THE Royal Thai Consulate-General will once again host its annual Songkran Festival at Hin Bus Depot in George Town on April 19 (Saturday), from 11am to 5pm.
Acting Consul-General Kantapon Sangkhapreecha said the festival will feature diverse cultural performances from different regions of Thailand, along with interactive booths highlighting the Thai language, traditional fruit and vegetable carving, Thai dessert-making, and the crafting of fish-shaped ornaments.
A designated water-splashing area, often the highlight of Songkran celebrations, will also be set up to help attendees “cool down in this hot weather.”
Thai students currently studying in Malaysia will lend their support as volunteers to help run the event.
Officially celebrated from April 13 to 15, Songkran saw many Thais visiting temples to pray. In Penang, this year marks the third time the festival will be held at the Hin Bus Depot.
“In mainstream media, Songkran is often portrayed as a water-splashing festival. But it is more than that; it marks the Thai New Year and is a time for families to return home, pay respects to their elders, and enjoy home-cooked meals,” Kantapon told Buletin Mutiara in an interview on April 10.
“At the same time, we believe the water-splashing helps people feel refreshed. It’s symbolic of a blessing. This year, we also hope to uplift spirits, especially in light of the recent earthquake in Myanmar and the tragedy that also happened in Bangkok. Our thoughts and prayers are with the affected families.”
Previously, the Songkran Festival was held at the Royal Thai Consulate-General’s premises, with limited space and access by invitation only. Moving it to the Hin Bus Depot has allowed for greater public participation.
“As a public venue, Hin Bus Depot helps us share our cultural traditions with more people. It aligns with our aim of making the festival inclusive and accessible,” said Kantapon.
State executive councillor for Social Development, Welfare and Non-Islamic Religious Affairs, Lim Siew Khim, and the incoming Thai Consul-General in Penang, who will succeed Raschada Jiwalai following his retirement last September, are expected to attend the festival.
“We are mindful of the environmental impact of the Songkran Festival, and we want to keep the event plastic-free and pork-free to make it as inclusive as possible. Everyone is welcome to join in,” Kantapon said.
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Muhamad Amir Irysad Omar and courtesy of the Royal Thai Consulate-General