Pop artist Philip Colbert headlines Bangkok’s Songkran Festival at Siam Paragon

(Source: Siam Paragon)

Siam Paragon and Kasikornbank have partnered to host the world-class Siam Paragon Ultrasonic Water Festival in Bangkok this month to celebrate Songkran, the annual Thai New Year celebration. 

Besides a concert with more than 100 local performers, the world-class shopping destination is hosting the Songkran Lobster Wonderland art installation by renowned British pop artist Philip Colbert, known for his artwork The Lobster at Parc Paragon, Siam Paragon.

The Songkran celebrations at Siam Paragon will run from April 9-16, with the support of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, the Ministry of Culture, Joox and TikTok.

Thanaporn Tantiyanon, head of business unit at Siam Paragon, said the shopping and entertainment destination is committed to delivering “unparalleled experiences” for guests from abroad and locals, reaffirming its top-of-mind positioning for Thais and tourists. 

“This summer highlights the collaboration of Siam Paragon and world-prominent pop artist Philip Colbert – sometimes referred to as “the godson of Andy Warhol” – who is globally recognised for his inventive pop art creations, and his eclectic signature style which uses vibrant colours. His famous character – the playful giant red lobster – has been showcased around the world ranging from paintings and sculptures to fashion merchandise,” she said.

Colbert is also known for his collaborations with numerous globally renowned brands such as Montblanc, Adidas, Bentley, and Samsung. 

Parc Paragon will present ‘Lobster Wonderland’ to celebrate Thailand’s Songkran Festival and Colbert has curated exclusive pieces for Siam Paragon, on display at the centre. For Songkran at Siam Paragon, he also created merchandise including shirts, stylish elephant-patterned pants, and drinking glasses.

Songkran – a cultural icon of Thailand

The “Thai New Year Festival” – or Songkran – has been recognised and registered as an intangible cultural heritage by Unesco, attracting tourists around the world to the unique cultural experience. 

Other key features of this year’s Songkran celebrations at Siam Paragon include: 

A concert running for eight days featuring over 100 local artists, from 6pm daily kicked off on April 9 to 16. 

Interact with Joox music. An exclusive Songkran playlist has been created and listeners have the chance to win Joox VIP subscriptions and K-pop idol merchandise. Music enthusiasts or K-pop fans can embark on a journey of music at the Joox booth at Parc Paragon.

A holy water ceremony from April 12-16 at Fashion Hall on Siam Paragon’s first floor: Siam Paragon, in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, through the Department of Fine Arts and the Department of Cultural Promotion, presents a holy water ceremony to enhance blessings during the Songkran Festival. Visitors are invited to pay homage to ancient Buddha statues from the National Museum, Bangkok, enshrined at Siam Paragon. Traditional Thai herbal remedies and crafts such as herbal steaming, aromatic water, flower garlands, powder puff making, and traditional talcum application will be on show, providing an opportunity for both Thais and tourists to experience the beauty of Thai culture. 

Songkran Festival photography exhibition: Siam Paragon, in collaboration with Oppo and the Tourism Authority of Thailand, presents the Oppo Amazing Thailand Portrait Gallery exhibition at the Fashion Gallery on the centre’s first floor. The exhibition portrays the beauty of the cherished Thai tradition of Songkran and features photographs captured on Oppo smartphones. 

Experience 21st-Century Mor Lam music: The famous traditional Mor Lam music originated in the Northeastern region of Thailand and from April 9-16, visitors to Siam Paragon can experience the joy of Thai culture with promising vibrant performances featuring leading bands that blend traditional Thai musical instruments with international rhythms. The ensembles performing at the SCBX Next Stage include The Hymmapan Electron, Paradise Bangkok, Rattanakosin Breakin Crew and Asian Sonic Force. 

A TikTok collaboration will foster creative content with chances to win prizes from April 12-16: TikTokers are invited to create their Songkran-themed VDO content, dressing up in traditional Thai attire to support the country’s soft power at the landmark area in Siam Paragon. Creator locations include CreatorHousebyTikTok on the fourth floor and Lobster Wonderland by Philip Colbert. Creators can use the hashtags #Songkran2567 #Creatorhousebytiktok or #SiamParagon for a chance to win exclusive prizes from TikTok and special souvenirs to celebrate Songkran from Siam Paragon. 

For more information, visit the Siam Paragon website, follow the centre on Facebook or phone +66-2-610-8000.