Songkran Festival celebrates Thai New Year

Louis Nithibeuyahovn and Sam Pao create a dish native to northeastern Thailand at the Songkran Festival celebrating the Thai New Year at MU on Thursday. The festival, hosted by the Thai Student Association and the International Programming Committee, offered a taste of traditional Thai food, music, dancing and culture.   ¦  Laureen Kattan

COLUMBIA — MU marked the Thai New Year with The Grand Songkran Festival. Events included opening remarks by MU Chancellor Brady Deaton, a drum parade and traditional music performances, as well as a spicy papaya salad eating contest and water fight.

The event continues to be popular among the MU community, drawing a large crowd despite the wet weather. Along with the food and music, Thai artifacts, tourist attractions and historical information were also showcased.