Salvations of laughter and chaos: The First Ride” brings Thailand to the cinema!

Salvations of laughter and chaos: The First Ride” brings Thailand to the cinema!

In the next few weeks, film fans can look forward to a humorous trip to Thailand. The Korean comedy “The First Ride” (ทริปแรก ทริปรั่ว ทัวร์ไทยแลนด์) will be released in cinemas on November 20, 2025. Director Nam Dae-jung, known for his previous hit Love Reset, brings us the story of five friends who have stuck together for 24 years. They decide to celebrate their 30th birthdays with their first vacation together in Thailand. But as is often the case in comedies, not everything goes according to plan - misunderstandings, cultural differences and lost luggage provide plenty of laughs and unforgettable experiences during the famous Songkran festival, the Thai New Year.

Kapookprovides exciting details about the main actors: the charismatic Kim Young-kwang plays Do-jin, while ASTRO's Cha Eun-woo plays the role of Yeon-min. Kang Young-seok and Han Sun-hwa also star in the film. Filmed in picturesque locations in Thailand, the film beautifully showcases the colors and energy of the country and catapults viewers straight into the heart of the celebrations.

Songkran: A festival full of traditions

The Songkran festival takes place annually from April 13th to 15th and celebrates the traditional Thai New Year. It is known not only for its cheerful water fights, but also for its deep-rooted cultural customs. Thanks to its special significance, Songkran was even declared an intangible cultural heritage of humanity by UNESCO in 2023CNNturns out.

The roots of the term “Songkran” lie in Sanskrit and refer to the movements of the zodiac signs. This festival symbolizes purification and happiness. Special traditions include bathing Buddha statues and blessing older family members, known as “Rot Nam Dam Hua.” In recent decades, however, the enthusiastic water fights that everyone must experience have emerged as a central part of the festival, with historical records showing that this tradition has existed for 60 to 70 years.

The anticipation of the upcoming festival also brings with it challenges. Unfortunately, safety problems such as high accident rates and reports of harassment are always an issue during high season. It is therefore advisable to pack valuables in a waterproof manner and to pay attention to hygiene, as the water quality is often questionable.

A culinary journey marked by mango and rice

Another highlight of this festival are the culinary specialties. The most popular dishes include khao chae, rice soaked in water, and the famous mango with sticky rice, especially during the season when fresh mangoes are available in great abundance. This delicious dessert is a real treat and a must during the celebrations.

With all of these experiences, “The First Ride” not only makes viewers laugh, but also brings back memories of a time when traveling and being with friends had special meaning. The film brings a piece of Thai culture to Korea and lets us become part of this unique journey. If you want to experience this emotional and entertaining mix, you should definitely mark November 20, 2025!