Tourism hopes to reverse fortunes with Songkran soaking coffers for 4.3 billion

Eager to turn the page on nearly half a year of ominous headlines, declining arrivals and lost revenue, Thai tourism officials hope the Songkran Festival will be the ticket back to happier times.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand plans to throw Songkran parties in 13 provinces for tourists and expects revenues of THB4.3 billion.

Despite the political turmoil, TAT expects a 5 percent increase in visitors over last year and will throw lavish events in: Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Sukhothai, Chon Buri, Suphan Buri, Ayutthaya, Nakhon Panom, Khon Kaen, Nong Khai, Hatyai, Nakorn Sri Thammarat, Phuket and Samut Prakarn.

This year TAT’s waterguns are trained on the two main components of Songkran Festival: the epic waterfight and traditional Songkran celebration, Khaosod reported.

Photo: Zanyasan Tanantpapat

Related:

PHOTOS: Khao San Road on the last day of Songkran




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