On 19 April, thousands of Thai and international tourists gathered across Pattaya for the city’s annual Wan Lai Festival, a continuation of local Songkran traditions marked by water festivities and cultural processions.
The Wan Lai Festival, celebrated annually on 19 April, brought a festive atmosphere to Pattaya as locals and tourists engaged in water-related activities citywide. The event began with a traditional ceremony at Wat Chaimongkol (Royal Monastery), followed by a procession of Buddha images and monks that made its way from Pattaya 2 Road to Pattaya Beach Road in the southern part of the city. Participants poured water over the Buddha images as a gesture of respect and to seek blessings for the coming year.
From midday onwards, the streets of Pattaya were filled with people celebrating Songkran in lively fashion. Many set up tents and water stations along the roads, while others joined the celebration from pickup trucks or motorcycles, using buckets and water guns to drench passersby. As in previous years, attendance was expected to rise after sunset.
Vendors selling water guns, bowls, and chalk took advantage of the increased foot traffic, contributing to local economic activity. Loud music and dancing added to the festive mood, with numerous entertainment spots drawing celebrants throughout the day.
To maintain safety during the festivities, Pattaya City Police requested that water play conclude by 11:00 p.m. and urged cooperation from both residents and tourists to ensure a secure environment.
The event also drew local officials and representatives from Pattaya’s tourism and cultural sectors, who attended the opening ceremony and observed the celebrations throughout the day.
