PATTAYA, Thailand – As the city prepares for its famously prolonged Songkran celebrations, April 17-19, a growing number of long-term visitors are voicing frustration over what they describe as an increasingly relentless and unavoidable experience.
Once a brief and joyful tradition lasting just a few days, Songkran in Pattaya has evolved into a multi-day — often more than a week-long, April 11-19 — water festival that engulfs large parts of the city, from beach roads to major highways.
Comments from Pattaya Mail forums reveal a clear divide. While many still embrace the festive chaos, others say the extended duration is pushing them to leave the city entirely during the period.
“It’s fun, but after a week of not being able to go anywhere without getting soaked, it gets old,” one long-term visitor wrote. Another added that the situation has become unavoidable: “It would be one thing if it was just a few streets you could avoid, but it’s everywhere.”
Safety concerns have also been raised. One commenter described being hit with a bucket of water while riding a motorbike along Sukhumvit Road at high speed, calling the situation “not safe.”
For some, the solution is simple — leave. “Going to Vietnam for the duration. Or Laos, or somewhere else,” one user wrote, while others mentioned trips to Bangkok or even Hong Kong to escape the celebrations.
Veteran residents appear particularly affected. One long-term visitor, approaching 80 years old, reflected on decades of experience: “When younger I loved it, but time marches on… no problem for people that enjoy it, but know that thousands don’t.”
Others pointed out how the nature of Songkran has changed. “Remember when it was played from morning till sunset, then at night you could go out without getting drenched? Now it’s 24 hours a day for 10 days,” another comment read.
Despite the criticism, some forum users argued that the economic impact may not be as negative as suggested. Short-term holidaymakers drawn specifically for Songkran are often seen as higher spenders during the peak week, potentially offsetting the temporary departure of long-term visitors.
Still, the sentiment highlights a broader tension in Pattaya’s tourism model — balancing high-energy, festival-driven tourism with the comfort and livability expected by long-term residents.
As Songkran continues to grow in scale and intensity, the question remains whether Pattaya can satisfy both groups, or whether the extended celebrations will increasingly push some visitors to seek quieter destinations, at least for the week.
