KUALA LUMPUR - Songkran 2026 has attracted large numbers of local and international visitors across Thailand.

The strong turnout shows the festival is growing into a global event with wide appeal.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) on April 14, expects the festival period from April 11 to 15 to generate over 30.35 billion baht in revenue.

This figure is about 6% higher than the same period last year.

The agency said the increase reflects stronger confidence among travellers during the holiday period.

Visitors have travelled widely, helping boost income for local businesses and communities.

TAT Governor, Thapanee Kiatphaibool said the festival atmosphere has been more lively than expected.

She said the success shows the lasting appeal of Thai culture and Songkran’s ability to attract global visitors.

She added that cooperation between the public and private sectors helped elevate the festival.

The event is being promoted through value-based tourism focusing on culture, food and local identity.

Thapanee thanked all partners for their efforts in organising events nationwide.

She said the festival has created strong economic activity across major cities and smaller destinations.

TAT said it will continue promoting festivals to position Thailand as a global event destination.

In Bangkok, major locations such as Silom Road, Siam Square and Khao San Road saw heavy crowds.

Two main events in the capital also attracted strong attendance.

The Maha Songkran World Water Festival at Benjakitti Park recorded over 108,000 visitors from April 11 to 13.

More than half of the visitors were international tourists, showing the festival’s global appeal.

The event generated an estimated 283.68 million baht in economic activity.

Another event at Lumpini Park drew more than 94,000 visitors, especially among younger crowds.

Outside Bangkok, Ayutthaya remained a popular destination.

Its Songkran with elephants event continued to attract both local and foreign visitors.

Northern and northeastern regions also saw strong participation with cultural activities and traditions.

These included water-pouring ceremonies, cultural parades and designated water-play zones.

In southern Thailand, tourism also grew significantly, especially in Songkhla.

More than 36,000 travellers passed through the Sadao border checkpoint between April 10 and 12.

Hotel occupancy in the area averaged about 80% during the period.

The province is expected to welcome over 70,000 visitors and generate more than 700 million baht.

Border towns such as Betong and Sungai Kolok also saw strong turnout.

Events in these areas attracted many visitors, especially from Malaysia.

TAT said this shows the potential of border areas as tourism and nightlife destinations.

Nationwide, about 500,000 foreign tourists are expected during the festival period.

This is a 4% increase, generating around 8.1 billion baht.

Domestic travel is expected to reach nearly six million trips.

Local tourism revenue is projected at about 22.25 billion baht, up eight per cent.

TAT said Songkran remains a key driver of Thailand’s tourism sector.

It added that the festival helps boost income, create opportunities and strengthen the country’s global image.