BANGKOK, THAILAND – Thailand’s tourism agency projected that Songkran 2026 would generate more than 30.35 billion baht in revenue, a 6% increase on the previous year.
TAT forecast: billions in revenue over the holidays
According to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), the tourism sector was expected to earn more than 30.35 billion baht during the Songkran holidays, representing growth of 6% year-on-year.
The forecast period covered 11–15 April, when numerous events and heavy travel activity took place across the country.
Inbound and domestic tourism: figures and growth
TAT expected around 500,000 foreign visitors between 11 and 15 April, projected to generate about 8.1 billion baht, an increase of 2% compared with the previous year.
For domestic tourism, the agency forecast 5.96 million trips, up 7%, contributing around 22.25 billion baht, an 8% rise year-on-year.
Sentiment and distribution of income
TAT governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool said the atmosphere of Songkran celebrations nationwide had been more vibrant than anticipated and reflected confidence among domestic and international travellers.
“The travel rush over the long holiday has also helped distribute income more widely across the tourism industry and local grassroots economies.”
said Thapanee Kiatphaibool, TAT governor.
Songkran as an international festival destination
In the view of TAT, the success of this year’s festival highlighted Thailand’s growing appeal as a global festival destination, driven by cultural distinctiveness and tradition.
This had been made possible through close cooperation between the government, the private sector and local communities to position Songkran more strongly on the international stage.
“Value-based tourism”: culture, cuisine and creativity
Under the concept of value-based tourism, Thai identity was promoted through culture, customs, cuisine and creative elements.
High participation in events not only created a festive mood but also supported economic activity in major cities and emerging destinations.
Bangkok: hotspots and major events with visitor numbers
In Bangkok, Silom Road, Siam Square and Khao San Road were among the main attractions, drawing large crowds.
The “Maha Songkran World Water Festival 2026” in Benchakitti Park recorded 108,640 visitors from 11 to 13 April and was estimated to have generated an economic circulation of 283.68 million baht.
Lumpini Park: creative festival draws younger visitors
The “Saneh Art by Songkran Festival 2026” in Lumpini Park reportedly attracted more than 94,546 visitors.
A particularly large number of young people came to take photographs and experience creative installations.
Ayutthaya: ‘water splashing with elephants’ as a crowd-puller
Ayutthaya remained one of the most popular destinations, with the “water splashing with elephants” activity drawing strong interest from both Thai and international tourists.
According to TAT, the event stood out as a special cultural attraction that combined fun with local identity and tradition.
North and Northeast: water festival and religious rituals
In the northern and northeastern provinces, lively celebrations were reported that mixed water festivities with traditional rituals.
These included merit-making, bathing Buddha images, cultural parades and “Rod Nam Dam Hua”, in which younger people showed respect to their elders.
South: Songkhla and border traffic via Sadao
In the South, tourism increased significantly, especially in Songkhla, where cross-border travel via the Sadao checkpoint, mainly by Malaysian visitors, remained strong.
Between 10 and 12 April, more than 36,000 travellers crossed the border; hotel occupancy stood at around 80%, and over 70,000 visitors generated more than 700 million baht.
Border towns in focus: Betong and Sungai Kolok
Tourism also picked up in southern border districts such as Betong in Yala and Sungai Kolok in Narathiwat, supported by special Songkran events.
Activities like “Sook Sanook Songkran at the Southern Border” and “Sungai Kolok Midnight Songkran 2026” attracted particularly high numbers of guests from Malaysia and underscored the potential of border areas for cultural and nightlife tourism.
Tourism balance 2026 to April: arrivals and revenue
The Ministry of Tourism and Sports reported that from 1 January to 12 April, international arrivals reached 10.36 million, generating 506 billion baht in revenue.
In the past week alone, 619,481 foreign arrivals were recorded, an increase of 8.76% compared with the previous week, averaging 88,498 per day, said Natthriya Thaweevong, Secretary-General at the Ministry of Tourism and Sports.