Showcasing the Charm of Thai Culture on the Global Stage and Strengthening Its Position as a World-Class Experiential Destination
Bangkok, March 27, 2025 – ICONSIAM, one of Thailand’s premier landmarks, has partnered with government and private sector organizations, investing 65 million baht to host the “ICONSIAM THAICONIC SONGKRAN CELEBRATION 2025.” Held under the theme “Splashing Fun in the Maha Songkran Festival, a Stream of Thai Charm,” the event reaffirms ICONSIAM’s position as a Global Experiential Destination, offering unparalleled world-class experiences. The festival showcases the rich allure of Thai culture, drawing tourists from around the world with the 5 MUST EXPERIENCES that embody the essence of Thai Songkran. This grand celebration serves as a powerful tourism magnet, reinforcing Thailand’s position as a regional tourism hub in alignment with government policy.
Designed for maximum fun and safety, the festival features a 9-meter-high water tower, a water play zone for young children, a sandpile-building tradition, a vibrant Songkran parade, and a Buddha image bathing ceremony, along with a variety of traditional Thai cultural performances throughout the seven-day celebration.
The event will take place from April 10-16, 2025, at River Park, ICONSIAM, with over 1.4 million participants expected. This year’s Songkran festival is anticipated to boost shopping mall spending by over 40%, significantly contributing to the stimulation of Thailand’s tourism economy in the first half of the year.
Supoj Chaiwatsirikul, Managing Director of ICONSIAM, remarked, “Thai Songkran is a source of pride for Thais, showcasing our precious cultural heritage. As a world-class festival, it draws visitors from around the globe, generating significant income and driving economic growth. ICONSIAM, as a prominent landmark of Thailand and a Global Experiential Destination, is dedicated to celebrating and honoring the essence of Thainess in every dimension. Once again, ICONSIAM, a joint venture of Siam Piwat, Charoen Pokphand Group (CP), and Magnolia Quality Development Corporation (MQDC), remains dedicated to fostering pride among Thais and preserving Thainess for future generations. Known for creating iconic, world-class experiences, ICONSIAM continues its commitment to organizing a spectacular Maha Songkran festival along the banks of the Chao Phraya River."
“This year, ICONSIAM is joining forces with the Ministry of Culture, Department of Cultural Promotion, Bangkok Metropolitan Cultural Council, Tourism Authority of Thailand, Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, Public Relations Department, and other key government agencies, along with private sector partners such as Thesis International Co., Ltd., Beverly Hills Polo Club, Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives (BAAC), JisuLife, Carmart Public Company Limited, Katie Doll, Boon Rawd Trading Co., Ltd., The British Dispensary (L.P.) Co., Ltd., and Nissin Foods (Thailand) Co., Ltd. Together, they will present the “ICONSIAM THAICONIC SONGKRAN CELEBRATION 2025" from April 10-16, 2025, at River Park, ICONSIAM. This grand collaboration aims to preserve, promote, and pass on the rich tapestry of Thai cultural traditions, sharing their elegant value with a global audience while fostering their sustainable continuation."
ICONSIAM has invested over 65 million baht to create an immersive Thai-style cultural experience, allowing tourists to enjoy and learn about Thai traditions. The event aims to elevate Thai festivals to a world-class level while supporting combined efforts from all related sectors to position Bangkok as a global event hub. With an expected attendance of over 1.4 million visitors over seven days—50% Thai and 50% international tourists—the festival is projected to increase spending at ICONSIAM by more than 40%.
- ICONSIAM and its partners unite to craft a Songkran World Heritage phenomenon, preserving Thai culture and bringing its vibrancy to a global audience.
Yuthika Isarangkun Na Ayutthaya, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, stated that the ministry’s policy emphasizes strengthening society and fostering sustainable cultural economic growth. Promoting and elevating Thailand’s most significant and distinctive traditions to both national and international levels is a key strategy to enhance the creative economy and revitalize the grassroots economy. The preservation and enhancement of Thai traditions can spark global interest, increasing their recognition and attracting Thai and international tourists. This initiative plays a vital role in job creation and income generation.
“The Ministry of Culture is dedicated to promoting the Thai Songkran tradition, which has been recognized as an Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO, and elevating it to a world-class event that showcases the unique beauty of Thai culture on a global stage. I commend ICONSIAM, one of Thailand’s premier global destinations, for its efforts in organizing activities aimed at preserving and continuing the Songkran tradition, collaboratively promoting its cultural significance, and ensuring that Thai traditions are recognized and appreciated worldwide. In addition to the Songkran celebration at ICONSIAM, festivities will take place nationwide, ensuring a truly grand and immersive experience. To further enhance global engagement, Songkran songs have been composed in 20 languages, including Thai, English, French, Chinese, German, and Japanese, allowing tourists worldwide to connect with this vibrant Thai tradition.”
Eurblarp Sriphiromya, Executive Director, Tourism Products Department, Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), noted that TAT is driving tourism strategies that create valuable experiences with a strong emphasis on sustainability. Offering meaningful and immersive tourism experiences is a key factor in attracting digital-age travelers, particularly those interested in cultural tourism. The Songkran Festival serves as a powerful expression of Thai soft power, elevating it to a world-class event that captivates international visitors to experience the charm of cultural heritage and the vibrant traditions of Songkran. Each year, an increasing number of tourists from around the globe travel to Thailand to participate in Songkran.
The rising trend in tourism to Thailand is driven by Songkran celebrations held throughout April across five regions nationwide, along with collaborations between the public and private sectors to host the Maha Songkran event in various locations. ICONSIAM has firmly established itself as one of Bangkok’s premier Songkran destinations, hosting a spectacular and culturally rich celebration along the Chao Phraya River every year. The festival continues to evolve with new activities and measures adhering to essential international safety standards. Therefore, Thai tourists of all generations can enjoy a safe and festive Songkran experience at ICONSIAM, while international visitors have the opportunity to shop and immerse themselves in Thailand’s rich culture and traditions. This reinforces Thailand’s status as a must-visit destination, offering meaningful, memorable, and impressive experiences. Enhancing the cultural appeal of Songkran creates added value for Thailand’s tourism industry and strengthens the Thai economy in the long run.
Sanon Wangsrangboon, Deputy Governor of Bangkok, emphasized that Bangkok is committed to preserving and promoting the Songkran tradition, which has been recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is fully prepared to collaborate with government agencies, private sectors, and civil society to ensure that Songkran celebrations are held on a grand scale. Additionally, the BMA will reinforce strict security measures to prevent and monitor potential risks, particularly in high-traffic areas. A joint command center has been established to ensure close coordination and maximum efficiency during Songkran celebrations. The center includes officers from district offices, the Metropolitan Police Bureau, the Traffic Police Division, the Tourist Police Division, and local police stations. This collaborative effort aims to facilitate the public and tourists, reduce concerns, and provide peace of mind, ensuring everyone can celebrate Songkran with joy and safety.
- Presenting once-in-a-lifetime cultural experiences: “Splashing Fun in the Maha Songkran Festival, a Stream of Thai Charm”
The event “ICONSIAM THAICONIC SONGKRAN CELEBRATION 2025" is held under the concept of “The Legendary Festival of Waters: Splashing Fun in the Maha Songkran Festival, a Stream of Thai Charm”. This celebration beautifully blends traditional Thai customs with contemporary experiences, allowing both Thai and international tourists—especially the new generation—to enjoy and learn about the country’s rich culture in a fun and safe way. The event offers 5 MUST EXPERIENCES, each capturing the unique magnificence of Thai Songkran in all dimensions. These must-do activities have been carefully curated to ensure every participant is impressed and immersed in the full Thai-style fun.
- Must Play – The Splash
- Have fun to the max with the 9-meter-high Sook-Songkran Water Tower, beautifully adorned with Thai flower patterns and featuring spectacular water effects. Plus, there’s the Kids Zone, a safe and exciting water play area for children, located at River Park on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, a unique experience found only in Thailand.
- Enjoy the convenience of the ‘Dry & Dash’ zone, where visitors can blow dry their body, hair, and change clothes. This allows tourists and festival-goers to refresh before continuing to enjoy shopping, dining, or other activities at the event.
- Must Discover – The Traditions
- Continue the tradition of building sand pagodas by visiting the giant sand pagoda landmark, a stunning sand sculpture created by Ajarn Pluey-Chanathip Chuenbumroong, one of Thailand’s top sand sculptors and wood carvers. Additionally, there’s a sand pagoda building area at ICONSIAM Park (2nd floor) where families can join in the fun and create their sand pagodas together.
- Pour water on the marble Buddha image housed in the blue chapel, brought from Wat Rong Suea Ten in Chiang Rai Province, to bring good fortune and welcome the Thai New Year.
- Participate in the “Rod Nam Dam Hua” ceremony, a water-pouring ritual to show respect to the elderly, featuring national artists, to bring good fortune and preserve cherished traditions.
- Admire the exquisite beauty of the Busabok Krern (a throne with a pointed roof and protruding elements), a stunning replica created by Thai craftsmen. This masterpiece is a valuable part of Thailand’s artistic heritage.
- Enjoy rare cultural performances, including the Nora performance, a traditional art form from the South of Thailand, which has been registered as an Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO. There will also be many more Thai dance performances at SOOKSIAM.
- Must Joy – The Celebration
- Spectacular contemporary Songkran parade featuring 8 celebrities, including Bow Maylada, Win Metawin, Engfa Waraha, Charlotte Austin, Lena Lorena, Mew Natcha, Chompoo Araya, and Nong Abigail, who will showcase the charm of Songkran across 4 days, 4 different styles.
- Free mini-concerts from over 300 famous artists at River Park, including Jeff Satur, 4EVE, ATLAS, PROXIE, LYKN, Dice, Milli, Project JASP.ER, Meen – Ping, Ryan – Form, Daou – Offroad, Ble Patumrach, Y2Z, All Season, The Third Year, and many more, offering a wide variety of music genres for everyone to enjoy.
- Must Taste – The Flavors of Thailand
- Indulge in authentic Thai cuisine at SOOKSIAM, where you can experience the rich atmosphere of Lanna culture and savor a traditional Khantoke meal, featuring authentic northern Lanna dishes. Taste specialties from all 4 regions of Thailand, including Trang grilled pork, Baan Mae Nam Kalamae (Thai caramel) from Koh Samui, Sukhothai ancient Tom Yum noodles, and seasonal Thai desserts like mango sticky rice and Lod Chong (Thai pandan short vermicelli in palm-sugar coconut milk) with Nam Dok Mai mango.
- Enjoy a variety of Thai and international flavors from over 150 renowned restaurants at ICONSIAM.
- Must Buy – Seek the Thai Treasures
- Explore the exclusive Songkran collection ‘NAKROB MOONMANAS x ICONCRAFT’, a collaboration with renowned artist Nakrob Moonmanas, featuring stylish shirts, T-shirts, pants, hats, and bags inspired by Thai culture.
- Shop for unique handicrafts and special souvenirs perfect for celebrating the Thai New Year, with a selection of heat-combating products from 1,000 famous shops at ICONSIAM, including ICONCRAFT, Siam Takashimaya, and SOOKSIAM.
- Shop to your heart’s content and win exciting prizes with the Songkran promotion campaign!
ICONSIAM and ICS Lifestyle Complex present the “ICONSIAM SONGKRAN Splashtacular Shopping" promotion campaign, running from April 1 to May 5, 2025. General customers and ONESIAM members who shop for the specified amount at ICONSIAM and ICS Lifestyle Complex (located opposite ICONSIAM) can redeem exclusive prizes worth over 3.7 million baht.
- The top 20 ONESIAM members who accumulate the highest spending of at least 50,000 baht throughout the campaign at ICONSIAM, ICS, and Siam Takashimaya (excluding luxury category shops) will receive a Government Savings Bank Savings Lottery, Emperor Jade Set, with a total value of 200,000 baht.
- Exclusive Opportunity! ONESIAM members who spend 2,500 baht or more (within the same day) on April 14, 2025, will get the chance to take a 2:10 photo with Meen and Ping and gain access to a special zone to be up close with the artists. Plus, receive a free waterproof bag as a special gift!
- Shop & Redeem – Get a SIAM Gift Card worth up to 800 baht when you shop and meet the specified conditions.
- Exclusive privilege for ONESIAM members who wear Thai fabric to the event at ICONSIAM and ICS from April 10-16, 2025, register with unlimited purchase receipts to receive a 100-baht Gift Voucher from SWENSEN’S (limited to 700 prizes).
- “SOOKSIAM Maha Songkran Maha Sanook" at SOOKSIAM
SOOKSIAM at ICONSIAM presents the event “SOOKSIAM Maha Songkran Maha Sanook,” celebrating the theme “Happy and Fun with Thai Pha Khao Ma.” The event invites everyone to pay homage and seek blessings from the Phra Attharos Sri Sukotthasaplayanabopit Buddha image, which has been specially invited from Wat Saket Ratcha Wora Maha Wihan. This marks the 200th anniversary of the Buddha image’s relocation via waterway from Wat Wihan Thong in Phitsanulok, during the reign of King Rama III, to celebrate the Thai New Year. The Buddha image will be enshrined at the Suk Suwannasala Gate (Gate 5) from April 4 to 17, 2025. A ceremony will be held to invite Phra Attharot from Wat Saket, along with a magnificent water procession, on April 4, 2025. Experience the joy of Songkran under the cool Suk Water Tunnel, featuring vibrant lights, colors, and sounds at the Central Region Pond. Enjoy delicious Thai food from all four regions, along with community products and refreshing menu options from Pracharat Rak Samakkhi Social Enterprise (Thailand) shops, available from April 1 to 17, 2025, at Muang Suk Siam on the G floor.
- Celebrate Thai New Year at ICS
ICS Lifestyle Complex, located opposite ICONSIAM, joins in the celebration of Thai New Year with the ‘ICS THAICONIC SONGKRAN CELEBRATION’. This exciting event features a variety of entertainment activities that will fill the atmosphere with music, happiness, and smiles. Highlights include a lively Luk Krung song mini-concert, Thai New Year celebrations with legendary singer Suda Chuenban and New Country band, the ICS Little Songkran Goddess Contest showcasing Thainess preservation skills for children aged 7–12, and the Joy of Songkran singing competition for four age groups: young (7–12), teenagers (13–19), young adults (20–39), and middle-aged (40+).
Don’t miss the chance to experience Thai-style fun and culture in all its dimensions at ICONSIAM! Conveniently accessible via all transportation routes—cars, buses, passenger boats, and the Gold Line skytrain—simply get off at Gate 2 of the Charoen Nakhon Station. For updates, follow ICONSIAM on Facebook or call 1338 for more information. Alternatively, contact via LINE Official: @ICONSIAM.
