The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) proudly announces that the Thai national snow sculpture team has won second place at the 49th International Snow Sculpture Contest, held from February 3–7, 2025, in Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan. Their sculpture, "The World Water Festival", beautifully depicted the essence of Thailand’s Songkran Festival, showcasing themes of family warmth and cultural significance through an artistic portrayal of a mother and baby elephant playing in water. This masterpiece serves as an inspiration for international tourists to explore Thailand during the Amazing Thailand Grand Tourism and Sports Year 2025.

TAT’s Commitment to Promoting Thai Culture through Global Competitions

Thapanee Kiatphaibool, Governor of TAT, highlighted the agency’s commitment to supporting Thailand’s participation in the International Snow Sculpture Contest as a strategic opportunity to promote Thai culture, traditions, and artistic excellence on a global stage. She expressed hope that the Thai snow sculpture would inspire travelers from around the world to visit Thailand and experience its rich traditions firsthand.

This year, Thailand is fully prepared to welcome international visitors with exclusive privileges and exceptional experiences throughout the Amazing Thailand Grand Tourism and Sports Year 2025.

Showcasing Songkran as a Global Festival

Nithee Seeprae, TAT’s Deputy Governor for Marketing Communications, emphasized that the International Snow Sculpture Contest is one of the highlights of the 75th Sapporo Snow Festival. In 2025, TAT chose to present Songkran—The World Water Festival as part of its Grand Festivity initiative. Songkran is one of the most famous festivals in Thailand, attracting both local and international travelers to participate in the traditional Thai New Year celebrations from April 13–15.

The festival reflects Thai cultural values of love, respect, warmth, and sharing within families and communities. The intricately designed snow sculpture illustrated Thai identity through the bond between a mother and baby elephant, symbolizing Thailand’s heritage, prosperity, and deep cultural connections. The artwork also honored Songkran’s recognition as an Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO and aligned with TAT’s strategy to position Songkran as one of the top 10 global festivals, further reinforcing Thailand’s image as a world-class tourism destination.

A Legacy of Excellence in Snow Sculpting

TAT has been sending Thai teams to compete in the Sapporo International Snow Sculpture Contest since 1991. The Thai team—comprising Kusol Boonkobsongserm, Krisana Wongthet, and Amnuaisak Srisuk—has consistently demonstrated exceptional skill, earning international acclaim.

Over the years, Thailand has won the championship nine times, including consecutive victories in:
- 2000
- 2008–2010
- 2013
- 2015
- 2018–2019 & 2023

The Thai team achieved two Grand Champion streaks, winning three consecutive years—an unprecedented record in the competition’s history.

For the 2025 contest, the Thai team received sponsorship from Supersports (CRC Sports), a subsidiary of Central Retail, which provided Columbia winter apparel to support the team’s success.

Bringing Thailand’s Charm to the Global Stage

During the competition, TAT also organized a special promotional campaign by distributing Thai elephant keychains featuring traditional "pha khao ma" fabric patterns to international visitors and Japanese attendees. Tourists were encouraged to take photos with the Thai snow sculpture and share them on social media to further enhance Thailand’s global visibility.

The Sapporo Snow Festival attracted over 2 million visitors, making it a prime opportunity to showcase Thailand’s cultural richness and artistic talent to a global audience.

With this remarkable achievement, TAT continues to elevate Thailand’s presence in international events, reinforcing the country’s cultural heritage and tourism appeal for the Amazing Thailand Grand Tourism and Sports Year 2025

 

 

Source

TAT News