Shinawatra greenlights 5.1 billion baht for soft power industries and Songkran

The Soft Power National Development Committee, headed by Paetongtarn Shinawatra, has approved a budget of 5.1 billion baht to boost 11 industries in Thailand, including the Songkran festival. The plan includes a grand Songkran celebration, dubbed the World Water Festival – The Songkran Phenomenon, to draw international tourists to Thailand. The announcement was made on December 1.

The Soft Power National Development Committee, in a meeting held on November 30. decided on the budget allocation for 11 industries, including 54 projects, totalling 5,164 million baht. The industries include festivals, tourism, food, sports, film, drama and series.

For example, the festival industry is set to receive 1,009 million baht, while the food sector is allocated 1,000 million baht. In line with the decision, each industry is expected to present its budget plan to the Budget Bureau.

An exciting highlight of the committee’s plans is the grand Songkran celebration. Aiming to make Thai Songkran a global festival, the committee is planning a month-long celebration across all 77 provinces of the country. The grand event, known as the World Water Festival – The Songkran Phenomenon, is expected to attract international tourists, making Thailand one of the top 10 global festival destinations.

Paetongtarn said next year’s Songkran will not be an ordinary three-day water play.

“We will have events throughout the month across the country. Plan which week of April you want to play Songkran in which province. Let’s make our Songkran a festival that the world must pin to play water in our home, and make Thailand one of the top 10 world festival countries.”

Surapong Suebwonglee, Deputy Chairman of the Committee, revealed that the approved budget will be utilised for various projects and activities across different soft power industries.

“After this, the relevant government agencies, ministries and the private sector will consult with the Budget Bureau. The detailed budget proposal will be presented to the National Soft Power Strategy Committee, chaired by the prime minister, in January, and later to the Cabinet.”

Chada Thip, the Chairwoman of the Committee driving the festival industry, expressed that the promotion of Thai tradition to the world is like drawing a line for the world to view Thailand again. In the next year, the committee has prepared over 10,000 activities for 365 days across Thailand.

The national agenda is to host the World Water Festival and make Thailand the host of the world’s Songkran. The festival will have a central location on Ratchadamnoen Road in Bangkok. It will feature processions from all 77 provinces, including candle and flower parades, performances and games across three days and nights.

This grand event is expected to generate no less than 35,000 million baht. The goal is that when people around the world think of Songkran, they think of Thailand, Reported KhaoSod.