People across Thailand poured water on Buddha statues at temples to mark the traditional start of the Thai New Year.
The historic Songkran festival kicked off on Sunday amid concerns that Thailand’s tourism industry could be affected by the aftermath of the massive earthquake in Myanmar on March 28.
Locals, tourists and others flocked to the landmark Wat Arun in the capital Bangkok to pour water on Buddha statues. The act symbolizes purification, reverence and good luck.
Among the worshippers was a woman from Myanmar. She said she longed for peace in her homeland and did not want any more disasters. She added that the best thing she could do now was to pray for those affected by the earthquake.
The earthquake caused the collapse of a high-rise building in Bangkok. The building was under construction. Thai tourism officials said hotel bookings fell after the earthquake but have since recovered.
UNESCO will inscribe the festival on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2023.
