BANGKOK, THAILAND – Songkran 2026 drove strong travel demand across Thailand and exceeded expectations in all regions, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand.
Forecast: Revenue growth and rising demand
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) projected that the 2026 Songkran festival would generate more than US$909 million in tourism revenue. This represented an increase of 6 percent compared with the previous year.
The report cited continued confidence among both Thai and international travellers as key drivers. It also highlighted the positioning of Songkran as a “world-class” cultural event for the festival period from 11 to 15 April.
Bangkok: Major events in Benjakitti and Lumphini parks
In Bangkok, the TAT flagship event “Maha Songkran World Water Festival 2026” in Benjakitti Park attracted a total of 108,640 visitors between 11 and 13 April. Of these, 56,368 were Thai nationals and 52,272 were international guests.
The economic impact of this event was estimated at around US$8.5 million. The “Saneh Art by Songkran Festival 2026” in Lumphini Park also reported strong attendance, with 94,546 visitors.
South: Border traffic in Sadao and high hotel occupancy
In the south, the Sadao border crossing in Songkhla province recorded more than 36,000 crossings between 10 and 12 April, led by visitors from Malaysia. According to the report, average hotel occupancy in the region was about 80 percent.
Total arrivals in the southern border area were forecast at 70,000, expected to generate around US$21 million in local tourism revenue. The figures underscored the importance of cross-border travel movements during Songkran.
Deep South provinces: Evening programmes as tourism driver
Border towns in the deep south such as Betong in Yala and Su-ngai Kolok in Narathiwat extended the festivities with evening programmes. These included events such as “Suk Sanuk Songkran Chaaidaen Tai” and “SUNGAIKOLOK Midnight Songkran 2026”.
According to the report, these initiatives were designed to strengthen the towns as emerging destinations for cultural and evening tourism. The formats were described as contributing to the appeal of the area beyond classic daytime events.
Ayutthaya, North and Northeast: Traditions and local rituals
Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya remained an important travel destination, with the “Songkran with Elephants” programme drawing particular interest. The report explicitly identified Ayutthaya as a continued central magnet during the holiday period.
In northern and northeastern Thailand, celebrations were linked to traditional practices such as water-pouring rituals over Buddha images, cultural parades and Rot Nam Dam Hua ceremonies. Designated water-play streets attracted large crowds and combined a festive atmosphere with local participation.
International and domestic travel: Figures for 11–15 April
For the period 11–15 April, around 500,000 international arrivals were expected, a 4 percent rise compared with the previous year. These visits were projected to generate about US$245 million in revenue.
Domestic tourism was estimated at 5.96 million trips, an increase of 7 percent. Spending from domestic travel during the same period was put at around US$647 million.
Outlook: Official end of Songkran, extended festivities in some areas
Songkran remained, according to the report, a central driver of Thailand’s tourism economy, both in terms of revenue generation and the regional distribution of visitor flows. It was also said to strengthen Thailand’s international image as a destination for high-quality cultural experiences.
While the nationwide festival officially ended on 15 April, selected destinations, including Pattaya, were expected to continue celebrations beyond the official period. This was intended to extend travel momentum and increase the overall impact of the festival.