Thailand’s Songkran festival this year is expected to inject THB134.63bn ($3.7bn) into the economy, marking a 4.5% rise from the previous year, the government said on April 6, The Nation reported.

Deputy government spokesperson Anukool Pruksanusak cited a survey by the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce, which showed the projected figure was up from THB128.83bn in 2024 and nearly double the THB69 bn generated during the pandemic-hit year of 2020. Only 5% of respondents said they planned to cut back on spending, the lowest figure in over 9 years.

Meanwhile, 72.1% reported plans to travel during the traditional Thai New Year, the highest level since 2019.
Despite a powerful earthquake striking the country on March 28, consumer sentiment appeared largely unaffected. According to the survey, 74.5% of consumers reported no change in their spending habits. About 11.1% planned to reduce spending, while 14.4% expected to increase it.

Travel intentions also remained steady, with 71.7% of respondents reporting no change to their plans and 17.1% indicating they would spend more. Many respondents said they would carry out traditional Songkran celebrations but with added caution, avoiding high-rise buildings or potentially unstable structures, Anukool said.
He added that business operators reported normal activity in the wake of the quake, with no disruption in sales, hotel bookings, or domestic travel. The revived tourism outlook is expected to further boost consumption during the holiday period. “The government has instructed relevant agencies to inspect the safety of hotels, tourist attractions, and buildings in high-risk areas, with strict safety protocols being implemented,” Anukool said.
He added that security and tourism authorities are coordinating efforts to provide assistance and clear information to the public and visitors.