Pattaya, Thailand – On March 24th, 2026, Mr. Kritsana Boonsawad, Deputy Mayor of Pattaya City, presided over a coordination meeting to prepare for the “Songkran Wan Lai Pattaya” festival. The meeting was held at Meeting Room 251, Pattaya City Hall, with full attendance from city executives, the President of the Pattaya City Council, council members, heads of government agencies, and all relevant departments.
The Songkran Festival, Thailand’s traditional New Year celebration, is held annually and features important cultural activities such as merit-making, pouring water on Buddha images, and paying respect to elders by pouring scented water on their hands for blessings. “Wan Lai Pattaya” is a signature event of the Chonburi region, originally part of the annual farming season but now famous for its large-scale street water fights that close off roads, attract both Thai and international tourists, and generate strong economic activity.
All involved parties are now working together to elevate “Wan Lai Pattaya 2026” into a major international tourism festival while maintaining strict safety measures to ensure visitors have a memorable and safe experience. This year the organizers want to focus on both traditional and cultural aspects along with balancing and promoting the modern popular fun events like concerts and water fights.
This year, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (Pattaya Office) has partnered with Mono Streaming Company to organize the “Songkran Wan Lai Pattaya” event from April 17th to 19th, 2026, along Pattaya Beach in Chonburi province. The objective is to enhance Pattaya’s and Chonburi’s tourism image and position the city as a key host for the celebrations. This year, the big days fall on a weekend.
Throughout the event, a wide range of activities will take place along Pattaya Beach, including a concert featuring popular Gen Z artists at the beach area opposite Hard Rock Hotel Pattaya and dozens of food vendors and entertainment. Many other agencies will also contribute to the festivities with their own entertainment stages on Pattaya Beach.
Additionally, the Chonburi Provincial Culture Council will organize its own Wan Lai Pattaya activities focused on the more traditional aspects, featuring Thai cultural performances, conservation of traditions from all four regions of Thailand, sand chedi building, water-pouring ceremonies on Buddha images, and numerous cultural product stalls.
The meeting placed strong emphasis on safety measures, noting that heavy traffic is expected around Pattaya during the event. Relevant agencies were assigned to develop detailed traffic management plans and enhance security throughout the festival area to prevent accidents and build confidence among residents and tourists. At this time any exact road closure or detour plans are not final and will be released closer to the event.
Pattaya City invites all residents and visitors to join the joyful atmosphere of “Wan Lai Pattaya 2026” from April 17th to the 19th at Pattaya Beach.
News: Miss Natthacha Traipiphat
Photos: Miss Chinanang Chumchuea
Public Relations Section, Tourism and Sports Office, Pattaya City
English Version by Adam Judd for The Pattaya News
For the original version of this article, please visit The Pattaya News.
