- Illustrative file photo: The Nation/ANN
BANGKOK: (Bernama) The Thai government anticipates that tourist spending during Songkran, or the Thai New Year, will exceed 1 billion baht, particularly in Songkhla, a southern province of the Kingdom.
Deputy Spokesperson for the Thai Prime Minister's Office, Anukul Pruksanusak, stated that Songkran is one of the festivals that attracts significant interest from tourists and is particularly popular among international visitors.
He noted that a large number of Malaysian tourists travel annually to Hat Yai District in Songkhla Province to participate in Songkran festivities.
"Recent data indicates that hotel bookings in Songkhla Province have seen a steady increase, particularly from international tourists from Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia.
"Some hotels have already stopped accepting reservations. It is expected that as the Songkran festival approaches, nearly 20,000 hotel rooms will be fully booked, generating over one billion baht in revenue,” he said in a statement on Wednesday (March 12).
Songkran is traditionally celebrated with family reunions, paying respects to elders and ancestors, and performing rituals for sacred Buddha images.
The festival is renowned for its vibrant water-throwing activities, lively parades, and colourful cultural displays.
Anukul said that the main highlight of the festival in Songkhla is the 'Hat Yai Midnight Songkran' event, featuring nighttime water-splashing activities that are especially popular with tourists.
He added that additional events and activities have been organised to attract visitors, with the public and private sectors working together to create a memorable experience for all attendees.
"Regarding the unrest in the southern border provinces, it has not influenced tourists' decisions to visit Hat Yai.
"Most visitors to the district are familiar with the area and are aware that the unrest occurs far from Songkhla, posing no impact on tourism,” he assured.
Songkran is celebrated annually for three days from April 13, marking the start of the Thai New Year. - Bernama
