Over 800,000 Celebrate Songkran 2025 in Bangkok

Over 800,000 Celebrate Songkran 2025 in Bangkok, Generating Billions in Economic Activity

The Maha Songkran World Water Festival 2025, held from April 11 to 15 at Sanam Luang in Bangkok, drew over 800,000 attendees, including a mix of enthusiastic Thai locals and international tourists. Widely regarded as the biggest Songkran celebration in the country, this year’s event was not only a cultural extravaganza but also a significant economic driver, generating an estimated 3.2 billion baht (around USD 94–97 million) in revenue.

Organized under the theme of “Thai Cultural Splendor Meets the World,” the festival featured eight grand carnival parades, vibrant cultural performances, traditional water-pouring rituals, and the introduction of a Songkran theme song translated into 20 languages—a clear nod to the event’s global outreach. The Thai government allocated 153 million baht toward organizing the festival, reflecting its strategic importance in promoting tourism and soft power.

From an economic perspective, Songkran 2025 served as a powerful stimulus for Thailand’s recovering tourism and service sectors. Hotels, restaurants, local vendors, and transportation services across Bangkok and neighboring provinces saw a sharp uptick in activity. Small businesses, particularly those in the hospitality and food sectors, reported record sales during the five-day celebration.

The festival also marked a successful execution of the government’s broader “Amazing Thailand Grand Tourism and Sports Year 2025” campaign, aimed at positioning the country as a year-round destination for cultural tourism. With over 12% of festivalgoers being international tourists, the event underscored Thailand’s reemergence as a top global travel destination after years of pandemic-related challenges.

Despite initial concerns after a moderate earthquake in neighboring Myanmar, organizers maintained strict safety protocols. The festival went on without major disruptions, further solidifying confidence in Thailand’s ability to host large-scale international events.

As the water dried and the festivities concluded, the broader impact of Songkran 2025 left a lasting impression—reminding the world not only of the joyous traditions of Thai New Year but also of the country’s enduring economic resilience and cultural vibrancy.