The Royal Thai Embassy in Germany marked the celebration of Songkran, the traditional Thai New Year, with a series of cultural and religious events in Berlin on 11 and 13 April, reaffirming the festival's role as a key instrument of cultural diplomacy and community outreach.

The first event took place on 11 April 2025 at the Ambassador's Residence under the theme "Songkran: Celebrating Thai Culture 2025" and brought together over 70 guests, including members of the diplomatic corps, representatives from politics, business and academia, as well as members of the Thai community in Germany. According to the Embassy, the aim of the reception was to deepen understanding of the cultural significance of Songkran and to honour the contributions of the Thai community in Germany.H.E. Ambassador Chittipat Tongprasroeth opened the reception with a speech outlining the historical and cultural significance of Songkran. He recalled that in 2023, "Songkran in Thailand – the Thai New Year Festival" was inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. He also highlighted Thailand's ongoing efforts to promote Songkran as a global festival under the official campaign "Once in a Lifetime: Experience Songkran in Thailand".

The programme included a variety of traditional cultural activities, including the symbolic pouring of water over Buddha statues and the hands of elders as a gesture of gratitude and respect. Guests also enjoyed Thai dance and music performances and culinary demonstrations, providing a rich, immersive experience of Thai culture.

Two days later, on 13 April, Embassy representatives Mr. Chaiyakorn Kiatpongsan, Minister Counsellor, and Mr. Panote Preechyanud, Counsellor, attended the Songkran ceremony organised by Wat Buddhavihara Berlin, which welcomed over 1,000 participants. The event included Buddhist chanting, almsgiving, a Dhamma sermon and the ritual bathing of Buddha statues and monks, led by Phra Bodhikoonvithes.

As in previous years, Wat Buddhavihara organised a comprehensive spiritual and cultural programme to preserve Thai tradition abroad. The event included performances by Ubon Ratchathani Rajabhat University and members of the local Thai community, showcasing classical Thai dance and traditional music in a vibrant celebration of heritage and unity.

• https://berlin.thaiembassy.org/de/content/songkran2025-2?cate=63e3b66399f31647f419e342 https://berlin.thaiembassy.org/de/content/songkran2025-2?cate=63e3b66399f31647f419e342
• https://berlin.thaiembassy.org/de/content/songkran2025watbuddhavihara?cate=63e3b66399f31647f419e342 https://berlin.thaiembassy.org/de/content/songkran2025watbuddhavihara?cate=63e3b66399f31647f419e342