Politicians Ban Songkran Festival in Perak Resort Valley, Management Changes Event Name to Pesta Air Sungai

Songkran Festival is 1 of the most well-known annual festivals in Thailand, and many Malaysians will take the opportunity to attend the celebration in Thailand. 

A valley resort in Kampar, Perak recently announced an upcoming Songkran festival, which is scheduled to take place on August 26 and 27. A politician from the state, however, is not fond of the term “Songkran festival” because he was concerned about the sensitivity it might bring up, as well as the inaccuracy of the event.

In a statement released on the Facebook page of Pemuda PAS Kampar, the politician, Saiful Islam stated that they are strictly against the Songkran festival because it might bring up some religious sensitivities.

“Other than that, the majority of the residents in Kampar are not Siamese,” Saiful added.

In another Facebook post last night (August 15), another politician, Mohd Sofian, in a statement, thanked the valley resort for their willingness to change the name of the event – from Songkran Festival to Pesta Air Sungai (River Festival).

In the statement, Sofian stated that other representatives and himself have visited the valley resort for a discussion where both sides had their chances to explain.

“We shared some facts about the Songkran festival, and explained to them about the criticisms from the nearby residents,” Sofian said.

The name is Songkran but the event is really not much of a Songkran

On the other hand, the resort acknowledged that it was indeed their fault to use the term “Songkran” which may have caused confusion, and further explained that despite the name, the River Festival will not be like how the Siamese celebrate Songkran.

“It’s merely a water activity for the visitors to enjoy. We have retracted the name and we will issue a public apology as soon as possible,” the management of the resort said.

As a matter of fact, the Songkran festival is celebrated in April every year in Thailand, and the River Festival is scheduled to take place at the end of August.

If it’s not meant to be celebrated like Songkran, do you think the change in name is wise?

Also read: M’sians Prefer Thailand to Langkawi for Vacation & 1 of the Reasons is… CHEAP Street Food!