The Songkran celebrations across the country, especially at the hotspots in Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Hat Yai, are expected to generate about 30 billion baht in revenue, representing a 6% increase over last year, according to Thapanee Kiatphaibool, governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT).
She said that the vibrant atmosphere of the festivities is beyond expectation, reflecting the confidence of both Thai and non-Thai tourists and the success of the cooperation between the Thai private and public sectors in the presentation and transformation of the Songkran festival into a festive event internationally under the concept of value-added tourism.
In Bangkok, she said that all the Songkran celebration hotspots, such as Silom and Khao San roads, the Siam Square commercial area, the Benjakitti and Lumpini parks, had attracted large crowds of revellers.
The ‘Maha Songkran World Water Festival 2026’, held in the Benjakitti Park from April 11 to 13, attracted 56,368 Thais and 52,272 non-Thais, while the ‘Saneh Art by Songkran Festival 2026’ in Lumpini Park has attracted more than 94,000 people, according to Thapanee.
In Ayutthaya province, she claimed that the Songkran celebration featuring interaction between humans and elephants is also a magnet for both Thais and foreigners alike, reflecting a harmonious blend of Thai identity and cultural charms.
In the northern and northeastern provinces, the TAT governor said the local traditions and festive activities, such as the pouring of water on Buddha images and elders as blessing, represent the charms of local cultures and the way of life.
In Hat Yai, she said that more than 36,000 Malaysians crossed the border in Sadao district of Songkhla to celebrate Songkran between April 10 and 12. The hotel occupancy rate was 80%.
The Songkran festival is not just generating happiness among the local people and foreign tourists, but is also serving as a vehicle to drive the Thai economy forward, according to the TAT.
