Thailand aims for global festival recognition as UNESCO-listed Thai New Year takes centre stage with parades, performances, and nationwide celebrations.
BANGKOK, April 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Thailand officially opened the Maha Songkran World Water Festival 2025 last night with a spectacular celebration in the heart of Bangkok. Hosted at Sanam Luang from 11–15 April, the festival is the centrepiece of the Amazing Thailand Grand Tourism and Sports Year 2025, under the Thailand Summer Festival campaign spotlighting Thai heritage, creativity, and cultural unity.
Prime Minister, H.E. Ms. Paetongtarn Shinawatra, stated: "The Maha Songkran World Water Festival 2025 brings together soft power, technology, and creativity to deliver a memorable experience that boosts tourism, drives the economy and showcases Thailand's ability to host world-class events."
The Maha Songkran Parade marked the opening of UNESCO-listed Songkran, the traditional Thai New Year, travelling from Democracy Monument along Ratchadamnoen Avenue to Sanam Luang. The parade featured eight themed floats celebrating Thai culture — from the Naga of River of Blessings and tropical fruits of Colours of the Seasons to Tomyum Kung, elephants, and betta fish. Other highlights included temple fair nostalgia, tuk-tuk flair, and a child's-eye view of Songkran's future. A second parade will circle Sanam Luang today, with all floats remaining on public display at the venue through 15 April.
From 15.00 to 23.00 Hrs. daily, Sanam Luang becomes a vibrant cultural hub with concerts, crafts, rituals, and regional showcases. The Main Stage hosts top Thai artists alongside classical performances and a nightly drone show. Smaller stages feature traditional acts like Nora dance and puppetry. The Regional Identity Zone reflects Thailand's five regions through architecture and hands-on workshops. Visitors can explore temple fair attractions, water play zones, and the "5 Must Do in Thailand" experience. Over 100 booths offer local food and crafts. A festival app and free shuttle service support visitors, while GCYOU-TURN promotes sustainability on-site.
The Festival Web App provides real-time updates, maps, and Songkran listings nationwide to support visitor convenience. Free shuttle services run throughout festival hours from Central Pinklao and MRT Sanam Chai Station.
TAT projects that Songkran 2025 will generate over 26.5 billion Baht in tourism revenue during 12–16 April, marking an 8% year-on-year increase. This includes 476,000 international arrivals contributing over 7.32 billion Baht and more than 4.4 million domestic visits generating 19.24 billion Baht.
** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **
Maha Songkran World Water Festival 2025 Ignites with Grand Parade in Bangkok
TOKYO, April 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- EF Polymer, a deep-tech startup developing 100% organic super absorbent polymers, announced that it has raised JPY 1 billion (approx. USD 6.6 million) in the first close of its Series B round.
Founded with a mission to solve global water challenges and improve farmers' livelihoods, EF Polymer has created a bio-based alternative to petroleum-derived absorbents, helping reduce water and fertilizer use in agriculture while improving yields. Its materials are also expanding into non-agricultural applications such as cosmetics and personal care.
Business Progress and Key Area of Focus
Accelerating Global Growth
Since launching sales in India in 2020, EF Polymer has delivered products to farmers across Japan, the U.S., and France, achieving over 400 tons in cumulative sales by 2025. Amid rising concerns over drought and fertilizer costs driven by climate change, global demand continues to rise, with commercial trials now underway in over 20 countries. To meet this demand, the company plans to strengthen operations in key markets while expanding into new sectors such as horticulture, landscaping, and urban greening.
Driving Green Transformation in New Industries
EF Polymer is also scaling its presence in non-agricultural markets. Recent projects include a biodegradable ice pack, co-developed with Iwatani Corporation, and absorbent sheets in partnership with Soken Chemical. Its polymer solutions offer a sustainable alternative to petroleum-based ingredients commonly used across industries, contributing to the green transformation.
R&D Focus Areas
EF Polymer will prioritize R&D efforts across the following areas:
Funding Overview
The funds raised will be used to accelerate R&D, expand business development activities, and establish a new overseas manufacturing facility.
Investors participating in the first close include Universal Materials Incubator (UMI) and MTG Ventures, Bank of the Ryukyus, Future Food Fund, and Shinryo Fund. EF Polymer plans to complete a second close this summer for the full Series B round.
Narayan Gurjar, Founder and CEO of EF Polymer said: "EF Polymer exists to solve water-related challenges and improve the lives of farmers. We believe our technology can create sustainable impact across many industries. This Series B funding marks a major step forward in scaling our solutions globally and building a truly circular, sustainable business. We're excited to work with partners who share our vision and to continue creating long-term value for both society and the planet."
About us
EF Polymer is a pioneering deep-tech startup focused on creating 100% organic super absorbent polymers (SAP) made from orange peels. Our product is designed to significantly benefit farmers and reduce production costs, particularly in water and fertilizer usage, while boosting crop yields. Beyond agriculture, we are expanding across industries to integrate our organic SAPs into a range of products, including ice packs and cosmetics. https://efpolymer.com/
** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **
EF Polymer Raises USD 6.6 Million in Series B First Close to Accelerate Global Expansion and R&D
