On 13 April 2025, H.E. Mr. Maris Sangiampongsa, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, presided over the opening ceremony of the Songkran Festival at Watyarnprateep Buddhist Temple in Auckland. The event was attended by many Thais and New Zealanders. On this occasion, the Minister of Foreign Affairs visited Thai communities in New Zealand.

Held annually, the Songkran Festival at Watyarnprateep Buddhist Temple is a testament to the collaborative efforts of the Thai communities in Auckland. The festival features a variety of activities, including alms offering to monks, merit-making ceremonies, and stalls offering Thai products and cuisine, among others.

The visit constitutes a part of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand’s campaign in promoting the Songkran Festival internationally, especially after “Songkran in Thailand, traditional Thai New Year festival” was included in the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2023. It is also a part of the Department of Consular Affairs’ objectives in strengthening the Thai communities abroad.