BANGKOK — Large crowds gathered at CentralWorld in the Ratchaprasong district on the first day of Songkran, as both Thai and international visitors joined water festivities across the capital despite hot weather conditions.

One of the city’s busiest celebration spots, CentralWorld hosted the event “Pepsi Presents Thai Lizm 2026,” transforming the area into a large-scale entertainment venue. Visitors took part in water play zones, while a giant slide installation became a key attraction for festival-goers throughout the day.

The main stage featured a T-pop music festival, drawing fans with live performances from popular artists and adding to the high-energy atmosphere in the heart of Bangkok.
Alongside the modern entertainment, traditional Songkran elements were also incorporated. Visitors were able to take part in water-pouring rituals over Buddha images and enjoy Thai cultural performances, reflecting the festival’s heritage.

A food market offering a wide selection of Thai street food and beverages added to the experience, with vendors catering to both local and foreign tourists.
Organisers said the venue is easily accessible via public transportation and can accommodate large numbers of visitors, with more than 6,000 parking spaces available. Safety measures and crowd management systems have also been put in place to ensure smooth operations throughout the festival period.
