Pattaya set for three-day “Wan Lai” Songkran water festival

By

-

16 April 2026, 13:44

PATTAYA — 16 April 2026, Pattaya is preparing to host its annual Wan Lai festival, promising a nationwide-scale celebration with three days of water festivities from 17 to 19 April.

City officials said this year’s event will be bigger than ever, featuring elaborate light and sound productions and performances by well-known artists across multiple stages along Pattaya Beach.

Reporters on site said the beachfront has been transformed into a large entertainment zone, with four main stages offering continuous activities from daytime into the evening. These include a cultural stage at Soi 5 near the Mono zone, areas around the Hard Rock Hotel Pattaya and Nipa Hall, and another stage organised by the Idea Association at Soi 13.

The highlight will fall on 19 April, recognised as Wan Lai Pattaya, the peak day of the festival. Authorities will close roads from 12:00 to 24:00 to allow revellers to celebrate freely.

More than 800 officers will be deployed to provide security and manage traffic in Pattaya and surrounding areas. Dedicated service lanes will also be set up to ensure emergency access for medical assistance and incident response, aiming to safeguard both residents and visitors attending the event.

Thai man, 62, refuses breath test, later charged

By

Khaosod English

-

16 April 2026, 11:33

Thai man, 62, refuses breath test, later charged

ANG THONG — 15 April 2026, a 62-year-old man was arrested after repeatedly refusing to take a breathalyser test at a police checkpoint before later complying and being found over the legal alcohol limit.

At 21:30, Pol. Sub Lt. Prajak Chumyen, deputy inspector of prevention and suppression at Mueang Ang Thong police station, led officers to assist checkpoint staff on the Pho Phraya–Tha Ruea road in Pa Ngio subdistrict, Mueang district.

Police said the man, driving a Nissan pickup truck, aroused suspicion and showed signs of intoxication but repeatedly refused to provide a breath sample, offering evasive responses despite being given multiple opportunities.

Officers allowed him three attempts to take the test, but he continued to avoid complying. He was then restrained and taken to the police station, where he agreed to undergo the test.

The result showed a blood alcohol level of 135 milligrams per decilitre, exceeding the legal limit.

He was charged with drink-driving and handed over to investigators for legal proceedings.

Songkran crowds top 50,000 on final day in Amnat Charoen

By

Khaosod English

-

16 April 2026, 09:58

Songkran crowds top 50,000 on final day in Amnat Charoen

AMNAT CHAROEN — 15 April 2026, more than 50,000 revellers gathered on Pa Khao Ma Road in Amnat Charoen on the final day of Songkran celebrations, with the area packed as tourists joined water festivities.

Seni Somkhiaowan, the provincial governor, said visitor numbers had steadily increased over the past two days of the event, with this year’s turnout rising by about 20% compared with last year.

The festival, held along a two-kilometre stretch in the city centre, drew both local residents and visitors from other areas. A “Wan Lai” celebration, which is a traditional extension of Songkran festivities, is scheduled at a nearby irrigation canal the following day.

He said the strong turnout reflected growing interest in the event, adding that cash circulation during the festival was estimated at around 10 million baht per day.

Security measures were reinforced with the installation of CCTV cameras throughout the event area to ensure public safety.

Songkran brawl in Phayao sends tourists fleeing

By

Khaosod English

-

16 April 2026, 09:41

Songkran brawl in Phayao sends tourists fleeing

PHAYAO — 15 April 2026, a fight broke out among groups of youths on the final day of the Songkran festival, sending tourists fleeing in panic around Kwan Phayao.

Reporters said the incident occurred on a road circling the lake, where large crowds of locals and visitors had gathered to celebrate and splash water.

Initial observations suggested the clash stemmed from a dispute and verbal confrontation, exacerbated by alcohol consumption. The situation escalated as the groups challenged each other before engaging in a physical fight.

Participants exchanged punches and kicks, causing alarm among bystanders, particularly tourists who had come to enjoy the festivities.

During the incident, friends and unrelated individuals repeatedly attempted to intervene and separate those involved in an effort to reduce the violence, allowing the situation to ease intermittently.

Police from Mueang Phayao station, along with patrol officers and relevant agencies, were dispatched to the scene to restore order. However, by the time they arrived, those involved had already dispersed.

Authorities have urged the public and tourists, especially young people, to help maintain peace during festival periods, avoid excessive alcohol consumption and refrain from violence, in order to preserve the image of tourism at Kwan Phayao.

Elephants lead Songkran water pouring and blessing parade

By

Khaosod English

-

15 April 2026, 17:55

Elephants lead Songkran water pouring and blessing parade

CHIANG MAI — 15 April 2026, Songkran celebrations at Wat Pa Saen Thammararam, also known as “Wat Chang”, in Mae Taeng district drew large crowds on Tuesday, featuring a distinctive parade of Buddha images carried on elephants.

The temple organised a grand Lanna-style ceremony by placing Buddha statues and revered forest monks’ images on elephant backs and parading them around the temple grounds, allowing devotees to perform ritual water pouring and seek blessings for the traditional New Year.

Monks and novices rode atop the elephants, holding Buddha images and portraits of respected forest masters, including Luang Pu Mun Bhuridatto, Phra Phutthaphotwaraphon (Luang Pu Chan Kusalo) and Phra Ratchawachirakosol (Luang Pu Kuang Kosalo). They were joined by large numbers of local residents and devotees in a coordinated procession.

Along the route, traditional drums, dances and cultural performances by ethnic groups added colour and vibrancy to the festivities. Participants also poured water over Buddha images and paid respects to monks and novices to mark the Thai New Year.

A highlight of the event saw elephants take part in the water-blessing ritual, using their trunks to spray water over participants, drawing laughter and delight from visitors and locals alike. Many said the spectacle reflected the close bond between people and elephants, a unique identity of the temple.

In addition, Phra Khru Od of Wat Chedi Luang organised a special feast for the elephants, offering fruit such as bananas, sugarcane, watermelon and pineapple, creating a joyful atmosphere.

Locals said the event not only preserves Lanna Songkran traditions but also helps sustain the long-standing relationship between the community and elephants, which have been an integral part of Mae Taeng district for generations.

Man jailed for sexually assaulting reporter at Songkran festival

By

Khaosod English

-

15 April 2026, 16:09

Man jailed after molesting reporter at Songkran

BANGKOK — 15 April 2026, a 43-year-old man has been remanded in custody after allegedly touching a female reporter inappropriately during Songkran celebrations on Silom Road, after failing to post bail set at 100,000 baht.

Investigators from Pathumwan Police Station brought the suspect, identified as Methasit, before the South Bangkok Criminal Court on Charoen Krung Road, seeking his first 12-day remand on a charge of committing an indecent act against a person over 15 under Section 278 of the Criminal Code.

The case stems from an incident on 13 April at about 16:30, when the suspect allegedly used his hand to touch the buttocks of a female journalist while she was reporting on Songkran festivities. During questioning, he confessed to the charge.

Police investigators and the victim opposed bail, citing concerns the suspect might flee. The court approved the detention request.

The suspect applied for temporary release, and the court set bail at 100,000 baht, requiring a full cash guarantee. However, he was unable to provide the funds.

The court then issued a detention order, and officers transferred him to Bangkok Remand Prison pending further legal proceedings.

Blaze destroys cannabis drying warehouse in Korat

By

Khaosod English

-

15 April 2026, 14:09

Blaze destroys cannabis drying warehouse in Korat

NAKHON RATCHASIMA — 15 April 2026, a fire severely damaged a warehouse used for drying and storing cannabis in the Suranaree Industrial Estate in Muang district early on Tuesday, officials said.

Firefighters from Nong Bua Sala Municipality were alerted to the blaze at 5:05 and dispatched two fire engines to the scene. Additional support was requested from the Sawang Metta Nakhon Ratchasima rescue unit and three more fire engines from Nakhon Ratchasima Municipality.

The fire was found raging in the cannabis drying section before spreading to storage areas. Crews took about one hour to bring the blaze under control.

No injuries or fatalities were reported.

The warehouse owner said the premises had been leased to another party, believed to be from Bangkok, and that he only learned of the fire after it broke out.

Forensic police from Division 3 inspected the scene and collected evidence to determine the cause. Damage costs are being assessed by the operator leasing the facility.

Mother devastated as teen killed in Songkran attack

By

Khaosod English

-

15 April 2026, 12:11

Mother devastated as teen killed in Songkran attack

BURIRAM — 15 April 2026, a 16-year-old boy was fatally stabbed during a Songkran celebration in front of a municipal office in Khaen Dong district, Buriram province, with police arresting two suspects including an 18-year-old who later confessed.

Pol. Col. Paphatchai Petnok, acting chief of Khaen Dong Police Station, ordered investigators to take two suspects, an 18-year-old man, identified as A, and a 15-year-old boy, identified as B, to re-enact the crime at the scene outside Khaen Dong Municipality.

The incident occurred at about 23:30 on 14 April, when the two suspects and more than 20 others allegedly attacked the victim, identified as Ne (pseudonym), a 16-year-old local resident. He was stabbed multiple times and later died at Khaen Dong Hospital.

Initially, both suspects denied carrying out the stabbing, admitting only to being part of the group. Police seized several knives believed to have been used in the attack and said the group appeared to have planned the assault.

Mother devastated as teen killed in Songkran attack 2 — Several knives believed to have been used in the attack

The 18-year-old later confessed to the killing, telling police that the 15-year-old initiated the attack by slashing the victim with a sword-like knife, after which he followed and stabbed the victim multiple times before fleeing. He said the motive stemmed from a prior rivalry, and the group had brought weapons to the event.

The victim’s mother, Sumalee, 40, said her son had asked permission to go out and celebrate Songkran, which she allowed as it was normal, preferring he go out at night to avoid the daytime heat.

She said she was initially shocked but did not expect the injuries to be severe. “When I arrived at the hospital, I was devastated after doctors told me he had been stabbed in several vital areas,” she said, adding that watching a video of the incident made her feel even more heartbroken, as her son had never harmed anyone.

Through tears, she called for justice, saying she wanted those responsible to face consequences equal to or greater than what they had done. She described her son as a diligent student who was about to enter upper secondary school in a science-maths programme.

Police have charged the suspects with joint intentional murder and carrying weapons in public. Further legal action is under way, while other youths present at the scene who were found not to be involved in the stabbing have not been charged.

Pattaya Songkran crowds pack beach on April 14

By

Khaosod English

-

15 April 2026, 10:27

Pattaya Songkran crowds pack beach on April 14

PATTAYA — 14 April 2026, large crowds of Thai and foreign tourists gathered along Pattaya Beach on the night of 14 April, as Songkran celebrations continued at full pace.

Reporters said the atmosphere was lively, particularly from Nipa Lod intersection through Soi 7 and Soi 8 along the beach road, where revellers took part in water splashing to cool off in the heat.

Police officers were deployed at key points to maintain security and facilitate traffic, urging participants to celebrate respectfully to reduce the risk of fights or accidents.

Authorities also imposed partial road closures along Pattaya Beach Road to prevent accidents and improve safety for residents and visitors.

A key highlight, “Wan Lai Pattaya 2026”, is scheduled for 19 April. Morning activities from 08:00 to 12:00 will include a traditional water-pouring ceremony over Buddha images at Wat Chai Mongkhon, followed by entertainment events and live music performances by well-known artists along Pattaya Beach later in the day.

Global praise for Thai Songkran as major world event

By

Khaosod English

-

15 April 2026, 09:43

Global praise for Thai Songkran as major world event

BANGKOK — 15 April 2026, Thailand’s Songkran festival has drawn widespread international praise as a global cultural event, reflecting the strength of Thai traditions and attracting worldwide attention, a government spokesperson said.

Ratchada Thanadirek, government spokeswoman, said the atmosphere of this year’s celebrations highlighted Songkran’s status as a UNESCO-recognised intangible cultural heritage, widely acknowledged by the international community. The festival has connected people from around the world through culture, tradition and celebration.

She said 42 foreign embassies in Thailand had helped produce promotional media showcasing Thai charm through creative and contemporary perspectives. International media outlets also reported on the large crowds gathering at water-splashing venues, describing Songkran as one of the world’s most vibrant and dynamic festivals, blending traditional culture with modern elements.

Ratchada added that the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) projected overall tourism revenue during the Songkran period from 11–15 April to exceed 30.35 billion baht. The period was expected to attract around 500,000 foreign visitors, generating approximately 8.1 billion baht, a 6% increase compared with the same period last year.

The government remains committed to promoting cultural heritage while positioning Songkran as a driver of economic and social opportunities, with a focus on distributing benefits across all regions and enhancing Thailand’s global competitiveness.

“The prime minister has praised the success of Songkran celebrations across all provinces, made possible through cooperation from all sectors,” Ratchada said. “The festival represents a time of happiness where people of different nationalities and languages celebrate together, reflecting the power of Thai culture to connect smiles, warmth and friendship across borders.”

Hot News

LATEST NEWS