Songkhla: The City Pillar Shrine in Songkhla is bustling with activity as people pay respects to the deity during the Chinese New Year festival. The atmosphere at the Songkhla City Pillar Shrine for the Chinese New Year 2026 was lively. Thai people of Chinese descent brought their families to pay respects to deities and ancestors, seeking blessings and good fortune for the new Chinese year.
According to Thai News Agency, the atmosphere at the Lak Muang Shrine in Songkhla Province was lively since early morning, as people of Chinese descent and tourists alike came to pay respects and seek blessings for the Chinese New Year. Many families prepared complete offerings, including pork, duck, chicken, auspicious fruits, steamed rice cakes, sticky rice cakes, and paper money and gold paper, to perform traditional ceremonies. The sounds of firecrackers and the scent of incense added to the festive atmosphere. Inside the shrine, the area was well-organized, with staff on hand to facilitate and ensure security, allowing people to worship smoothly.
Grandma Prapa, 61 years old, who traveled with her family members, revealed that she comes to pay respects at the City Pillar Shrine every year because she lives and works in Songkhla Province. Therefore, she has faith and seeks blessings for her life and family. This year, she prayed for good health, prosperity in her work and finances, and success and smooth sailing in her livelihoods for her children and grandchildren. She also offered her New Year's greetings, "Xin Jia Yu Yi, Xin Ni Huai Chai," to the people of Songkhla, wishing everyone happiness throughout the Chinese New Year.
Ms. Lawan revealed that she has been continuously visiting and paying respects at the Songkhla City Pillar Shrine for over 30-40 years, since she started working in the province. Especially as someone in the seafood industry, seeking blessings during the Chinese New Year is an important tradition she has always followed, believing it brings good fortune, ensuring safe and smooth fishing trips and a successful livelihood. She also offered her best wishes to the people of Songkhla, wishing them happiness and prosperity, and praised the harmonious coexistence of people from diverse cultures in the area for a long time.
The City Pillar Shrine in Songkhla Province is considered a sacred landmark and a popular destination for people to pay respects during the Chinese New Year festival. This year, many descendants of Chinese descent from Songkhla returned to their hometown to participate in the tradition and seek blessings for themselves and their families.