Bangkok, Thailand, April 11, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / From April 11-17, 2023, ICONSIAM will be the exclusive venue in Thailand to enjoy Songkran festivities by the riverfront, highlighting its reputation as a global destination and a world-class landmark situated on the Chao Phraya River
• In collaboration with public and private partners, ICONSIAM is hosting “THE ICONIC SONGKRAN FESTIVAL 2023 – the sole Songkran celebration in Thailand to take place on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, in a concerted effort to continue the cherished Songkran tradition. The “River Park” has made arrangements for the traditional Thai-style Songkran, which is anticipated to be recognized as the 4th intangible cultural heritage of Thailand by UNESCO.
• Both local and international tourists have the opportunity to engage in the novel water-splashing festivities, immerse themselves in the cultural allure, and advocate for the inclusion of the Songkran Festival in the global list of cultural heritage. Participants are also urged to contribute to sustainable efforts by using eco-friendly recycled water tanks crafted from coffee grounds, providing everyone with the chance to partake in the joyful Songkran water festivities.
• Visitors will be mesmerized by the stunning sight of the 2023 Miss Songkran, led by the renowned actress Yaya (Urassaya Sperbund) donning an exquisite Thai traditional dress. It will also be a unique opportunity to witness the magnificent collection of ancient Thai jewelry of over 100 years, which will be worn by Yaya on April 11 and Amanda (Chalisa Obdam) on April 13.
• At Rassada Hall on the first floor, Buddhists can take part in the sacred practice of paying homage and pouring scented water over a replica of the pollen Buddha image from Wat Saraphatnuek in Ubon Ratchathani Province, as a way to express their desires and receive blessings. Furthermore, events aimed at conserving Thai culture from all four regions of the country will occur on the G floor at SOOKSIAM.
ICONSIAM, Managing Director Mr. Supoj Chaiwatsirikul said, “ICONSIAM, a global landmark located on the banks of the Chao Phraya River and a significant tourist attraction in Bangkok and Thailand, is gearing up to host THE ICONIC SONGKRAN FESTIVAL 2023 from April 11-17, 2023, inviting visitors from across the globe to partake in the Songkran holiday and fully immerse themselves in the enchanting Thai culture.”
“ICONSIAM places high regard on safeguarding and conserving the exquisite Thai traditions and culture. The event, THE ICONIC SONGKRAN FESTIVAL 2023, is an extension and celebration of the Thai culture, which will be showcased to a global audience. This aligns with the Ministry of Culture’s efforts to preserve Thai cultural values and traditions, with the goal of designating the Songkran Festival as a world cultural heritage, as per the policies of the Department of Cultural Promotion and Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA).”
“This year, ICONSIAM push forward our best contribution to present Songkran Festival as the fourth intangible cultural heritage of Thailand, designated by the consideration of UNESCO, following by Khon, Thai massage, and Nora dance.”
“Additionally, this is aligned with ICONSIAM’s core value for preserving cultural heritage by adapting it to suit the current situation and ensuring its continuity into the future, which is encapsulated in the vision of Heritage to Future, while enhancing the cultural heritage and conserving it.”
For this year’s event, which will be taking place from April 11-17, 2023, ICONSIAM has partnered with public and private entities such as the Ministry of Culture, the Tourism Authority of Thailand, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, the Thai Chamber of Commerce, SOOKSIAM, Hatakabb (Sim Tien Hor) Co., Ltd., British Dispensary (L.P.), SOMSAMAI GOLD, and Nang Loy, Thai scented water. The festival’s theme, “Blooming,” represents happiness, fresh starts, and reunions, signifying the ability to live together again.
Showcasing the glory of Thainess to the world with the uniqueness of Miss Songkran Parade along with a variety of entertaining activities.
In order to celebrate and preserve valuable cultural traditions, ICONSIAM is preparing for the opening ceremony of “THE ICONIC SONGKRAN FESTIVAL 2023” on April 11, 2023. Tourists will be thrilled by the Miss Songkran parade, the largest and most beautiful parade on the Chao Phraya River. The parade will be led by the renowned actress, Yaya (Urassaya Sperbund), portraying the legendary Kimita Devi.
The Miss Songkran of 2023 will be adorned in exquisite Thai dresses, designed by Phiramon Chomtawat, an expert in traditional Thai dance costumes, and will wear invaluable Thai traditional jewelry that is over 100 years old. The jewelry is borrowed from Phutthapong Piancharoen, a prominent antique jewelry collector in Thailand, and will be on display for tourists to admire.
Another major happening taking place this year is the Miss Songkran procession on April 13, 2023, during the Grand Songkran Day. It will be led by Amanda (Chalisa Obdam), who was crowned Miss Universe Thailand 2020 and was in the 10 finalists of the 69th Miss Universe competition. During the parade, Amanda will be dressed in a Sukhothai-era royal costume resembling that of an ancient empress, which has been intricately designed by Dr. Surat Jongda, and adorned with exquisite gold jewelry, decorations, and accessories.
After the parade, visitors will have the opportunity to enjoy mini concerts by renowned artists such as Three Man Down, Tilly Birds, ATLAS, and more, who will keep the excitement going and the atmosphere lively throughout the event. In addition to the concerts, tourists can also experience Thai cultural performances and take part in the water-splashing festivities along the Chao Phraya River, all while adhering to safety protocols. The event will be adorned with vivid and colorful flower decorations, adding to its vibrancy.
Moreover, ICONSIAM remains dedicated to promoting social responsibility, environmental conservation, and cultural preservation. One of its ongoing initiatives involves preserving the natural resources and environment surrounding the Chao Phraya River. To this end, ICONSIAM has partnered with coffee shops within its premises to repurpose leftover coffee grounds through a recycling process, transforming them into water-containing products and chairs used during the event.
Participate in the sacred tradition of paying homage and pouring scented water over a replica of the pollen Buddha image from Wat Saraphatnuek in Ubon Ratchathani Province, which is believed to bring blessings.
Buddhists can receive blessings during the Thai New Year by participating in the tradition of pouring water over a replica of the pollen Buddha image from Wat Saraphatnuek in Ubon Ratchathani Province, as per the legend surrounding the original pollen Buddha image. This ancient Buddha image was crafted during the reign of King Rama V, and only five of them exist in Thailand. The replicas of the pollen Buddha image were constructed using flowers offered to the Emerald Buddha and hold a sacred significance in seeking blessings for career growth and good fortune.
Additionally, visitors are encouraged to make merit by paying homage to the Birthday Buddha images, which have been enshrined at Rassada Hall on the first floor. There are also opportunities to shop for products from well-known outlets, including various souvenirs, and participate in workshops at the Charoennakorn Hall, located on the M floor.
SOOKSIAM, situated on the G floor, offers visitors a unique cultural experience where they can delve into the captivating Thai way of life and immerse themselves in the local community’s traditions while preserving the cultural heritage of the four regions. This event, scheduled from Today to 20, 2023, guarantees to provide a joyful, refreshing, and relaxing atmosphere. Additionally, visitors can participate in the age-old tradition of pouring water over the revered Phra Phuttha Sihing Buddha statue, witness the art of Muay Thai boxing and cultural performances, relish scrumptious dishes from the community shops, and partake in workshops that aim to promote the Thai cultural identity.
The ICS Lifestyle Complex, recently established on the Thonburi side, will host the “ICS Songkran Festival” at its Event Space on the M Floor from Today to April 17, 2023. Visitors can explore various booths selling products, snacks, and collectibles, and take part in a plethora of enjoyable activities during the Songkran festival. The event will also feature sales booths, mouth-watering Thai desserts such as Krong Krang Nam Kati (a Thai coconut milk dessert) and Khanom Babin (Thai coconut pancake), workshops, and a vibrant festive performance during the Songkran Festival.
Discover and relish a diverse range of great value promotions tailored to meet the shopping needs of avid shoppers.
The “ICONSIAM Happy and Prosperous Songkran 2023” promotional campaign is spreading cheer amongst shoppers. Customers can indulge in a delightful shopping experience with this Songkran-inspired promotion and receive rewards worth over 2.2 million baht. The promotion is applicable from Today to May 6, 2023.
VIZ members who use the ONESIAM SuperApp have the opportunity to earn VIZ COIN worth up to 400 baht when they make purchases at ICONSIAM and Siam Takashimaya, subject to certain terms and conditions. Furthermore, VIZ members with ONESIAM SuperApp can enjoy an exclusive 5-day-only offer from April 13 to 17, 2023, during which they can redeem Lotus’s Privé Cash Coupon and VIZ COIN worth up to 800 baht by satisfying specific purchase requirements.
The “ICS Happy and Prosperous Songkran 2023” campaign is also offering special promotions at the ICS Lifestyle Complex during the Songkran festival. The promotion is available from April 7 to May 21, 2023. By using the ONESIAM SuperApp, VIZ members can receive a Summer Bag worth 250 baht by spending 1,500 baht on products in ICS stores, excluding food and beverages, and Lotus’s Privé. Alternatively, they can shop for 800 baht at Lotus’s Privé or purchase food and beverages at ICS to receive an immediate discount coupon worth 50 baht from Lotus’s Privé. ***Please check the conditions at the point of sale.
Come and celebrate Songkran in a fun and secure environment while shopping for the Thai New Year at “THE ICONIC SONGKRAN FESTIVAL 2023” event, located at ICONSIAM on Charoennakorn Road. For further details, contact 1338 or visit www.iconsiam.com and Facebook page: ICONSIAM.