Tuesday, April 16, 2019

SONGKRAN AT THE NEWLY BUILT ICON SIAM WAS SHOPPING MEGA MALL WAS THE MOST AMAZING, THRILLING AND BIGGEST FESTIVAL TO CELEBRATE THAI NEW YEAR AND WATER FESTIVAL! DON'T EVER MISS IT IN 2020!

KEE@FSWMAG.COM



Tourism Authority of Thailand, ICONSIAM and
Department of Cultural Promotion - Ministry of Culture
set for a grand Thai New Year celebration on the bank of Chao Phraya River
 THE ICONIC SONGKRAN FESTIVAL 2019 AT ICONSIAM”
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Thailand’s traditional New Year, Bangkok saw a splendid celebration on the bank Chao Phraya River  - THE ICONIC SONGKRAN FESTIVAL 2019 AT ICONSIAM from April 11-15 2019 at ICONSIAM. 

This festivity was made possible by Tourism Authority of Thailand, ICONSIAM and Department of Cultural Promotion - Ministry of Culture, in association with government and private sectors including Bangkok Metropolitan Cultural Council, Kasikorn Bank, SOOKSIAM, The Association of Chao Phraya Commerce and Business and Chao Phraya riverside communities.

The five-day grand celebration featured endless list of Thai traditional and cultural activities.       
The event announcement was made at the press conference on 2 April 2019 at ICONLUXE Hall,     1st Floor, ICONSIAM, Charoen Nakorn Road, Bangkok.

                   Narong Chearavanont, Vice Chairman of ICONSIAM, said “ICONSIAM has always cherished Chaophraya River and the Thai cultures and tradition that has flourished along the river. And for the coming Thai Traditional New Year, our focal point is definitely staging a feast to preserve and pass on Thai cultural heritage to the world.  

IC   "SONGKRAN FESTIVAL 2019 AT ICONSIAM,” showcased highlights of each Thai era through numerous activities and events that spanned across 750,000-square-meter of our riverside property – the city of glorious eternity.

                   "Experience the spirit of Thai with Buddha Bathing Ceremony where devout Buddhists pour scented water on buddha images for New Year blessings. Four most highly worshipped Buddha images of each Thai era will be graciously presented -   Shinnasri Buddha from the Sukhothai period, Nimit Vichitmarn Molee Sri Sanpetch Borom Tri Lok Nart Buddha representing the Ayudhya period, Buddham Viseth Sasada Buddha from Thonburi Dynasty and Siam Dheva Thirat Buddha of the Rattanakosin period."

                   Also on display were Songkran Exhibition, depicting the festival’s history and tradition,              cultural performances like Viva Songkran Dance, Silk Reeling Dance, traditional drumming                  or Klong-Sa-Bad-Chai and traditional North-Eastern Thailand dancing or Vichanee Serng Tung Wai. Visitors took part in free Traditional Thai Heritage Workshops such as making scented fan and scented water, Thai-pattern fabric painting and the art of fruit and vegetable carving,           plus dressing in Thai traditional costumes for photo opportunities, all free of charge.

                   Top Thai actresses lit the ICONSIAM Songkran Niramit Procession that portrayed traditional Thai’s court culture in four eras – Sukhothai, Ayudhaya, Thonburi and Rattanakosin.         Four actresses including Ann Thongprasom, Natapohn ‘Taew’ Taemeeruk, Woranuch ‘Nune’ Bhirombhakdi, and ChalidaMint’ Vijitvongthong led the exquisite parade as Songkran Goddess or Tungsa Dhevi in custom-designed traditional costumes that represent each glorious period.          The festival also featured a concert from Nont Tanont  and  Da Endorphine plus water splashing with the “Cute Boys” along the Chao Phraya River.

                   In addition, SOOKSIAM @ ICONSIAM and Thai Beverage PLC co-hosted “SOOKSIAM Yoo Yen Pen Sook @ ICONSIAM,” where the stories along the majestic river are connected and intertwined. Seven activities that embrace the typical Thai happiness or Sook also awaited.   Sook Som Wang” allowed people to bathe the Buddha images from 4 regions of the country. Sook Sueb Sarn and Sook Sampan” was an opportunity to pour water on Ban Bang Khae elderly’s hands for their blessings.  ‘Sook Sanook” offered Ferris wheel, egg pond game and sand pagoda making.         Sook Saneh” was a Songkran beauty pageant contest in the Sook Siam City. “Sook Saeb” delivered arrays of delicious Thai cuisines from different regions. “Sook Sang Sun” indulged shoppers with Thai hand-craft products.

Yupa Panrod, Executive Director Events Department at the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), added “The collaboration to organize this event - ICONSIAM Magnificent Chao Phraya Grand Songkran Celebration Festival at ICONSIAM, the country’s latest landmark and tourist destination, is major success."

Thanks to ICONSIAM and its allies and all the riverside communities, both government and private, this event was a key celebration of Thai tradition, a great Thai tourism promotion and an underlying message that the historic Chaophraya  is a national iconic landmark and one of the world’s best tourist destinations.

At the press conference, the entire area was magnificently turned into an ancient city depicting the glory of the four historical periods. Top-notch actress Woranuch ‘Nune’ Bhirombhakdi joined the Chaophraya Maha Songkran Wonder performance. Featured also were SOOKSIAM parade and Buddha Bathing.   

Joining the press conference were Capt. Prinya Rakvathin - President of Association of Chao Phraya Commerce, and Thiranant Chuangpichit  -Chairman of Kadeejeen-Khlongsan Neighborhood Foundation. Celebrities also joined in Thai costumes including Kleddao Panichsamai, Chantaraladda Yugala, Kuntinee Krairiksh, Sopidnapa ‘Jeab’ Chumpanee , and Nont Tanont.


THE STORIES
ICONSIAM…A New Happiness Destination for Songkran
ICONSIAM’s first Songkran will be anything but ordinary, because the full option of fun-filled activities will be held in all zones across 5 days, from Apr 11 to 15. Bring the whole family to spend this Thai New Year at ICONSIAM and there is no doubt that the whole household will be receive more than enough happiness.These are some of the activities across various zones of happiness at ICONSIAM. 

Happiness Destination: River Park
The opening ceremony for The ICONIC Songkran Festival 2019 on Apr 11 will take place in the River Park Zone, which will see cultural shows and a parade to celebrate Nang Songkran (Songkran Lady) from 4 eras. The parade will be lead by famous actress Ann – Thongprasom, while the parade on other days will see other superstars joining every day. On Apr 12, meet Taew - Natapohn, Apr 13 Nune - Woranuch and Apr 14 Mint - Chalida. 

On Apr 12-15, lots of stars will be present to fire up the festivities, starting with a concert from Non Thanon (Apr 12), The Manorah Mask Singer or Pin The Star (Apr 13), Da Endorphine (Apr 14) and The TukTuk Mask Singer or Prang-Prangthip (Apr 15). 

As for the most important activity that’s essential to this season, it is of course the water fights. This is the first time revelers can enjoy splashing water right by the Chao Phraya River in a traditional Thai style, as ICONSIAM will prepare earthen water jars around the area so everyone can refill their water supply and enjoy Songkran in a Thai atmosphere. 

If you want to get wet, come join the fun at River Park from Apr 11 (after the ceremony ends at 7pm) until Apr 15. 

Happiness Destination: SookSiam  
Another zone no less entertaining than River Park is SookSiam, a city of happiness and filled with Thai-styled fun. It’s best to bring your whole family to this zone, because there are activities that are suited to every age group, from children to seniors. What’s cool is SookSiam will bring in a Ferris Wheel into the area, as well activities like Lucky Egg Dip, Sand Pagodas from 4 Regions, and the Nang Songkran Contest 
“SookSiam Lai Kram.” Foodies should stop by at SookSiam too, because restaurants of both savory and sweets from 4 regions will be selling their local highlight menus. 

Besides that, visitors can also shower monk sculptures from 4 regions. This activity still keeps the charm and traditions of each region. In the north, sculptures are showered with turmeric flower and acacia concinna. In the central region, sculptures are showered with jasmine flowers. In the Isan region, the Naga waterspout is used while in the south, Thai scented water is used. The other quintessential Songkran activity is to pour water on the hands of revered elders and to ask for blessings. SookSiam has invited elders from Ban Bangkhae and in communities around ICONSIAM to join this festival in order to share happiness and smiles during this New Year celebration. 
    
Happiness Destination: ICONCRAFT
The zone ICONCRAFT on the 4-5 floors at ICONSIAM sees activities to welcome Songkran as well. The 4th floor is held under the concept Wow Box and is open to all customers with receipts of 500 baht spending at ICONSIAM to take part in Wow Box’s workshop for free. Beyond that, Wow Box 12 Surprise has traditional Thai gifts sold in boxes. Inside, you will find a paper flower garland, scented water, water gun, water goggles, waterproof pockets, white clay, flowers for floating, etc., which you can buy to pass on the happiness to others.   
A cute gimmick new generations are sure to love is the Paper Flower Garland Workshop. This activity is open for all for free from Apr 11-15 from 11.30 – 19.30. You’ll all get a flower garland that will never wilt to give to your respected and beloved elders. 

Happiness Destination: Rassada Hall (1st floor)
To invite auspiciousness for all Thais, ICONSIAM has respectfully invited Buddha statues from 4 eras for visitors to shower and pay respects to. These 4 Buddha statues comprise of Chinnasri Buddha, a Buddha that has long been part of the city since the Sukhothai era that represents winning all your desires;  Nimit Wichit Marimo Buddha is authentic Ayutthaya era art; while Dharma Wichet Sasada Buddha exemplifies art from the Thonburi era and symbolizes how Buddha is the most noble prophet. The last is Siam Thewathirat Buddha, an example of art from the Rattanakosin era. 

Start the new year in a Thai manner by coming to pay respects to these 4 Buddha statues to invite good fortune at Rassada Hall on the 1st floor, ICONSIAM. 

Happiness Destination: Charoennakorn Hall (M Floor)
The area on M floor at ICONSIAM is another zone not to be missed because countless activities await. If you’re tired from splashing water or shopping, let your legs rest by joining the workshops here. There are workshops that teach how to make fans, Thai scented water, carve fruits and painting shirts with Thai patterns. You can also kick back to watch cultural performances too, such as dancing shows and drumming shows.

There’s not only fun for you to enjoy, as ICONSIAM is also hosting an exhibition about Songkran tradition and facts. Your kids won’t only have fun as they’ll learn something along the way too. If you love taking photos, there’s also a service here on the M floor that lets visitors dress up in Thai period outfits. Best of all is it’s all free of charge. 

ICONSIAM Elements of Happiness
Besides all those special zones, ICONSIAM has prepared even more special treats for all...
Free drinks!
This Songkran, come dressed in Thai traditional outfits to receive a free drink (limited to 200 drinks per day). Pick up the coupon at the Information Counter on G Floor (SookSiam zone). 
Apr 11: Get free Yuzu Honey Slushies from Yuzu Ramen, 6 floor, ICONSIAM
Apr 12: Get free Signature Iced Latte or Signature Hot Latte from D’ARK, G floor, The Veranda zone
Apr 13: Get free Dark Chocolate Black Bubble from BRIX, G floor, The Veranda zone
Apr 15: Get free Kaikem Bubble Tea from Eureka, 4th floor, ICONCRAFT zone


Free waterproof bag and water gun!
Credit card members of OneSiam KBank who have spent 199 baht can get an ICONSIAM water gun. Spend 899 baht and receive a waterproof bag (limited amount). 

Photo Spot
In an age where the getting that shot comes first, ICONSIAM has come up with magnificent decorations that shutterbugs can happily pose away with. At River Park, there is artwork by Channarong Klugiad, an artist that is outstanding for his Thai contemporary style. For this event, Channarong has created new art especially for ICONSIAM. The theme of various Thai eras is captured through pictures that show rich abundance during the Sukhothai era with rice in the fields and fish in the water. The artist does it all with a tongue-in-cheek quirk that is sure to bring a smile to your face and guarantees beautiful pictures with this decoration. 

All of these listed activities are just part of the festivities at ICONSIAM from Apr 11-15. Round up your family, friends and special person to have fun together. If you’re ready to get wet, join in on the cool water splashing at River Park ICONSIAM to make this your best Songkran ever. 

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The ICONIC SONGKRAN FESTIVAL 2019
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THE STORIES
The ICONIC SONGKRAN FESTIVAL 2019
11-15 April 2019

Special privileges for ICONSIAM customer

Spend 299 THB, get free 1 water gun or spend 999  THB, get free 1 waterproof bag (Limited quantity)

Special for Onesiam Kbank customer 

spend 199 THB get free water gun or spend 899 THB get free waterproof bag (Limited quantity) 
Exclusive for International Customers 

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Scan “Songkran ICONSIAM” QR code on Alipay app, Wechat ICONSIAM Official Account, Fliggy app, to get various  brand coupons up to 3,000 THB
For Alipay user!

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Promotion valid: 7 March - 5 May 2019

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