On 15 April 2018, Mrs. Nantana Sivakua, Ambassador-designate of Thailand to Australia, together with Head of Offices under Team Thailand in Canberra, Embassy’s officials and family members attended the Songkran Festival 2018 at Wat Dhammadharo.   Wat Dhammadharo organizes the Songkran Festival every year for the Thai community to celebrate Thai New Year and to promote Thai cultural heritage in Australia.  There were approximately 500 people attending this year’s Festival.

           There were various activities at the Festival, all of which signified the traditional Thai way of life. These included the merit making ceremony, offering foods to Buddhist monks, and water pouring to the elders as a symbol of paying respect to them as well as seeking their blessings.  In addition, Thai handicrafts and memorabilia, and Thai foods and desserts were available for sale.  The Royal Thai Embassy also participated in Thai food stalls at the Festival.  All sale proceeds will be donated to the construction of the Holy Precinct at Wat Dhammadharo.  On this occasion, the Ambassador also gave a short remarks and met with the Thai community who came to the Festival.

           Songkran or Thai New Year is also a festival of unity.  It allows Thai community in Canberra and nearby areas to meet and get to know each other better and helps to foster a sense of pride within the Thai community in Australia and to enhance closer ties between Thailand and Australia.