Chonburi, April 17th, 2026– The Takhian Tia community in Banglamung district came alive with joy and cultural pride as Mayor Mitchai Prakobtham officially opened the 2026 Songkran Festival and Senior Citizens’ Day on the evening of April 16th.
The lively opening ceremony took place at 7:30 p.m. on the stage in front of Wat Nalikawanaram (Wat Takhian Tia) in Moo 2, in the Takhian Tia sub-district. A large crowd of local residents gathered, creating a warm and festive atmosphere filled with traditional Thai spirit.
Mayor Mitchai Prakobtham presided over the opening of the annual event, which was to preserve Thailand’s rich cultural heritage while strengthening community bonds and harmony. Deputy Mayor Khwanyuen Prakobtham delivered a report on the objectives of the festival.
Senior local officials and dignitaries attended in full force, including Permanent Secretary Narongrit Prasitthinak, Deputy Permanent Secretary Siriwan Anantaprichasri, Deputy Mayor Wachira Suea, municipal council members, heads of government agencies, Banglamung Police officers, local administration officials, village chiefs, and residents.
Provincial Council member Malinee Singhasuwit also graced the occasion, accompanied by the “Hill Heart Women’s Group” of Takhian Tia. The group added color to the ceremony with a lively retro-style ramwong (circle dance) performance in colorful adapted Thai costumes, delighting the audience.
The festival is divided into two main parts. Evening activities feature continuous retro ramwong performances for six nights from April 13 to 18. The first two nights (April 13–14) were held at Wat Wang Thong Charoen Tham (Wat Na Wang), while the remaining nights (April 16–18) took place at Wat Takhian Tia.
Daytime activities run from April 17 to 19 and include traditional rites such as the bathing of Buddha images and monks, as well as the sacred rod nam dam hua ceremony, in which younger people pour scented water over the hands of elders to seek blessings, a cherished Thai custom passed down through generations.
The highlight of the festival falls on the evening of April 18th, when renowned luk thung (Thai country music) singer Jack Thanapol (real name Thanapol Sammaphrot) and the Four S Combo band will take the stage. They are expected to deliver an energetic performance, bringing maximum fun and entertainment to the crowds in a true spirit of happiness and togetherness.
Beyond entertainment, the event serves as an important platform for preserving Thai traditions, building community unity, and strengthening the local identity of Takhian Tia sub-district. Organizers hope the festival will continue to bring joy and cultural pride to residents for many years to come.
