What is Songkran?
Songkran, the Thai New Year festival, is one of the most significant and widely celebrated holidays in Thailand. Observed from April 13-15, it is a time of family reunions, paying respect to elders, and Buddhist traditions of merit-making. However, what most people recognize Songkran for is the massive, nationwide water fight that takes over streets, towns, and cities across Thailand.
At its core, Songkran is a symbol of cleansing and renewal. Traditionally, Thais pour water over the hands of elders and Buddha statues as an act of blessing, purification, and respect. Today, this has evolved into a joyous water festival where people splash one another with buckets, hoses, and water guns—a playful yet meaningful reminder of washing away the old and welcoming the new.
A Christian Perspective: Celebrating Songkran with Fun, Friendship & Faith
As Christians, we understand the concept of new beginnings, cleansing, and renewal through our faith in Jesus Christ. The Bible teaches that through Him, we are made new:
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has passed away, behold, the new has come!” (2 Corinthians 5:17)
Songkran offers a beautiful opportunity for Christians—whether Thai believers or missionaries—to engage with the community, build friendships, and share the message of new life in Christ.
How Christians Can Celebrate Songkran
1️⃣ Join the Celebration with Joy – Water fights may seem chaotic, but they are a great way to connect with people, laugh together, and build relationships in a fun, cultural way. Enjoy the moment and let your joy reflect the love of Christ!
2️⃣ Use Water as a Symbol of Spiritual Cleansing – Just as Songkran water represents a fresh start, we can share how Jesus offers the ultimate cleansing of sin through His sacrifice on the cross (1 John 1:9).
3️⃣ Serve & Bless Others – Many Thais visit temples and perform acts of kindness during Songkran. As Christians, we can use this time to serve the community, whether by offering cool drinks, helping those in need, or simply showing kindness and hospitality.
4️⃣ Pray for Thailand – Songkran marks the beginning of a new year. It’s the perfect time to pray for revival in Thailand, for hearts to be open to the Gospel, and for more opportunities to share Christ’s love.
5️⃣ Build Bridges for Deeper Conversations – Songkran gives Christians a natural way to engage in spiritual conversations. While talking about the meaning of Songkran, we can introduce the idea that true renewal and transformation come through Jesus Christ.
Songkran as a Missionary in the 10/40 Window
As a new missionary on the field in Thailand, I see Songkran as more than just a fun holiday—it’s a God-given opportunity to engage with the Thai people in an authentic and meaningful way. Thailand, like much of the 10/40 Window, has deep cultural and religious traditions. While we respect these traditions, we also know that Jesus is the source of true, lasting renewal.
By embracing the spirit of Songkran—joy, renewal, and community—while staying faithful to the message of Christ, we can build relationships that open doors for discipleship, evangelism, and Kingdom impact.
🌿 As the water flows freely in the streets, may we also pour out the love of Christ, bringing refreshment, hope, and new life to Thailand!
Happy Songkran & May Christ’s Living Water Overflow in Your Life!
🙏 Pray for Thailand. Serve with Joy. Shine the Light of Christ.
The Resurrection of Jesus: True New Life through Easter
As Songkran celebrates a fresh start and renewal, it’s a powerful time to reflect on the **greatest renewal in human history—**the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
For Christians around the world, Easter is the celebration of Jesus rising from the dead on the third day after His crucifixion. It is the cornerstone of our faith, proving His victory over sin, death, and the grave. The resurrection is not only a historical event but a personal invitation to each of us:
“I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die.”
—John 11:25
Through Jesus’ death, we are offered forgiveness, and through His resurrection, we are offered new life—not just someday in heaven, but starting now, in our hearts and daily lives.
Just as Songkran uses water to symbolize cleansing and starting over, Easter reminds us that through Christ, we are washed clean and made new:
“He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.”
—Titus 3:5
As Christians celebrating Songkran in Thailand, we can see this as a beautiful opportunity to reflect Christ’s love. While we join in the water fun, we can share the deeper meaning of true life, freedom, and transformation that only Jesus brings.
Let’s celebrate with joy, connect with others, and point people to the Living Water that never runs dry (John 4:14).
About Michael D. Butler & 1040 Impact
Michael D. Butler is a book publisher, speaker, author, and missionary entrepreneur with a passion for spreading the Gospel and empowering people to share their stories through publishing. As the founder of Beyond Publishing, he has helped over 845 authors in 66 countries bring their books to life. Now based in Southeast Asia, Michael is focused on mission work, evangelism, and rescuing children from human trafficking.
1040 Impact is a nonprofit organization dedicated to rescuing and caring for children, planting churches, and spreading the Gospel throughout the 10/40 Window, home to over 5 billion people—many of whom have never heard about Jesus. With a presence in Pakistan, Thailand, and beyond, 1040 Impact has:
✔ Rescued 416+ children from human trafficking
✔ Planted 321 churches in unreached areas
✔ Provided fresh drinking water to villages in need
✔ Mobilized evangelism teams and discipleship programs
📢 Join us in making an eternal impact! Whether through publishing, missions, or giving, you can be part of this movement to bring hope and transformation to the nations.
🔗 Learn More & Support the Mission: GiveButter.com/1040Window