Thailand Reports 8% Jump in Arrivals for Songkran 2019

According to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), the total amount of revenue earned from international arrivals and domestic trips during the Songkran holiday period of 12-16 April 2019, amounted to 22.07 billion Baht, an increase of 15% year-on-year.

The number of international arrivals reached 543,300 (up 8% year-on-year) generating revenue of 10.23 billion Baht (up 14%).

TAT claims there were 3.27 million trips by domestic tourists (up 3%) generating 11.84 billion Baht (up 7%).

According to Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn, TAT Governor, the East Asia region accounted for the majority of foreign arrivals during the Songkran Festival. Arrivals from Hong Kong and India were higher than expected thanks to the visa-on-arrival fee waiver in place. The domestic market also performed close to the expectation.

The TAT staged Songkran 2019 festivities in Tak, Mukdahan and Ranong. It also supported activities in 10 other provinces: Bangkok, Ayutthaya, Chachoengsao, Chon Buri, Chiang Mai, Sukhothai, Lampang, Udon Thani, Songkhla and Phuket.

“Together these destinations saw 1.03 million domestic trips during the holiday period with 5.11 billion Baht generated for the local economy. Hotel occupancy in these destinations averaged 80%,” Mr. Yuthasak said.

While the Songkran or traditional Thai New Year holiday normally takes place from 13-15 April every year, there are some locations that stage festivities a little later. These include Samut Prakan’s Phra Pradaeng district in the Central Thailand region, where the local Mon people observe New Year traditions from 19-21 April. In the Na Haeo district of Loei in Northeastern Thailand, locals celebrate the Thai New Year with a procession of flower trees – the only tradition of its kind in the country. This year the procession is on 19 and 27 April. In the Eastern region, Chon Buri’s Pattaya-Naklua districts celebrate Wan Lai (water day) on 18-19 April, Map Ta Phut in Rayong’s Songkran is from 19-21 April (with 21 April being Wan Lai), and the country’s easternmost Songkran celebration takes place at Laem Ngop in Trat on the last Friday of April, today (26 April 2019).

See latest HD Video Interviews, Podcasts and other news regarding: TAT, Tourism Authority of Thailand, Songkran, Khon Kaen, Sisaket, Roi-Et, Ubon Ratchathani.