Phuket Songkran to promote ‘Soft Power’

PHUKET GOVERNOR Sophon Suwannarat has announced that official celebrations for Songkran will be held to promote Thai culture and traditions, “reflecting the identity of Thai Soft Power”.

Governor Sophon said that the government has a policy for every province to organise Songkran, or Maha Songkran, activities to promote cultural traditions.

Such activities will be held across Phuket during the holiday, marking the Thai New Year, Governor Sophon said.

The events will also generate income from tourism, especially through the threeday event to be held in Patong, from Apr 12-14, he said.

In Phuket Town, there will be the ‘no alcohol’ water-play zone set up on Dibuk Rd, where celebrations are to be held from Apr 14-16, he added.

“In addition, with the cooperation of localities and various sectors Songkran activities will be held throughout Phuket to promote tourism during Songkran 2024 to preserve Thai culture and traditions, and stimulate the tourism sec

Governor Sophon at the event to announce the ’no alcohol’ celebrations to be held on Dibuk Rd in Phuket Town.

tor of the economy and reflect Thai Soft Power to become more well known,” he said.

“We therefore invite citizens and tourists [sic] to participate in dressing in traditional Thai clothes to bathe Buddha images, pour water over your head, and splash happiness and fun at the Phuket Songkran Festival, which is expected to generate income of billions of baht for Phuket during the Songkran festival,” he added.

Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Phuket office Director Lertchai Wangtrakuldee predicts Phuket will see an some 264,350 visitors during Songkran, generating about B7.04bn for Phuket.

The Phuket News