Bangkok (Thailand) – April 3, 2019 (travelindex.com) – To mark this year's traditional Thai New Year, a magnificent celebration will take place from April 11 to 15, 2019 in Bangkok on the banks of the Chao Phraya River at ICONSIAM.

This festival is made possible by the Tourism Authority of Thailand, ICONSIAM and the Department of Cultural Promotion of the Ministry of Culture in cooperation with public and private stakeholders, including the Bangkok Metropolitan Cultural Council, Kasikorn Bank, SOOKSIAM, the Association of Chao Phraya Commerce and Business and the communities on the banks of the Chao Phraya River.

The five-day celebration offers an extensive program of traditional Thai and cultural activities. The announcement was made at a press conference on April 2, 2019, in the ICONLUXE Hall, 1st floor, ICONSIAM, Charoen Nakorn Road, Bangkok.

Narong Chearavanont, Vice Chairman of ICONSIAM, stated: “ICONSIAM has always cherished the Chao Phraya River and the Thai culture and traditions that have flourished along its banks. With the upcoming Thai New Year, our primary focus is on hosting a festival to preserve and share Thai cultural heritage with the world. The ‘ICONIC SONGKRAN FESTIVAL 2019 AT ICONSIAM’ will showcase highlights from every era of Thai history through numerous activities and events on our 750,000-square-meter riverside site – the City of Glorious Eternity.”

Experience Thai culture at the Buddha Bathing Ceremony, where devout Buddhists pour fragrant water over Buddha statues to ask for blessings for the new year. Four of the most revered Buddha statues from each Thai era will be ceremonially presented: Shinnasri Buddha from the Sukhothai period, Nimit Vichitmarn Molee Sri Sanpetch Borom Tri Lok Nart Buddha from the Ayutthaya period, Buddham Viseth Sasada Buddha from the Thonburi dynasty, and Siam Dheva Thirat Buddha from the Rattanakosin period.

Also on display is the Songkran exhibition, which presents the history and traditions of the festival, as well as cultural performances such as the Viva Songkran dance, the silk wrapping dance, traditional drumming (Klong Sa Bad Chai), and traditional dances from Northeast Thailand (Vichanee Serng Tung Wai). Visitors can also participate in free workshops on traditional Thai cultural heritage, such as making scented fans and perfumes, painting fabric with Thai patterns, and the art of fruit and vegetable carving. They can even dress up in traditional Thai costumes for photos – all free of charge.

Thailand's most renowned actresses will grace the ICONSIAM Songkran Niramit procession, which showcases traditional Thai court culture across four eras: Sukhothai, Ayutthaya, Thonburi, and Rattanakosin. Four actresses, including Ann Thongprasom, Natapohn "Taew" Taemeeruk, Woranuch "Nune" Bhirombhakdi, and Chalida "Mint" Vijitvongthong, will lead the magnificent procession as Songkran goddesses, or Tungsa Dhevi, in specially designed traditional costumes representing each glorious period. The festival also features a concert by Nont Tanont and Da Endorphine, as well as a water fight with the "Cute Boys" on the Chao Phraya River.

Furthermore, SOOKSIAM @ ICONSIAM and Thai Beverage PLC are jointly hosting "SOOKSIAM YooYenPenSook @ ICONSIAM," where stories along the majestic river are interwoven. Seven activities reflecting the typical Thai zest for life (Sook) await visitors. At "Sook Som Wang," they can bathe Buddha statues from four regions of the country. "Sook SuebSarn and Sook Sampan" offer the opportunity to pour water on the hands of the elders of Ban Bang Khae and receive their blessings. "Sook Sanook" entices visitors with a Ferris wheel, an egg-and-spoon game, and sand pagoda building. "Sook Saneh" is a beauty contest held during the Songkran festival in Sook Siam City. "Sook Saeb" treats visitors to a variety of delicious Thai dishes from different regions. And at "Sook Sang Sun," they can discover Thai handicrafts.

Yupa Panrod, Head of Events at the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), added: “The collaboration in organizing this event – ​​the ICONSIAM Magnificent Chao Phraya Grand Songkran Celebration Festival at ICONSIAM, the country’s newest landmark and tourist destination – is of great importance. We extend our gratitude to ICONSIAM, its partners, and all the residents along the riverbank, both public and private. This event will be a central celebration of Thai tradition, an excellent boost to tourism in Thailand, and an important message: the historic Chao Phraya River is a national landmark and one of the world’s finest tourist destinations.”

The press conference for the “Iconic Songkran Festival 2019” was a resounding success. The opening began with a stunning performance by the Miss Grands, each representing a different era of Thai history. Every Miss Grand showcased the beauty of her era in traditional costumes. The four Miss Grands were Miss Grand Ayudhya Pai-Thanisa Panyapoo, Miss Grand Chumporn Moothong-Kamonchanok Kanbua, Miss Grand Satul Pamai-Ornanong Inthum, and Miss Grand Chon Buri June-Pinicha Kijkasempongsa. Another highlight was the presentation of Noon-Woranuch Bhirombhakdi in magnificent Thai attire. Other activities included a drum parade and a water fight to celebrate the traditional Thai New Year. These performances were just the beginning of the “Iconic Songkran Festival 2019.” Those responsible for organizing and preparing the festival were Supot Chaiwatsirikul (Managing Director of ICONSIAM Co., Ltd.), Chayapong Naviroj (Managing Director of SOOKSIAM), Dr. Chanarong Luckshaniyanavin (Chairman of the Bangkok Metropolitan Cultural Council), Waraphan Chaichanasiri (Director of the Department of Cultural Networks), Amorn Suvachittanont (First Senior Vice President, Kasikorn Bank), Prinya Rakvathin (President of the Association of Chao Phraya Commerce), and Thiranant Chuangpichit, Chairman of the Kadeejeen-Khlongsan Neighborhood Foundation. Celebrities in Thai costumes included Kleddao Panichsamai, Mr. Chanlada Yukol, Kuntinee Krairiksh, Jeab-Sopidnapa Chumpanee, M.L. Oradis Sanidvong, and Nont Tanont.