Thai Cultural Week Celebrates Thai New Year with Southern Thai Traditions

The Thai Department recently hosted Thai Cultural Week to celebrate the Thai New Year and the Songkran Festival, embracing the vibrant Southern Thai culture. The event, held in mid-April 2025, brought together Primary and Secondary students for a series of exciting activities, creating a sense of community and a deeper appreciation for Thai traditions.

Primary students had the chance to engage in a variety of hands-on activities. They participated in the Buddha Image Water Pouring Ceremony (สรงน้ำพระ), where they paid their respects to Buddha by pouring water over statues—a cherished Songkran tradition. Students also enjoyed decorating their own hand-painted Thai fans (ระบายสีพัดผ้า), stringing beads (ร้อยลูกปัด) to create unique jewelry, and playing traditional Thai board games (เล่นเกมหมากหลุม). The Southern Thai Costume Photo Booth (บูธถ่ายภาพชุดไทยภาคใต้) was set up for students to dress in Southern Thai attire and capture the memories of this festive week.

Secondary students participated in similar activities, with added performances and culinary delights. They enjoyed a captivating Thai dance performance from Primary students and watched a demonstration of the art of Thai Pulled Tea, offering a glimpse into Southern Thai food and beverage culture. In addition to the water-pouring ceremony and the arts and crafts activities, Secondary students indulged in Southern Thai treats like Khanom La (ขนมลา) and Roti with Thai tea (โรตี-ชาชัก), experiencing the rich flavors of the region.

Thai Cultural Week was more than just a celebration of Thai traditions; it was an opportunity to foster community spirit across the school. The activities allowed students from both Primary and Secondary levels to come together, share experiences, and gain a deeper understanding of Thai culture. The event highlighted the importance of unity, respect and cultural appreciation, leaving students with lasting memories of a shared cultural experience.