Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s Songkran message

Songkran, Thai New Year & Water Festival 2021

I send my warmest greetings to everyone celebrating Songkran, one of the most anticipated and joyous moment on the Thai calendar.

As with so many of our most-loved religious and cultural festivals, Songkran is an opportunity to reaffirm one's faith while celebrating the traditional Thai New Year with family and friends, and the playful splashing of water.

This symbolic cleansing of past misfortunes has deeper significance in 2021, as we reflect on a year that has brought challenges like no other.

In the lead-up to Songkran in 2020, I wrote that Australia will rise to the challenge ahead, strengthened by our families, neighbours and hop for better days.

However, this New Year we can see the future from here: better days are ahead.

Nevertheless, this New Year will be tinged with sadness as many in the Thai Australian community will be missing loved ones. That yearning to see our families is so understandable.

Throughout the pandemic, Australia's multicultural communities have shown leadership and been a source of hope and confidence. It is a confidence that underscores the enormous contributions of the Thai community to many parts of Australian life.

It also provides a solid foundation for Australia's deepening friendship with Thailand, expressed through the bonds between our peoples, and our collaboration on trade, education and so many other areas.

I thank the Thai Australian community for your contribution to our multicultural success story and I send my best wishes for a safe and healthy year ahead.

Sawasdee pee mai Thai!

The Hon Scott Morrison MP

Prime Minister of Australia