On April 14, 2024, Consul Athikom Daengpun, on behalf of Consul General Somjai Taphaopong, together with Ms. Thongsai Poonsuckworasan, Vice President of the Northern Thai Association, New York, presided over the Songkran ceremony held at Vajiradhammapadip Temple, Long Island.

     At the ceremony, members of the Thai community participated in the Buddhist rituals and the pouring of water over the Buddha’s statue and elderlies’ hands as a display of respect to mark the auspicious beginning of a traditional Thai new year. There were also a number of beautiful Thai cultural performances presented by the Temple’s Thai Sunday School and the delegation of Chiang Mai Youth Cultural Ambassadors.