Special Report – Nakhon Ratchasima's Songkran Festival: The Grand Procession of Phra Kan Thar Raad
Nakhon Ratchasima revived its centuries-old Songkran tradition on April 13, parading an ancient Buddha image through the city with thousands of residents and tourists while celebrating the Thai New Year with water festivals and cultural per
On Monday, April 13, 2026, coinciding with Songkran, former Deputy Prime Minister Suwat Liptapallop presided over a ceremony to invite Phra Kan Thar Raad, performing ritual water blessings and opening sacred water-sprinkling ceremonies at nine temples consecrated by renowned monks. The event was held at the Thao Suranari Monument in Muang District, Nakhon Ratchasima, aiming to provide spiritual encouragement to the Thai people during economic hardship.
Former Education Minister Thewanya Liptapallop, Nakhon Ratchasima Governor Anupong Sukhsamnit, Nakhon Ratchasima Mayor Dr. Wanrat Chaynugul, and numerous government officials and residents participated in the ceremonial procession through Chomphon Gate. Thousands of tourists carried 558-meter-long silver and gold silk cloths representing the age of Nakhon Ratchasima, walking approximately 800 meters along Chomphol Road to Phra Naruesan Maharaj Worawihan Temple (City Temple) before the Buddha image was ceremonially enshrined. Suwat and his group distributed traditional sweet rice noodles to attendees.
Dr. Wanrat revealed that Phra Kan Thar Raad is an ancient Buddha image from Phra Naruesan Temple, created on September 8, 1921, by Phraya Nakhon Racha Seni (Sahat Singhseni), the 11th Lord of Nakhon Ratchasima. The statue measures 39 inches across the chest and stands approximately 1.3 meters tall, depicted in a seated meditation posture with the right hand raised in a welcoming gesture and the left hand positioned to receive water. The image procession through Chomphon Gate during Songkran began when the temple was completed, continuing until 1979 when the tradition ceased. In 2016, after the temple's restoration and renovation, the ceremony was revived following the discovery of several ancient Buddha images beneath the main altar. The procession through Chomphon Gate is considered a distinctive cultural tradition of Nakhon Ratchasima.
Nakhon Ratchasima Municipality organized the "Korat Grand Songkran Festival 2026" under the concept "Full of Fun, Water Play at Its Best, and Free Sweet Rice Noodles Throughout the City." An 80-meter bubble water tunnel was installed on Rajdamnoen Road, allowing tourists to enjoy traditional water splashing and participate in performances by renowned artists, including classic folk dancing that celebrates local Songkran traditions. The festival skillfully combined festive energy while preserving the traditions and cultural heritage of the Thai New Year, reflecting Nakhon Ratchasima's cultural wisdom. All measures were implemented to ensure public safety, facilitate traffic flow, and organize water play areas for everyone to enjoy safely.
