Thailand Prepares for Increased Travel Demand During Songkran Festival
Transport agencies implement measures to accommodate millions of holiday travelers as celebrations approach.
As Thailand approaches the annual Songkran Festival, transport officials are taking extensive measures to manage an expected surge in travelers across the nation.
Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit has directed relevant agencies to optimize services during the holiday period from April 11 to April 17. Estimates suggest that approximately 16.32 million personal vehicles will be on the roads in Bangkok alone, with 7.01 million expected to utilize highways and motorways, and 9.31 million forecasted for expressway travel.
Public transportation services are also anticipating high demand, with around 15.84 million individuals expected to use buses, trains, boats, and airplanes.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) is coordinating with Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports, alongside six airlines—Thai Airways, Bangkok Airways, Thai AirAsia, Nok Air, Thai Lion Air, and Thai Vietjet—to address potential increases in ticket prices, ensuring affordability for travelers.
To accommodate the influx of passengers, an additional 124 domestic flights offering 25,000 extra seats will be provided during the festival.
Fares for specific routes from Bangkok have also been reduced by 30% for tickets purchased prior to March 20.
The State Railway of Thailand is planning for an anticipated 758,024 passengers, operating 26 extra train services across five routes, including journeys to Chiang Mai and Ubon Ratchathani.
In addition, the Department of Land Transport estimates an average of 120,000 passengers daily on interprovincial buses, with the Transport Company intending to facilitate up to 5,000 bus trips each day.
In response to the expected high traffic, various toll fees on expressways and motorways will be waived during the festival.
The Expressway Authority of Thailand will suspend surcharges for select expressways from April 11 to April 17, while the Department of Highways (DoH) will also eliminate fees for specific motorways during the festival period.
Safety measures are being prioritized, with the DoH and other transport authorities ensuring proper street lighting and suspending road construction on critical routes to facilitate safe navigation during the festive season.
In a related development, Trat province, including Koh Chang Island, is anticipating a robust tourism surge during the Water Festival.
Local officials are reporting high hotel occupancy rates, with over 80% of accommodations booked in advance.
The increasing popularity of Trat as a tourist destination has been noted, with foreign visitors averaging longer stays compared to the previous year.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has been promoting Koh Chang extensively, highlighting its attractions and facilitating increased exposure to international travel operators.
Tourist spending is projected to contribute significantly to the local economy, with anticipated revenue reaching up to 200 million baht during the Songkran period.
Additionally, Thai Airways International has announced a 30% discount on selected domestic flights during the Songkran holiday to further enhance travel accessibility.
More than 1,500 seats are available at reduced prices on high-demand routes, accommodating the expected travel surge.
In a bid to support travelers during the festive season, the Oil Fuel Fund Office has implemented a 1 baht per liter reduction in fuel prices, effective in two phases—50 satang reductions on March 28 and April 4. The initiative aims to alleviate costs for travelers, particularly those using diesel vehicles, by encouraging domestic tourism during the Songkran celebrations.
Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit has directed relevant agencies to optimize services during the holiday period from April 11 to April 17. Estimates suggest that approximately 16.32 million personal vehicles will be on the roads in Bangkok alone, with 7.01 million expected to utilize highways and motorways, and 9.31 million forecasted for expressway travel.
Public transportation services are also anticipating high demand, with around 15.84 million individuals expected to use buses, trains, boats, and airplanes.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) is coordinating with Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports, alongside six airlines—Thai Airways, Bangkok Airways, Thai AirAsia, Nok Air, Thai Lion Air, and Thai Vietjet—to address potential increases in ticket prices, ensuring affordability for travelers.
To accommodate the influx of passengers, an additional 124 domestic flights offering 25,000 extra seats will be provided during the festival.
Fares for specific routes from Bangkok have also been reduced by 30% for tickets purchased prior to March 20.
The State Railway of Thailand is planning for an anticipated 758,024 passengers, operating 26 extra train services across five routes, including journeys to Chiang Mai and Ubon Ratchathani.
In addition, the Department of Land Transport estimates an average of 120,000 passengers daily on interprovincial buses, with the Transport Company intending to facilitate up to 5,000 bus trips each day.
In response to the expected high traffic, various toll fees on expressways and motorways will be waived during the festival.
The Expressway Authority of Thailand will suspend surcharges for select expressways from April 11 to April 17, while the Department of Highways (DoH) will also eliminate fees for specific motorways during the festival period.
Safety measures are being prioritized, with the DoH and other transport authorities ensuring proper street lighting and suspending road construction on critical routes to facilitate safe navigation during the festive season.
In a related development, Trat province, including Koh Chang Island, is anticipating a robust tourism surge during the Water Festival.
Local officials are reporting high hotel occupancy rates, with over 80% of accommodations booked in advance.
The increasing popularity of Trat as a tourist destination has been noted, with foreign visitors averaging longer stays compared to the previous year.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has been promoting Koh Chang extensively, highlighting its attractions and facilitating increased exposure to international travel operators.
Tourist spending is projected to contribute significantly to the local economy, with anticipated revenue reaching up to 200 million baht during the Songkran period.
Additionally, Thai Airways International has announced a 30% discount on selected domestic flights during the Songkran holiday to further enhance travel accessibility.
More than 1,500 seats are available at reduced prices on high-demand routes, accommodating the expected travel surge.
In a bid to support travelers during the festive season, the Oil Fuel Fund Office has implemented a 1 baht per liter reduction in fuel prices, effective in two phases—50 satang reductions on March 28 and April 4. The initiative aims to alleviate costs for travelers, particularly those using diesel vehicles, by encouraging domestic tourism during the Songkran celebrations.
