PRESS RELEASE:
The Songkran Festival, celebrated from April 1-21, has reportedly proven to be a major economic boon for Thailand, generating a total of 140.335 billion baht in revenue, surpassing the Tourism Ministry’s initial projection of 132 billion baht.
According to Minister of Tourism and Sports Sudawan Wangsupakitkosol, the festival attracted 1,926,443 foreign tourists who contributed 90.208 billion baht, and 13,897,988 domestic trips resulted in 50.127 billion baht.
During the peak of the festival, from April 12-16, revenue from foreign tourists was 21.546 billion baht, with Thai tourists contributing another 16.488 billion baht, totaling 38.034 billion baht for those five days. The influx of foreign tourists represented a 37.54% increase over the same period last year, driven by relaxed visa regulations, the cancellation of TM.6 forms, and large-scale government activities.
The majority of foreign tourists originated from China, Malaysia, India, Russia, South Korea, Laos, the UK, Taiwan, the USA, and Indonesia. Chinese tourists, in particular, topped the list with an 89.16% increase compared to the previous year, highlighting Thailand’s continued appeal to a diverse international audience.
The festival’s revenue breakdown included 42.069 billion baht spent on accommodation, 33.069 billion on food and beverages, 26.839 billion on souvenirs and merchandise, 15.505 billion on transportation, 14.758 million on entertainment, 5.865 million on tourist services, and 2.230 million baht on miscellaneous expenses.
The preceding is a press release from the Thai Government PR Department.
