Songkran 2025: Thailand prepares for major tourist influx

The Songkran festival, the Thai New Year, has already begun in some parts of Thailand and will reach its peak this week.

See: Everything you need to know about Songkran, the Thai New Year

It takes place in a somewhat difficult atmosphere following the earthquake in Burma which caused tremors in Thailand and the collapse of a building under construction in Bangkok, resulting in the death and disappearance of around a hundred workers.

See: Tourism crisis in Thailand: towards a new strategy after the earthquake

Nevertheless, the Thai government continues to promote Songkran as a major tourism festival to attract visitors from around the world and boost the Thai economy.

See: Thailand: Songkran 2025 festival set to make a global splash

The Economic and Business Forecasting Center forecasts revenue of 134.6 billion baht (3.51 billion euros), a growth of 4.5% compared to last year, the highest level of revenue since 2020.

See: Thailand: Record spending expected during Songkran 2025

Tourism figures are soaring

Tourists crowd Suvarnabhumi Airport. Photo: Pravit Rojanaphruk

Ahead of the Songkran festival, the Ministry of Tourism and Sports reported that from January 1 to April 6, 2025, Thailand welcomed more than 10 million foreign tourists, generating nearly 500 billion baht (12.96 billion euros) in revenue.

During Songkran week, foreign tourist arrivals are expected to increase further due to promotional factors such as school holidays in Europe and government "travel facilitation" measures.

Strengthen security measures

Novice monks on a pickup truck celebrate Songkran in Phetchabun. Photo: Sunthorn Kongwarakom

Road safety issues have become one of the major factors damaging Thailand's tourism reputation.

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra stressed at a cabinet meeting on April 8 the need for all agencies to strictly enforce anti-drunk driving campaigns.

This is in addition to facilitating travel and ensuring overall security in all areas, whether during festivals or activities organized throughout the country from April 11.

The Prime Minister urged agencies to take care of Thai and foreign tourists, setting a goal of reducing the number of accidents, deaths and injuries during this year's Songkran festival.

Specific guidelines include:

Ministry of Transport:

Ensure sufficient and safe public transport systems, with an emphasis on driver preparation and safety checks for construction areas such as Rama 2 Road.

Royal Thai Police:

Deploy officers across the country to maintain traffic flow, provide clear signage, enforce traffic laws, and establish alcohol checkpoints

Ministry of Public Health:

Prepare patient care and treatment of accident injuries

Ministry of Education:

Solicit cooperation from vocational training students to help with vehicle repairs

Ministry of Tourism and Sports:

Taking care of Thai and foreign tourists by providing them with tourist police and volunteers for comprehensive and rapid assistance

Increase in thefts

Many planes in the sky. Photomontage by Mike Kelley

The state-owned Airports Corporation of Thailand estimates flights and passengers during the 2025 Songkran festival (April 11-17) as follows:

• International flights: 267,603 (up 9.1%)
• Domestic flights: 213,792 (up 22.7%)
• Total passengers: 79,191,431 (up 18.3%)
• International passengers: 48,243,845 (up 14.1%)
• Domestic passengers: 30,947,586 (up 25.5%)

Meanwhile, the six international airports (Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Chiang Mai, Mae Fah Luang-Chiang Rai, Phuket and Hat Yai) will increase their staff to supervise passenger terminals and assist with the verification of travel documents.

Four airports will offer free parking from April 12 to 16:

Suvarnabhumi (Long Term Parking Zone C), Don Mueang (in front of the 5-story parking garage, 3rd floor), Chiang Mai (Elephant Ground next to the International Terminal) and Phuket (in front of the office building from April 11 to 16).

Water fight locations in Bangkok

Water fights during the Songkran festival in Bangkok. Photo: Thai PBS World

Thapanee Kiatpaiboon, governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, highlighted the main attractions of the Maha Songkran World Water Festival 2025 in Bangkok, scheduled for April 11-15.

The Sanam Luang Festival will feature parades, water playgrounds, food markets, cultural zones representing five regions, temple fair zones, light shows, drone shows, and daily concerts.

Bangkok's 12 water jet sites are:

Sanam Luang, Ratchadamnoen Road, Silom Road, Khao San Road, Siam Square, Asian, Samyan, CentralWorld, ICONSIAM, Bangkok City Hall Plaza, Siam Park, Chang Chui and Banthat Thong.

The 2025 Songkran festival is expected to generate more than 26.5 billion baht (€688 million), an 8% increase from last year.

This figure includes approximately 476,000 foreign tourists (up 3%), generating 7.3 billion baht, and 4,418,500 Thai visitors (up 6%), generating approximately 19.24 trillion baht.

Cultural celebrations in 17 provinces

Traditional Songkran celebration

For the Songkran cultural celebrations, the Ministry of Culture organized events in 17 provinces, divided into 5 identity cities:

Chiang Mai, Khon Kaen, Chonburi, Samut Prakan, and Nakhon Si Thammarat.

And 12 tourist cities:

Chiang Rai, Nan, Nakhon Sawan, Kanchanaburi, Lopburi, Nakhon Ratchasima, Buriram, Nong Khai, Surin, Songkhla, Phatthalung and Phuket.

These celebrations aim to emphasize that Songkran is more than just a water game: it is a celebration of love, gratitude and family warmth.

Source: Khaosod English