Bangkok: The Prime Minister, accompanied by Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul and the Cabinet, visited Songkhla to review the city's World Heritage nomination progress. During the visit, the Prime Minister engaged with local culture by joining a band, where he played the saxophone and wore a traditional Thai sash. He also sipped Thai tea and encouraged visitors to explore Songkhla.
According to Thai News Agency, the Prime Minister's visit commenced with a tour of the Southern Creative Economy Agency and TCDC Songkhla, which features a community library and an art exhibition center. He then joined a group of musicians and performed Bart Howard's "Fly Me to the Moon," receiving applause from the audience despite joking about being "a little under-practiced."
The Prime Minister paid respects to King Vajiravudh (Rama VI) at the Government Savings Bank branch and interacted with Songkhla residents and civil defense volunteers, who welcomed him with a traditional Thai scarf. He later met with Deputy Prime Minister Yotsanun Wongsawat, placing a traditional Thai scarf around his waist before they enjoyed local delicacies.
The visit continued at the "Hap Ho Hin" rice mill, where the Prime Minister spoke with the owner, watched a puppet show, and took photos. Expressing his desire to promote tourism, he highlighted Songkhla's potential as a World Heritage Site and mentioned ongoing infrastructure improvements, such as underground power line projects.
The Prime Minister concluded his visit at the Guan Yu shrine by pouring hot tea as an offering, praying for blessings, and accepting drumsticks as a gesture of goodwill. His engagement with local customs and arts underscored his commitment to boosting tourism and cultural heritage in Songkhla.