On April 13, 2025, Ms. Somjai Taphaopong, Consul General of Thailand in New York, together with officials from the Royal Thai Consulate-General, joined the 2025 Songkran Festival at Wat Buddha Thai Thavorn Vanaram in New York City. On this occasion, the Consul General served as the lay representative for the religious ceremony, taking part in the almsgiving, offering meals to the monks, and performing the traditional water-pouring ritual (Song Nam Phra) alongside members of the Thai community and international guests. She also delivered opening remarks and extended New Year greetings to all attendees.

 

     Representatives from the New York City Mayor’s Office and the Office of the Queens Borough President presented a citation to Wat Buddha Thai Thavorn Vanaram in recognition of its contributions in preserving and promoting Thai cultural traditions, particularly the Songkran Festival. Mr. Steven Raga, New York State Assembly Member for District 30, also attended the event and offered his Songkran greetings to the Thai community.

 

     The festival featured various cultural activities and performances, including the Rod Nam Dam Hua ceremony (water-pouring to pay respects to elders), a festive Songkran parade, a Miss Songkran pageant, traditional Thai dance and singing performances, and a wide selection of Thai cuisine for guests to enjoy. These activities served not only to promote Thai cultural heritage, cuisine, and hospitality to the wider public but also reflected the strength, unity, and commitment of the Thai community in preserving Thai traditions for younger generations and the international community.

 

     This year, several Thai temples and communities across New York and other states within the Consulate’s jurisdiction—including Vajiradhammapadip Temple in New York City, Wat Nawamintararachutis, Wat Boston Buddha Vararam in Massachusetts, Wat Mongkoltepmunee in Pennsylvania, and Wat Paknam Ohio—held Songkran celebrations to mark the Thai New Year. Additionally, the Royal Thai Consulate-General in New York enshrined the statue of “Phra Buddha Sirindhorn Debaratana Mongkol Phuwadol Santi” at the consular section, allowing consular officials, staff, and visiting Thai nationals to perform the traditional water-pouring ritual for blessings and good fortune on the occasion of the Thai New Year.