Nakhon Si Thammarat has been a centre for Buddhism and culture in Southern Thailand since ancient times. The province is dotted with many architectural treasures, some centuries old, a testament to its long history. The Phra Boromathat Nakhon Si Thammarat, the main wat or temple, houses the presiding Buddha image known as the Phra Buddha Singh.

For hundreds of years, it has been the tradition to pour lustral water onto this image during the fifth month of the Thai calendar. The present day Songkran Festival has evolved from this practice. A procession escorting the Phra Singh Buddha image from the Provincial Hall to Tung Tha Lat; the Phra Singh Buddha image is bathed with lustral waters. Respect is show to elderly folk by pouring lustral waters over their hands.