Bangkok, 26 February 2025 – The Ministry of Tourism and Sports has launched the Thailand Summer Festivals, a seven-month celebration under the theme ‘7 Months 7 Wonders’, running from March to September 2025. Featuring over 70 events across seven categories—Songkran, Pride, Cultural Festivals, Music, Sports, Food, and Arts & Creativity—the festival is part of the Amazing Thailand Grand Tourism and Sports Year 2025, aiming to position Thailand as a premier global travel destination.
Prime Minister H.E. Ms. Paetongtarn Shinawatra stated: “Tourism is a key driver of Thailand’s economy, contributing over 14% of GDP. Our goal is to establish Thailand as a year-round travel destination, reducing the low-season impact with vibrant festivals and cultural experiences. The Thailand Summer Festivals will showcase diverse events across all regions, boosting local economies while attracting global visitors. With this initiative, we aim to achieve a record breaking of 3.5 trillion Baht in tourism revenue.”
Ms. Paetongtarn presided over the Thailand Summer Festivals press launch held today at Government House, joined by Tourism and Sports Minister Mr. Sorawong Thienthong, Culture Minister Ms. Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol, and other Cabinet members. Also in attendance was Dr. Surapong Suebwonglee, Deputy Policy Advisor to the Prime Minister and Chairman of the National Soft Power Development Committee of Thailand.
Tourism and Sports Minister Mr. Sorawong Thienthong said: “With 2025 designated as the Amazing Thailand Grand Tourism and Sports Year, we are proud to invite travellers to experience Thailand’s rich cultural heritage. The Thailand Summer Festivals will be a Grand Festivity, bringing together traditional Thai celebrations and world-class events to create a vibrant and engaging atmosphere. This initiative aims to elevate Thai traditions on a global stage and strengthen Thailand’s appeal as a year-round travel destination for visitors from around the world.”
A key highlight of the Thailand Summer Festivals is the Maha Songkran World Water Festival 2025, set to take place at Sanam Luang from 11–15 April, celebrating Songkran in Thailand, a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. This grand event not only honours Thailand’s rich traditions but also strengthens its position as one of the world’s top 10 festival destinations. Additionally, the nationwide ‘Grand Songkran Festival’ will showcase Thailand’s vibrant cultural traditions across 17 provinces and four key locations in Bangkok. To engage international audiences, an official Songkran Thai New Year theme song has been introduced in 20 languages, including Thai, English, French, Chinese, German, and Japanese.
Culture Minister Ms. Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol added: “With Songkran now recognised as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, we are taking this celebration to new heights. The ‘Grand Songkran Festival’ blends heritage with innovation, establishing Thailand as a world-class festival hub while boosting cultural pride, tourism, and economic growth.”
Highlights of Thailand Summer Festivals Month by Month
- March – Kicking off the celebrations with MotoGP – PT Grand Prix of Thailand 2025 in Buri Ram, Thailand’s first-ever season-opening race. Other major events include the World Wai Kru Muay Thai Ceremony, International Kite Festival 2025, and music festivals like Pattaya Music Festival and PELUPU International Music Festival 2025 in Chon Buri.
- April – Thailand’s iconic Songkran festival will be elevated to new heights with the Maha Songkran World Water Festival 2025 at Sanam Luang, featuring eight spectacular carnival parades and delivering a vibrant and immersive experience for attendees. Additionally, the nationwide “Grand Songkran Festival” will see both public and private sectors collaborating to host celebrations across all five regions.
- May – A month dedicated to food, music, sports, and cultural festivals, featuring the Bun Bang Fai Rocket Festival in Yasothon and the Nora Rong Kru Ceremony in Phatthalung. Food lovers can indulge in the Amazing Thailand Grand Taste Festival in Chon Buri and the Fruit & Delicacies Festival in Rayong. Music enthusiasts can look forward to the Music & Mutelu Festival in Nakhon Phanom, while sports fans can enjoy major events such as the Bangsaen 10 Run in Chon Buri, the Amazean Jungle Thailand by UTMB 2025 in Yala, the Samui Regatta in Surat Thani, and the Thailand Super Series 2025 in Buri Ram.
- June – Pride Month takes over Thailand, led by River Pride of Bangkok 2025 and Pride events across Bangkok, Surat Thani, Chiang Mai, Chon Buri, and Phuket. Another major highlight is the Splash International Soft Power Forum 2025, Thailand’s premier creative soft power forum, showcasing the country’s cultural influence on a global stage.
- July – A month of spiritual traditions, featuring the Candle Festival processions in Ubon Ratchathani, Nakhon Ratchasima, and Buriram to mark Khao Phansa, or Buddhist Lent period, while Ayutthaya will host the unique Aquatic Phansa Festival. Another key event is the Phaya Si Sattanakarat Worship Ceremony in Nakhon Phanom, honouring the sacred serpent deity and drawing visitors to experience Thailand’s spiritual traditions.
- August – A celebration of creativity and cultural diversity, with events such as the Pla Ra & Molam Festival in Chon Buri, Isan World Art and Culture Festival in Maha Sarakham, and Thailand Festival Experience in the Eastern Region. The Southern Bliss Festival in Chumphon will showcase the charm of Thailand’s southern provinces, while music lovers can enjoy the Summer Sonic Bangkok 2025 at IMPACT Muang Thong Thani. Sports enthusiasts won’t want to miss the FIVB Women’s Volleyball World Championship, with Thailand hosting matches in Phuket, Chiang Mai, Nakhon Ratchasima, and Bangkok.
- September – The festival journey concludes with a Grand Moment, featuring the sunrise alignment with the 15 doorways of Phanom Rung Historical Park in Buri Ram. Other traditional events include the Long Boat Races in Phichit, Um Phra Dam Nam Ceremony in Phetchabun, Tan Kuay Salak Merit-Making Festival in the North, and the Sart Duan Sib Festival in the South. Adventurers can take part in the “Once in a Lifetime: Conquer Doi Suthep” Chiang Mai 22K 2025.
The Ministry of Tourism and Sports is confident that the Thailand Summer Festivals will enhance the grandeur of Amazing Thailand Grand Tourism and Sports Year 2025, positioning Thailand as a leading festival destination while boosting economic impact, global recognition, and cultural preservation.
