Phra pradaeng: Anutin Charnvirakul, accompanied by his wife, officially inaugurated the "Songkran Phra Pradaeng" festival, emphasizing efforts to ensure the happiness of the people.
According to Thai News Agency, the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, Anutin Charnvirakul, along with his wife, Mrs. Thanon Charnvirakul, began the event by paying respects at the monument of King Rama II (King Phutthaloetla Naphalai). The couple, dressed in traditional Thai and Mon attire, presided over the opening ceremony of the "Phra Pradaeng Songkran Festival 2026." Anutin, wearing a floral shirt, and his wife, in a traditional Mon Thai dress, set the tone for the ceremony.
Anutin opted to deliver his opening speech from a podium instead of a stage, expressing his desire to be closer to the attendees. He shared his joy at returning to the festival and was surprised by the large turnout, which nearly filled the city of Phra Pradaeng. The Prime Minister observed that people were enjoying water splashing activities from the Suk Sawat expressway exit. As head of the government, he was pleased to see the happiness among the people. He affirmed the government's commitment to supporting and preserving the local culture and traditions. Additionally, Anutin expressed pride in UNESCO's recognition of Songkran in Thailand as an Intangible World Heritage Site of Humanity and extended gratitude to the Minister of Tourism and Sports and the Minister of Culture for their support. He announced the "Travel Across Thailand" project, to be held monthly, to encourage participation in festivals. He also thanked the people of Phra Pradaeng, particularly the mayor and government officials, for their e fforts in enhancing the city's quality of life and prosperity.
The highlight of Anutin's speech came when he chose to speak candidly from the heart rather than following a script. In a simple manner, he declared the event open, encouraging everyone to enjoy the festivities: "I now officially open the event. Let's have some fun! Why are we sitting here? Let's go splash some water! Goodbye. I declare the event open!"
Following the opening, the Prime Minister and his entourage participated in activities such as releasing birds and fish for good fortune, bathing Buddha statues, observing demonstrations, and engaging in traditional Mon games to preserve the culture of the Thai people of Mon descent.
Anutin then walked along the municipal street in Phra Pradaeng, greeting residents who welcomed him enthusiastically. Some young people greeted him with shouts of "He's so rich now!"
Later, Anutin took to another stage at the festival to greet the public warmly. He expressed his intent to meet the people in person, stating that their happiness brought him joy. He urged everyone to enjoy the festival and expressed hope that they would return to work with renewed energy afterward. Anutin assured the crowd that he would not abandon them and pledged to do everything possible to maintain their smiles and happiness. He concluded by offering his best wishes for the Thai New Year, wishing everyone happiness, success, good health, and the fulfillment of their wishes, before joining in the ceremonial ringing of the gong to officially open the event amidst cheers from the large crowd.