SONGKRAN SPLENDOUR GRAND SONGKRAN OPENING CEREMONY PROCESSION April 9, 2005/16.00 – 18.00 hrs Along Ratchdamnern Avenue, Bangkok The 'Songkran Splendour' Grand Songkran opening ceremony will feature a total of some twenty colourful processions consisting of traditional Songkran cultural processions highlighting the unique cultural traditions, magnificent costumes and lively folk performances of the four regions of Thailand. In addition to the local highlights, the International Songkran Parade consisting of participating delegations from the countries of Asia and Europe brings a cosmopolitan flavour to this year's Songkran Thai New Year festivities and promotes cultural exchange. The opening ceremony and the Grand Songkran Cultural Processions will be broadcasted around the world via a live web cast. Grand Songkran 'Best Thai Costume' Contest A total of 24 package tours are being offered as prizes for the 'Best Thai Costume' Contest. The winners will be determined by the highest number of votes received from web visitors casting their votes on the www.songkran.net web site. Names of winners will be announced on May 1, 2005. Grand Songkran Oishi Green Tea Sweepstakes In addition, Oishi green tea, the sponsor of the Grand Songkran Lucky Draw grand prizes is offering a total of three grand prizes worth a total of 3 million baht. The lucky winners will be taking home 1 million baht each. To be eligible, visitors to the Bangkok Grand Songkran celebrations simply purchase bottles of Oishi green tea drinks and find the bottle with the million-baht cap. Contact information: TAT Event Promotion Department Tel: 0 2550 5500 Ext. 3489

GLORIOUS BANGKOK
April 8 – 13, 2005
Sanam Luang Royal Field
Santichai Prakarn Park
Jessada Bodin Plaza
Plaza in front of the Bangkok Municipality Office
Democracy Monument

‘Glorious Bangkok’ is the theme for the capital’s Grand Songkran Thai New Year festivities in 2005, being hosted in celebration of the sixty-year reign of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej – the world’s longest reigning monarch, and the auspicious occasion of the fiftieth birthday anniversary of Her Royal Highness Maha Chakri Sirindhorn.

Key activities
Journey back in time to an ancient Thai community of times past as local residents adorn traditional Thai costumes and observe the time-honoured traditions and ceremonies associated with Songkran -- the Thai New Year.

	Procession of the Phra Buddha Sihing Buddha Image Phra Buddha Sihing, a sacred Buddha image greatly revered by the community, is escorted in a religious procession through the streets of the Kingdom's capital crossing from the eastern bank of the Chao Phraya River to the western bank, the site of the former capital of Thonburi, offering an opportunity for residents of the city to participate in the ancient bathing ritual performed as a gesture of respect and worship. Once the journey has been completed, the Phra Buddha Sihing Buddha image is installed in a ceremonial pavilion or mandapa at Sanam Luang (Royal Ground) for three days, presenting further opportunities for the residents of Bangkok to pay their respects in accordance with the ancient Songkran New Year Buddhist merit-making tradition and customs.
	The observance of ancient Songkran rituals. Scented lustral water is poured over the hands of elders and respected individuals in a gesture of respect.
	Cultural presentations and stage performances
	‘Glorious Bangkok’ Light-and-Sound Multi-media presentation
	Songkran water-splashing

The rare sight of cultural performers and Bangkokians dressed in traditional Thai costumes will without a doubt add to the colourful festive ambience of the Bangkok Songkran celebrations.

MAP OF RATTANAKOSIN ISLAND
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BANGKOK GRAND SONGKRAN BUDDHIST MERIT-MAKING AT 9 SACRED TEMPLES
April 12 – 15, 2005

Temple of the Emerald Buddha
Wat Phra Chetupon or 'Wat Pho'
Wat Suthat temple
Wat Arun - The Temple of Dawn
Wat Saket temple
Wat Chanasongkram temple
Wat Rakang temple
Wat Kalayanamit temple

Time-honoured Buddhist merit-making customs and traditions such as the bathing ritual in which lustral water is sprinkled over Buddha images and the building of sand stupas that are decorated with colourful flags and flowers can be seen at key Buddhist temples dotted around Rattanakosin Island and in Khao San Road and Phra Athit Road.

Contact information:
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration Tourism Promotion Office
Tel: 0 2225 7612 – 5

AN INTRODUCTION TO SONGKRAN
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THE SIGNIFICANCE OF SONGKRAN:
ORIGINS OF THE FESTIVAL
& THE CULTURAL VALUES BEHIND SONGKRAN
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SONGKRAN IN THE 4 REGIONS OF THAILAND
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Web site: www.songkran.net