BANGKOK, Thailand – Thailand’s world-famous Songkran Festival in 2025 has once again captured the hearts of travelers from around the globe, with Bangkok emerging as the most popular destination during the holiday period. The vibrant festivities not only revived the festive spirit post-pandemic but also delivered a major boost to the Thai economy, generating more than USD 3.5 billion (over 100 billion baht) in tourism revenue.
According to Deputy Government Spokesperson Sasikarn Wattanachan, this year’s Songkran Festival signaled a clear resurgence in Thailand’s tourism industry. International flights were packed, accommodations across the country were fully booked, and even global celebrities were spotted enjoying their holiday in Thailand. These indicators, she said, reflect real progress in the nation’s post-COVID recovery. As a result, Thailand has climbed to the second spot in Southeast Asia in terms of economic performance.
In the first quarter of 2025 alone, over 6.15 million international tourists arrived in Thailand, and the full-year total is projected to exceed 30 million. Tourist spending is expected to reach USD 44 billion (approximately 1.5 trillion baht) by the end of the year, contributing significantly to the country’s economic revival.
Travel platform Airbnb reported a remarkable 310% increase in accommodation searches during the Songkran period. Bangkok led as the most searched international destination, followed by Pattaya, Chiang Mai, Krabi, and Phuket. Among Thai travelers, Pattaya was the top pick. Airbnb also noted a rise in long-term stays through its “Live and Work Anywhere” campaign, reflecting growing interest in Thailand as a base for digital nomads and remote workers.
The Thai government is now looking ahead, with plans to expand and elevate next year’s Songkran celebrations. By showcasing Thailand’s unique culture through large-scale festivals and soft power initiatives, officials aim to further strengthen the nation’s image as a top global destination and position it as a cultural powerhouse in Asia. (TNA)
