BANGKOK — In anticipation of Thailand’s world-renowned Songkran Festival, national carrier Thai Airways and several regional airlines have rolled out major fare reductions and increased flight frequencies to accommodate soaring travel demand.
The annual Thai New Year celebration, famous for its vibrant water fights and deep cultural rituals, draws millions of domestic and international travelers each April. This year, with the return of full-scale festivities post-pandemic, airlines are leveraging the surge in demand by offering discounts of up to 30% on select routes during the Songkran travel period.
Major Carriers Join the Celebration with Special Offers
Thai Airways has announced promotional fares on domestic and regional flights, encouraging both locals and tourists to explore the country during the festive season from April 11 to 17. Meanwhile, Thai AirAsia is offering a 30% discount on direct bookings made between March 11 and 20, with travel dates falling within the Songkran window.
To accommodate the expected spike in travel volume, AirAsia is also increasing flight frequencies on five key domestic routes departing from Bangkok’s Don Mueang International Airport. The boosted routes include popular destinations such as:
- Chiang Mai
- Chiang Rai
- Nakhon Phanom
- Udon Thani
- Ubon Ratchathani
Other budget airlines, including Nok Air and Bangkok Airways, have followed suit with flash promotions and additional chartered flights to Thailand’s northern provinces and beach destinations such as Phuket and Krabi.
Why Songkran Matters: More Than Just a Water Fight
Songkran, celebrated annually from April 13 to 15, marks the traditional Thai New Year. Rooted in Buddhist traditions, it is a time for paying respects to elders, visiting temples, and cleansing the past year’s misfortunes—symbolized by splashing water.
For Thai people, it is a cherished family occasion and a time to reconnect with cultural heritage. For foreign visitors, it offers an unmatched cultural immersion, blending joyful chaos with spiritual depth.
Beyond the popular street water fights, tourists can also witness traditional dance performances, monk blessings, and sand pagoda building in temple courtyards across the country. Cities like Chiang Mai and Ayutthaya are especially famed for their elaborate celebrations.
Tourism Set for a Record Season
Thailand’s Tourism Authority (TAT) predicts that Songkran 2025 will generate over 50 billion baht (approx. USD 1.4 billion) in revenue, with more than 800,000 foreign arrivals expected during the holiday week alone.
Hotel occupancy rates are already nearing 85% in key locations, according to recent industry data. Budget carriers and national airlines are playing a pivotal role in making travel more accessible to Thai citizens and regional visitors alike.
Final Boarding Call
With ticket prices dropping and festivities heating up, travelers are encouraged to book early to secure their preferred routes. Airlines have warned that popular flights may sell out quickly due to the anticipated travel boom.
As Songkran 2025 approaches, Thailand reaffirms its place on the global tourism map, offering a rich blend of tradition, joy, and unforgettable experiences. (zai)