Revelers play with water as they celebrate the Songkran holiday, which marks the Thai New Year, in Bangkok, Thailand, April 12, 2026.
The boisterous event, set to run for three days from Monday, is a major draw for tourists, as revelers in colorful clothes spray water on each other in an ancient ritual that symbolizes cleansing, reverence and good fortune.
Photo by Reuters
A reveler plays with water at Khaosan Road, one of the favorite tourist spots in Bangkok, Thailand, April 13.
Thailand, the second largest economy in Southeast Asia, welcomed more than 8.54 million foreign visitors from Jan. 1 to March 22, down 2.97% from the same period last year.
Photo by Reuters
But spending this year is expected to fall for the first time since the Covid pandemic, said Thanavath Phonvichai, president of the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce.
Expenditure during the festival, usually one of Thailand's biggest spending periods, is forecast to fall 3.7% to about 130 billion baht (US$3.5 billion), a university survey showed, with 36% of respondents planning to spend less.
"Songkran is more than a festival. It is a time for family reunions, for expressing gratitude and strengthening bonds within communities," Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said, adding that the holiday brings joy and vibrant celebrations nationwide after a year of hard work.
Photo by Reuters
Revelers dance as they celebrate the Songkran holiday in Bangkok, Thailand, April 12.
The country is aiming to attract 37 million foreign visitors this year, a projected increase of more than 11% from 2025 but that target is increasingly at risk due to Middle East war.
A reveler dances as he celebrates the Songkran holiday in Bangkok, Thailand, April 12.
Photo by Reuters
Peoples participate in the Songkran water festival to celebrate the Thai New Year in Bangkok, Thailand, Monday, April 13.
Photo by AP
People participate in the Songkran water festival to celebrate the Thai New Year in Prachinburi Province, Thailand, April 13.
Photo by AP
