PATTAYA, Thailand – Songkran in Pattaya remains one of Thailand’s most energetic celebrations, but some long-term visitors and tourists say growing concerns over safety and unruly behavior are beginning to affect their plans.
While the official holiday spans only a few days, festivities can stretch up to 10 days, typically running from April 10 to 19. In Pattaya, celebrations often begin with informal “warm-up” water fights along the sois before building toward the final three days, when the city hosts its biggest events, including beach activities and large-scale parades.
While many embrace the atmosphere, others are choosing to stay away during the peak period.
“I don’t leave my Pattaya home during the two craziest days,” one long-term visitor wrote on a local forum. “Sorry for the reduced spending.”
Another recalled a frightening experience while riding a motorbike during Songkran: “Out of nowhere, someone threw a bucket of ice water straight at my chest. I nearly lost control. I was lucky.”
Such incidents highlight concerns about road safety, particularly as water throwing mixes with traffic, alcohol, and crowded streets.
Other comments were blunter, with some describing the festival’s peak days as a “drunken nightmare best avoided,” while others said they preferred to leave the city entirely or head to quieter destinations like Bangkok during the holiday.
Despite these views, many visitors still enjoy Songkran responsibly, and the festival continues to draw large numbers of both Thai and international tourists.
However, the feedback suggests a growing divide — with some foreign visitors increasingly wary of excessive drinking, reckless behavior, and a lack of control during the busiest days.
For a city like Pattaya, which relies heavily on tourism, the challenge remains balancing its reputation for high-energy celebrations with safety, comfort, and a welcoming environment for all.
