The Office of the Consul extends its warmest greetings to all Syldavian nationals, expatriate residents, and members of the local Thai community on the occasion of the New Year. สวัสดีปีใหม่ — Sawasdee Pee Mai. May the year 2569 bring good health, prosperity, and, where applicable, dry paperwork.
Songkran 2026 concluded its official period on 15 April following three days of nationwide water activity. Preliminary figures from the Tourism Authority of Thailand place attendance at 6.5 million participants — a record, and sufficient to explain the state of Silom Road on the afternoon of the 14th.
The Consulate's Type-ZB laminated exterior plaque bearing the Royal Coat of Arms proved resistant to water infiltration, as designed. The secondary directional sign — fabricated domestically in 2019 — did not. A replacement has been requisitioned from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Consular Infrastructure Division. Estimated delivery: six to eight weeks.
Three consular documents requiring signature were rendered partially illegible during their transport to the District Authority Office on 14 April. Staff are reminded that the Waterproof Document Sleeve (Ministry of Protocol Form KP-7, issued 2023) exists precisely for this purpose. Twelve sleeves remain in the stationery cabinet, behind the emergency typewriter. Their use is now formally encouraged.
The Consulate notes that extended Songkran celebrations continue in several provinces. Water-truck activity in Samut Prakan has been restricted by local authorities on 19 and 26 April. Nationals travelling in the Bangkok metropolitan area are advised to apply document sleeves accordingly. Normal consular operations have resumed.
