Songkran Pattaya 2017 | Pattaya Unlimited

If I’m in Pattaya for the 2017 Songkran festivities I will replace the content of this page with some (hopefully) wonderful Songkran photos. If you don’t see the mentioned photos you can I assume I either got called to work, decided to hole up, or got out of dodge.

The 2017 Songkran festival is the largest major festival in Thailand since the death of King Bhumibol Adulyadej. Thailand is still currently in a state of mourning, during which all festivities and celebrations are required to be low key. So, the question is, what is Songkran 2017 going to be like in Pattaya?

Songkran in Thailand 2017

I’ve spent some time reading press reports and the Tourism Authority of Thailand website for information about 2017 Thailand Songkran festivities. The authorities are promoting a more traditional Songkran celebration, with the emphasis more on “celebration” rather than party.

One press report claims restrictions on the Songkran festivities on Bangkok’s Khaosan Road will rule out the use of water guns, powder, and sexy attire.

Pattaya City is also making efforts to promote the traditional values of Songkran. The “South Pattaya Walking Street fair will be held on Pattaya Soi 6” from the 12th to the 20th of April. The fair will feature a procession, traditional Thai Songkran dress, games, and traditional Songkran water splashing.

To what extent the Songkran festivities will be toned down this year is difficult to foretell. I would expect bars and clubs to respect the current restrictions on loud music, and the festivities to be focused more on celebration than revelry. This though, is New Year in Thailand, a time when Thais like to let their hair down, drink, and party. So it’s going to be interesting to see just how Songkran 2017 pans out.

What to Expect from Pattaya Songkran 2017

No matter how much the Pattaya Songkran festivities might be toned down, everyone is going to participate. As ever, the main day in Pattaya will be the 19th, but festivities will start on the 13th. And during this period, especially the 17th, 18th and 19th the roads will be gridlocked. Not a good time to get things done in Pattaya, and if it’s not your idea of fun it might be the perfect time to escape for a few days.

Songkran is still going to be fun, so long as you abide by the Songkran rules.

Talking of rules, you may find these Songkran motorcycle pictures amusing, but please also read the text and have a thought for the safety of motorcyclists during the Songkran festival.

TAT Pattaya Songkran Activities Schedule

Below is a schedule of events during Songkran period in Pattaya and the surrounding areas. This schedule was sent by email from the TAT Pattaya office.

Worship Phra Buddha Si-hing and Songkran Festival: Chonburi

Join us for Worship Phra Buddha Si-hing and Songkran Festival at the Ground in front of Chonburi City Hall from April 11-15, 2017. Enjoy variety of activities, such as Miss Songkran Beauty Pageant and mini concert from popular artists.
For more information, please call 038-279-448.

The Parade of Buddha’s Relics

Pattaya City and the Sanctuary of Truth are going to organize the Parade of Buddha’s Relics 2017. The activities include merit making, sprinkle water to Buddha’s Relics and the Parade around Pattaya City on April 13, 2017, starting from Naklua Old Market and carried around the city.

Sand Pagoda Contest, Wan Lai Bang Saen

The traditional festival “Sand Pagoda Contest, Wan Lai Bang Saen” starts in April 16-17, 2017 at Bang Saen Beach, Chonburi. There are many activities to do, such as Sand Pagoda Contest, Local Sports Competition, Muay Talay (Sea Boxing) and open oyster shell competition. Tourists are also able to enjoy shopping for local food and products (OTOP).
Additional information: Saen Suk District Municipality Office, please call 038-193-500 to 2 (ext. 322)

Phaya Yom (Hades) Parade and Songkran of Bang Phra

TAT Pattaya invites you to join and experience the traditional festival based on 100 year of the myth. In the last day of Songkran festival, local people will form the Phaya Yom (Hades) Parade and Songkran of Bang Phra. Phaya Yom images will be floated to the sea on April 18, 2017.
Additional information: Bang Phra Sub District Municipality Office, please call 038-357-999.

Songkran Festival of Sichang and Kham Yai Islands (carried women down the water)

TAT Pattaya invites you to participate in the one and only traditional festival in Thailand called Songkran Festival of Sichang and Kham Yai Islands on April 18, 2017. Enjoy and have fun with the traditional music along the beach and much more.
Additional information: Koh Sichang Municipality Office, please call 038-216-224.

Wan Lai Naklua-Pattaya and Kong Kao (Rice Offering Tradition)

April 12-20, 2017: Pattaya Songkran Wan Lai Festival. There are many activities such as Sand Pagoda Contest, merit making, sprinkle water to Buddha sculpture, pouring scented water on the elders hands, the Parade of Buddha’s Relics, etc. The activities start from North Pattaya Beach to Walking Street.
April 18, 2017: Wan Lai Naklua at Lan Pho Public Park.
April 19-21, 2017: Sriracha Kong Kao (Rice Offering Tradition).

Additional information: Pattaya City Hall, please call 038-253-130, or Call Center 1337