Thailand’s Chonburi Province celebrated Songkran, the Thai New Year’s Day, with a grand parade and bathing ceremony. Mr. Thawatchai Srithong, Governor of Chonburi Province, presided over the event and poured water on the elders, a beautiful tradition that dates back to ancient times and reflects the characteristics of Thainess. Mr. Naris Niramaiwong, president of the Chonburi Provincial Red Cross, Mr. Witthaya Khunpluem, president of the Chonburi Provincial Administrative Organization, Mr. Chaiyaporn Paphiromrat, chiefs of all districts, and members of the general public attended the ceremony. To commemorate the occasion, everyone wore floral shirts.
The parade was spectacular, with each district displaying beautifully decorated parade cars as well as a parade honoring the royal family. Each district also had a long drum parade, which was followed by an orchestra of students from Chonrat Amrung School, Chonkanyanukul School, and many other educational institutions. The parade of folk plays, as well as other indigenous games, contributed to the festive atmosphere. The procession moved from the Crown Property Market to the Chon Phra Buddha Sihing Hall, generating interest among both tourists and locals.
The Governor of Chonburi urged everyone to seek Phra Sri Rattanatrai’s blessings and the power of all sacred things. He also asked the Thai people’s ancestral king to inspire and bless the citizens of Chonburi Province, encouraging them to experience happiness and prosperity and to build a peaceful society while preserving the beautiful Songkran tradition, which is a national and local cultural treasure for all time. The event was an excellent way to honor Thai culture and traditions while also encouraging mutual respect and warmth among the people.
