PATTAYA, Thailand – Pattaya is gearing up for the annual Wan Lai Festival, an extension of the Songkran celebrations, scheduled for April 18-19. This vibrant event attracts both locals and tourists to partake in traditional ceremonies, cultural performances, and the renowned water festivities along Pattaya Beach.
On April 18, the festivities will commence with the Naklua Wan Lai Festival at Lan Pho Public Park. The day’s events include an alms-giving ceremony at 7:30 AM, followed by Buddhist chanting and New Year blessings. Attendees can participate in the bathing of Buddha images, a water-pouring ceremony for elders, and enjoy traditional Thai cultural performances. A highlight is the parade of floral floats and Buddha statues through Naklua Market, allowing the public to engage in water blessings. To accommodate these activities, a one-way traffic system will be implemented from 2:30 PM to 9:30 PM in the Naklua area.
The celebrations continue on April 19 with the Pattaya Wan Lai Festival centered at Wat Chaimongkol and along Pattaya Beach Road. Morning activities feature offerings to monks, water-pouring rituals for Buddha images and monks, and blessing ceremonies for the elderly. Traditional performances and community folk games will also be part of the festivities.
A grand parade of floral floats and Buddha images will proceed from Wat Chaimongkol, travel along Pattaya Second Road, turn onto Central Pattaya Road, head down Beach Road, and loop back to the temple. Traffic restrictions will be in place, including closures from the Top Supermarket intersection to Beach Road, as well as Soi 7 to Soi 13/4, with parking bans enforced from 6:00 AM to 1:00 AM.
In preparation for these events, Pattaya officials have convened to discuss traffic and safety measures. Clear signage regarding event details, traffic arrangements, and water-splashing regulations will be installed in advance. Law enforcement and related agencies will be stationed at key points, and an emergency lane will be designated to assist with traffic and safety concerns.
Mayor Poramet Ngampichet has expressed full support for the festival, encouraging collaboration between relevant agencies to elevate the event to a world-class attraction. The Maha Songkran World Water Festival 2025, co-hosted by Pattaya City, will feature cultural performances, traditional Thai ceremonies, and interactive activities, further cementing Pattaya’s status as a top cultural and entertainment destination.
Authorities have emphasized that the sale of alcoholic beverages is strictly prohibited along the beachfront. Festivalgoers are also urged to dress appropriately, avoid aggressive or forceful water splashing, and show respect toward others throughout the celebrations. These measures aim to promote a fun, family-friendly atmosphere that upholds the cultural spirit of Songkran while ensuring public safety.
