Thailand Approves 153 Million Baht for Grand Songkran Festival to Boost Tourism
The Thai government has sanctioned a budget of 153 million baht to host the Maha Songkran World Water Festival 2025 at Sanam Luang in Bangkok. This initiative aims to attract approximately 800,000 tourists and stimulate economic activity worth an estimated 3.2 billion baht.
The approved budget is allocated as follows: 93.26 million baht for activities at Sanam Luang, 48 million baht for parades, and 11.77 million baht for advertising and public relations. This funding supplements the 40-million-baht already designated to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) for 2025. The festival is scheduled from April 11th to 25th, with the government emphasizing the distribution of festivities across all five regions of the country throughout the month. This strategy is designed to encourage tourists to explore beyond major cities like Bangkok, thereby promoting diverse cultural experiences nationwide.
In addition to the Songkran preparations, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has returned from ITB Berlin, the world's leading travel trade show, with plans to promote 18 "must-visit" provinces in 2025. These provinces include Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai, Mae Hong Son, Nan, Sukhothai, Phrae, Lampang, Satun, Trang, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Nong Khai, Udon Thani, Loei, Nakhon Phanom, Chanthaburi, Trat, Prachinburi, and Sa Kaeo. This initiative aims to showcase Thailand's hidden gems, offering tourists unique experiences beyond traditional destinations.
The government's concerted efforts to enhance tourism are expected to significantly boost the economy, with tourism revenue accounting for 20% of Thailand's gross domestic product (GDP). In 2024, the country welcomed 35.54 million foreign tourists, generating a total revenue of 1.67 trillion baht (approximately $47.7 billion USD). By investing in grand festivals like Songkran and promoting lesser-known provinces, Thailand aims to solidify its position as a premier global tourist destination.
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