasak Phancharoenworakul said that the festive event held at Benjakitti Park in central Bangkok is designed to draw international crowds by blending ancient traditions with modern entertainment, underscoring Thailand's readiness to host large-scale global events.
Surasak said that the five-day festival, which runs through April 15, builds upon Songkran's status as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
"By leveraging our unique cultural identity, we are driving tourism initiatives that align with the government's policy of establishing Thailand as a top global destination," he said.
He noted that the modernized event is expected to encourage repeat tourism, stimulate job creation, and drive domestic economic growth.
In a statement, the Tourism Authority of Thailand expressed confidence that the integration of high-energy contemporary music with traditional water-splashing activities will create a new, dynamic image for Songkran, firmly establishing the Southeast Asian nation as a sustainable "festival destination" on the world stage. ■
