Celebrating Songkran, the Thai Traditional New Year 2026, with the Thai Community in New York

     On April 12, 2026, Ms. Somjai Taphaopong, Consul-General of Thailand in New York, accompanied by officials and staff from the Royal Thai Consulate-General and members of Team Thailand, attended the 2026 Annual Songkran Festival at Wat Buddha Thaithavornvanaram in New York. As the lay chairperson of the ceremony, the Consul-General participated in the religious rites, offered alms and food to the monks, and joined over 500 Thai and international community members in the traditional bathing of the Buddha image. On this occasion, the Consul-General delivered the opening remarks and extended her warmest New Year wishes to the Thai community. The event was also honored by the presence of local representatives from New York State and City, Mr. Steven Raga, New York State Assembly Member for District 30, attended the merit-making ceremony and shared his New Year greetings with the Thai people. Other distinguished guests included Ms. Jessica González-Rojas, New York State Assembly Member for District 34, and Mr. Chuck Park, Congressional candidate for New York’s 6th District in Queens and member of New York City Council also attended the event.

     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 music, and a wide selection of Thai cuisine from Thai local entrepreneurs. These activities served not only to promote Thai cultural heritage, cuisine, and hospitality to the wider public but also reflected the integration of the Thai community with local communities, strength, unity, and commitment
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, Massachusetts, Wat Mongkoltepmunee in Pennsylvania, and
 Wat Paknam America in 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 Thai nationals to perform the traditional water-pouring ritual for blessings and good fortune on the occasion of the Thai New Year.