Thailand Enhances Travel Capacity for Songkran Holiday
Additional domestic flights and music festivals planned to accommodate influx of travelers and boost tourism revenue.
As Thailand approaches the annual Songkran festival, Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit has announced the addition of 25,000 domestic flight seats to cater to the increased demand from travelers.
This decision follows a meeting held on March 11, 2025, which aimed to address the anticipated surge in travel during the peak holiday period from April 11 to April 17. Six major airlines, including Thai Airways International and Bangkok Airways, will introduce 124 extra flights covering popular routes such as Bangkok to Phuket and Chiang Mai.
Moreover, certain ticket prices have been reduced by 30% on selected routes to promote affordable travel.
Tickets for these additional flights will be available for purchase until March 20 via various platforms offered by the airlines.
In conjunction with these air travel enhancements, the State Railway of Thailand is set to increase its services with an additional 26 train routes from Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal to major cities including Chiang Mai and Ubon Ratchathani.
Approximately 1,000 extra bus services will also be deployed by the Transport Company to accommodate the projected 130,000 travelers on the busiest day of the holiday.
The Thai government has announced that motorists will have free access to the 167-kilometer Hin Kong-Pak Chong section of the M6 motorway and the 96-kilometer M81 motorway as part of an ongoing trial period, further easing travel during this congested period.
Additionally, the Siam Songkran Music Festival 2025, organized by One Asia Ventures, is expected to attract around 100,000 attendees over four days from April 11 to April 14. The festival, which has seen an increase in attendance from 70,000 last year, will generate an estimated 300 million baht in revenue, significantly contributing to the anticipated 1 billion baht total tourism spending during the Songkran holiday.
The festival will take place at the Arena Area on Rama IX Road in Bangkok, featuring renowned international DJs and a fusion of music, fashion, and lifestyle, promoting the local culture and economy.
In a related event, the S2O Songkran Music Festival 2025 will also be held from April 12 to April 14 at a new venue with increased capacity to accommodate 100,000 attendees.
With an investment of 250 million baht, the festival aims to enhance the experience with upgraded technology and performances from world-class artists.
S2O, marking its 10th anniversary, has become a significant cultural event promoting Thailand’s soft power on the international stage, while simultaneously supporting local businesses by increasing tourist spending and creating jobs.