A 102-year-old grandmother who has lived through five eras drew widespread attention after she was seen walking briskly at a Songkran festival in Pathum Thani, Thailand. She later shared that her longevity comes from a simple lifestyle and natural diet, including vegetables grown in her garden and traditional chilli paste.
The event took place on April 15, 2026, at the multipurpose area of the old Ban Klang Subdistrict Municipality office in Mueang District, where the annual Songkran celebration brought together more than 500 attendees, including residents, officials and community leaders.
The festival was organised to honour elderly citizens in line with Thai New Year traditions. Activities included bathing Buddha statues and the ceremonial pouring of water over the hands of seniors as a gesture of respect and blessing.
Senior officials in attendance included Ban Klang Subdistrict Mayor Panya Nopkham, Deputy Mayor Sutin Nopkham, and other municipal representatives, alongside Member of Parliament Suphachai Nopkham, who provided drinking water for participants throughout the event.
Organisers also arranged food from more than 10 local restaurants, while elderly attendees were given rice porridge and rice packs weighing five kilogrammes each as part of the celebrations.
The elderly woman’s daughter, 76-year-old Sak Changket, said her mother remains in good health and is still able to walk with ease. She added that the family was delighted to see her actively participating in the festivities.
The mayor described the Songkran gathering as an important cultural tradition that promotes respect for elders and strengthens community unity, while also offering prayers for prosperity, health and happiness among residents.
