PATTAYA, THAILAND – Pattaya City Police held a merit-making ceremony with the traditional Rod Nam Dam Hua blessing ahead of Songkran and the Pattaya Wan Lai festival to reinforce culture, team unity and security preparations.
Joint initiative by police and oversight committee
The Pattaya City Police Station organized the merit-making ceremony for the Songkran festival together with the Police Administration Monitoring Committee. The event focused on linking religious tradition with organizational cohesion.
According to police, the ceremony was intended to ask for good fortune and blessings and to preserve Thai cultural heritage. It also served to motivate officers before the upcoming festive period.
Senior guests and broad participation
Those present included Phongthasit Pichanan, deputy governor of Chonburi province, and Anusak Phiriyomorn, district chief of Banglamung. Also in attendance was Pol. Col. Anek Sarathongyu, head of Pattaya City Police Station.
The group was joined by Amporn Kaewsaeng, chair of the committee, Nathaphop Yom Jinda, deputy district chief, and Anan Kingsorn, honorary adviser. Committee members, local residents and families of police officers also took part in the ceremony.
Opening with offerings and Buddhist blessings
The program began on Friday, 17 April, at 9:00 a.m. with a ritual offering to sacred guardian spirits in front of the police station. In Thailand, such ceremonies are common on important occasions and are believed to bring protection and a successful outcome.
Monks from Wat Chong Lom then recited Buddhist prayers to bestow blessings and good luck. This completed the religious component of the Songkran merit-making ceremony.
Rod Nam Dam Hua: Respect for elders and commanders
Next came the traditional Rod Nam Dam Hua rite, in which fragrant water was gently poured over the hands of commanders and respected elders. The ritual is seen as a request for blessings and an expression of gratitude.
Police emphasized that this practice was in line with long-standing Thai customs. It was also meant to make appreciation within the organization visible.
Friendly water splashing strengthens team spirit
In addition, there was a friendly water-splashing activity among police personnel, carried out deliberately in a polite and respectful manner. This picked up a central element of Songkran without overstepping the bounds of decency.
According to the organizers, the activity strengthened relationships within the station. The aim was greater unity, mutual support and a warm working atmosphere.
Focus on safety during Songkran and Pattaya Wan Lai
The ceremony was also intended to boost readiness for the coming festival days, when Pattaya expected many visitors. Police were preparing to ensure the safety of residents and tourists.
Songkran and the Pattaya Wan Lai celebrations, scheduled from 17 to 19 April 2026, were mentioned explicitly. During this period, increased presence and coordinated measures were considered important.
Signal to the public: Closer ties with the community
The police station stated that such activities contributed to good relations between police and community.
“These activities help to build good relations between the police and the community.”
said the station leadership, referring to the inclusion of local residents and families as a way to strengthen trust.
The format was also intended to show that officers not only maintained order but also supported local traditions. This was presented as part of a positive and safe festival experience for everyone.