songkran

The figures are in and it seems that numbers reached an all time high in [Samui] [1] this Songkran. According to the [Samui Express] [2] tourism rose a massive 30% compared to last year, which totals a staggering 500 million Baht. Tourism Authority of Thailand director in Suratthani, Phanu Woramit commented that the figures far exceeded expectations; “At first the income from tourism business during Songkran festival was estimated at Bt200 million, but the turbulent situation in Bangkok and other parts of Thailand caused Thais to come to Samui in numbers that we more than expected,” Woramit said. It had been feared that the anti-government protesting form the ‘Red Shirts’ that took place during the holiday would force people to seek shelter indoors, but once again Thai people have shown that the party spirit is too strong to suppress. As Wormait says; “The protests of the Red Shirts in Bangkok encouraged more Thai people to travel to the south, especially Suratthani. I think they believed that the province was more secure as there were no Red Shirt protests in the area,” the tourism official said. No matter what happens, Thai people will always welcome the New Year with a smile and a thoroughly good soaking. [1]: http://1stopsamui.com [2]: http://news.samuiexpress.net 2009-05-08T09:09:00+07:00 1268 2009-05-07T15:10:22+07:00 5 true 1268-samui-tourist-board-reports-business-boast Andrew

People in [Pattaya] [1] love to party. Any excuse will do for the whiskey to start flowing. Songkran, the official Thai New Year celebration, is the most vibrant of them all, lasting for several days and featuring large street parties where people cool each other down by dowsing them with water. It had been feared that the political tension in recent months would minimize this year’s celebrations, but the Thai people proved that their party spirit couldn’t be suppressed. According to the [Pattaya Mail] [2] tens of thousands of revelers took to the streets in Pattaya on April 18 and 19 to mark the turning of the year. The celebrations started at noon with people pouring scented water on Buddha images and sprinkling monks with water. Once the religious part of the festivities had taken place, the usual water fights began and the streets were full of laughter, culminating in a wild beach party, which lasted until dawn. Once again the Thai people have proven that no matter what happens, they will face it all with a smile and turn tragedy into fun and festivity in their own unique way. [1]: http://1stopthailand.com/pattaya [2]: http://pattayamail.com 2009-05-02T11:07:00+07:00 1255 2009-05-01T13:09:41+07:00 5 true 1255-political-problems-don-t-dampen-songkran-spirit Andrew

During the three-day Songkran celebrations in [Chiang Mai] [1] a ban on vehicles travelling on the moat road didn’t seem to stop loads of motorbikes, cars and pick-up trucks filled with people and containers of water from enjoying their annual New Year’s fun - soaking everyone walking along the way. A merit-making ceremony at Thapae Gate signalled the beginning of the festivities. The ceremony was led by Amornphan Nimanant, the governor of Chiang Mai province, and was followed by a traditional parade, during which the Phra Buddha Sihing image was carried through the streets of the inner city, while residents sprinkled water on the image as a sign of respect. Later, a traditional Lanna market was set up Thapae Gate, where residents and visitors could shop for local products and enjoy a Lanna Khantoke meal. Throughout the three days of celebrations, fire-crackers, fireworks and music added to the festive sounds and sights. Although by all reports the Songkran celebrations were quieter this year and saw fewer foreign visitors, there was a notable lack of unpleasant behaviour and violence reported – which in the past have been blamed on excess alcohol consumption. [1]: http://1stopthailand.com/chiangmai/ 2009-04-22T15:58:00+07:00 1231 2009-04-22T15:59:25+07:00 5 true 1231-chiang-mai-puts-aside-protest-concerns-and-celebrates-songkran Andrew

Major tourism associations in Thailand are reporting that the rate of hotel occupancy by foreign visitors at [Chiang Mai] [1] hotels and resorts over the recent Songkran festival fell from the 2008 level of 90-95 per cent to 40-45 per cent this year. The main reasons cited for the disastrous drop in advance bookings were political chaos and the looming threat of violent protests over the Songkran holiday period. Chiang Mai has long been regarded as the main destination during Songkran for both domestic and foreign tourists. Visitors who were already in the city before the holiday began booking travel to other areas because of concerns over violence. Bangkok travel agents handling Chiang Mai bookings for foreign tourists were reported to be requiring a 40 per cent non-refundable deposit, anticipating cancellations in the event of riots in Chiang Mai. The city has already felt the impact of the global economic downturn, the siege of Suvarnabhumi Airport late last year and recent violent protests in Chiang Mai and Bangkok. Recently, the group Rak Chiang Mai 51 forced the cancellation of the city’s Gay Pride Parade. These events, combined with exceptionally high pollution levels that have gained international attention, have led to a 25 per cent drop in visitors in recent months. [1]: http://1stopthailand.com/chiangmai/ 2009-04-18T14:08:00+07:00 1226 2009-04-18T14:09:42+07:00 5 true 1226-chiang-mai-hotel-occupancy-drops-to-40-percent-over-songkran- Andrew

The Songkran festival period could be a quieter one this year, as the number of holidaymakers visiting the country during the Thai New Year celebrations is expected to fall by 20-40 per cent as compared with last year, as concerns rise about new political tensions. Concerns have arisen due to the increased anti-government protests staged by the “Red Shirts” faction, including a major rally scheduled in the period leading up to the holiday. Tourism groups are expecting foreign visitor numbers to drop off by as much as 40 per cent from 2008, and domestic tourists by 20-30 per cent. What this would mean is that Songkran may only generate around Bt30 billion in revenues, which is considerably less than the Bt50 billion projected earlier. The downturn during Songkran would put even greater pressure on Thailand as it attempts to reach its target of Bt500 billion in tourism revenue this year. "Political chaos in Thailand is becoming the main factor in both inbound and domestic tourism. Even tourists familiar with Thailand, such as those from Singapore and Hong Kong, are now waiting for the situation to clear up," said Apichart Sankary, president of the Association of Thai Travel Agents, as reported in [The Nation] [1]. The association executive suggested that many tourists were delaying booking their holiday until the mass rally in Bangkok has ended. In [Chiang Mai] [2], tourists have been reported to be urgently consulting travel agents for tours outside the provincial capital, as they fear confrontations stemming from the political turbulence. [1]: http://nationmultimedia.com [2]: http://1stopthailand.com/chiangmai/ 2009-04-15T09:54:00+07:00 1214 2009-04-10T09:55:39+07:00 5 true 1214-political-tensions-lead-to-fewer-tourists Andrew

An extra eight return flights have been scheduled by Thai Airways between Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport and [Phuket] [1] International Airport to handle the heavy demand over April’s busy Songkran Festival. A total of 29 additional return flights have been scheduled by the national carrier during the holiday period between Bangkok and provincial airports, according to a recent press release. Some of the additional flights have been added on the Bangkok to Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Khon Kaen and Krabi routes. The flights have been added on 10-11 and 14-16 April. On 10 April, two additional returns between Bangkok and Phuket will operate, and one will be offered on the 11th. On 14 April, Thai Airways will offer one extra return service, and two additional return flights on 15 and 16 April. Across the country during the Songkran holiday period, there will be 12,404 seats on the added flights, which are in addition to those on flights already scheduled. Thai Airways will use some of its larger planes on some busy routes, including the Bangkok-Phuket service, to accommodate the increased passenger demand. In all, the changes in aircraft and added flights will boost the number of additional seats for the holiday period to 22,674, which is an increase of 17.1 per cent over normal capacity. Bangkok Airways is the only other Thai carrier to increase passenger capacity during the period. It has announced that it will add one extra flight each day on 13, 14 and 15 April. [1]: http://1stopthailand.com/phuket/ 2009-04-04T14:32:00+07:00 1201 2009-04-03T14:33:38+07:00 5 true 1201-flights-to-phuket-added-during-songkran Andrew

Thailand’s National Committee on Alcohol Consumption Control will not support a proposal that would ban the sale of alcohol during the April Songkran Festival, noting that the move could further damage the country’s vital tourism industry. The committee, which met in [Bangkok] [1] at a meeting chaired by the Thai Deputy Prime Minister Sanan Kajornprasart, decided to permit the sale of alcoholic drinks during the Thai New Year celebrations next month. It was agreed, however, that the sale of alcohol would be prohibited on all nationally-observed religious holidays, including Visakha Bucha, Makha Bucha, Asarnha Bucha and Buddhist Lent. The deputy prime minister said that the state of the economy and the importance of the tourist industry were major considerations in their decision. Another consideration in the committee’s decision was the likelihood of an increase in the sales of illicitly-distilled liquor if a ban on the legal sale of alcohol was enacted. Meetings will be held with senior police officers around the country and with provincial governors to insist on efforts that will strictly control alcohol consumption over the holiday period and drunk driving. The recommendation of the Public Health Ministry was for either a total ban on the sale of alcohol from 12-14 April or a restriction on the sale of alcoholic beverages to licensed bars, cafés, pubs and restaurants, from 6:00pm to midnight, during that period. [1]: http://1stopthailand.com/bangkok 2009-04-01T17:58:00+07:00 1194 2009-03-31T17:59:00+07:00 5 true 1194-no-alcohol-ban-during-thailand-songkran-festival- Andrew

Thailand’s government has said it may seek a ruling from the Council of State regarding a ban on the sale of alcohol during April’s Songkran festival. If the legal arm of the government does not provide an answer in time, a ban on alcohol sales may be put into effect for Thai New Year’s Day, which falls on 13 April, Deputy Prime Minister Sanan Kachornprasart said in a [Bangkok Post] [1] report. The final decision on the ban rests with the Cabinet. A government alcohol policy committee, headed by the deputy prime minister, met earlier this week to discuss the proposed ban on the sale of alcohol for the three day period of 12 to 14 April, in order to reduce the number of road fatalities normally occurring during this time. Under the provisions of the Alcoholic Drink Control Act of 2008, the government is allowed to ban the sale of alcohol on specified days. Earlier this week, the deputy prime minister said that the committee was in agreement in principle with the ban. He added that it the Council approved the move, the Office of the Prime Minister could then immediately announce the ban. [Bangkok] [2] Governor MR Sukhumbhand Paribatra has said that he was in disagreement with the proposed ban, noting that it would discourage tourists from visiting the country during it’s most well-known and popular festival. [1]: http://bangkokpost.com [2]: http://1stopthailand.com/bangkok 2009-03-25T13:49:00+07:00 1184 2009-03-25T13:50:35+07:00 5 true 1184-thai-government-closer-to-songkran-alcohol-ban Andrew

Tourism in the popular northern Thai province of [Chiang Mai] [1] has been affected not only by the economic downturn, but it has recently been hit by poor air quality resulting from area forest fires. The combined effect has seen hotel occupancy rates plunge, according to figures released by Chiang Mai Tourism Business Association. Association advisor to the association, Boonlert Buranupakorn, commented that the financial crisis has hurt incoming tourist arrival numbers, and the smog from fires that has enveloped the province has been driving away many tourists that have come to visit. Based on forward bookings, the average hotel occupancy rate for Chiang Mai during the upcoming Songkran Festival in mid-April will fall by 40 per cent as compared with last year, he noted. Chiang Mai has long been a favourite destination for tourists looking to experience Songkran – the traditional Thai New Year. The Songkran Festival falls on 13-15 April, and in Chiang Mai celebrations are held from 11-16 April. According to the association advisor, tourism business owners have boosted marketing efforts this year by e-mailing tourism agencies around the world, ensuring that the political situation in Thailand had returned to normal and encouraging them to recommend the country as a destination to their clients. He added that although tourism prospects are not particularly good at the moment, there is no plan among hoteliers to lay off employees. [1]: http://1stopthailand.com/chiangmai 2009-03-18T16:15:00+07:00 1178 2009-03-18T16:16:18+07:00 5 true 1178-songkran-in-chiang-mai-dampened-by-economy- Andrew

Although it has yet to be confirmed by the Thai government, the unofficial word is that all alcohol sales will be banned during [this year’s Songkran festival between 13 and 15 April][1]. The Public Health Ministry suggested that the ban may be limited to high risk towns and only enforced during certain hours, if it’s enforced at all. The Office of Alcohol and Tobacco Control director, Samarn Futrakul, said he’s received suggestions regarding the alcohol ban from the Public Health Ministry, and that his office has unofficially decided to go forward with the ban on booze. However, foreigners will be exempt from the ban and can purchase as much alcohol as they want. Other measures to try and create a safer Songkran this year include more roadblocks to arrest drunk drivers. The ministry is also looking at the specific areas in Thailand where the most traffic accidents occurred during last year’s Songkran, and may ban alcohol sale in those areas during peak traffic periods. Of course, the unofficial decision still needs approval from the Public Health Ministry, the National Alcohol Control Policy committee, and the Office of the Prime Minister. [1]: ttp://www.1stopchiangmai.com/culture/festivals/ 2009-03-02T17:51:00+07:00 1153 2009-03-02T16:55:24+07:00 5 true 1153-booze-banned-over-songkran- Andrew

The popular party city of Pattaya, a short journey southeast from Bangkok, has reportedly lined its coffers with [more than 500 million baht](http://www.pattayamail.com) after its celebrations of the Songkran festival this year. The Tourism Authority of Thailand reports that 500,000 people visited Pattaya during the three day celebration of the Thai New Year. Pattaya stands as the centre of activity as far as tourism goes in Chonburi Province, and the TAT reports that 2007 recorded an upswing in tourists visiting the province, and that 2008 is shaping up to do even better. TAT says 6.62 million people visited Pattaya and Chonburi last year, an 8 percent increase from 2006. As TAT figures show an increase in visitors, a marked distinction is coming from hotel owners, to whom it seems numbers are dropping. This is due to the fact that another big trend in Pattaya is hotel construction, spreading patronage out over more properties. Between 700 and 800 hotel rooms are expected to open over the next two years, including chain brands like the Hilton and the Holiday Inn. 2008-04-24T14:35:00+07:00 673 2008-04-30T14:38:42+07:00 7 true 673-pattaya-cashes-in-from-songkran DaveB

Thailand currently ranks 5th on the list of countries in the world as far as the number of alcoholics is concerned, and at the recent Songkran Festival, the [Thai New Year celebration](http://www.chiangmai-mail.com), messages and campaigns warning citizens about the dangers of mixing alcohol and driving seemed to have fell on deaf ears. For the past couple of years, the Chiang Mai local government has initiated advertising campaigns informing locals and visitors of the number of deaths each year during Songkran directly related to alcohol. This year, the mayor applied designated alcohol free areas in the city where people could celebrate the New Year in a traditional way. The message did not have the impact that organizers had hoped, as the ‘Enjoyment, Safety, No Alcohol’ campaign manager Teera Watcharapranee attests. She says thre were just as many deaths this year as last, and that road fatalities related to alcohol not only account for 50% of the accidents in Thailand, but it is costing the government as much as 2.8 percent of its gross domestic product every year. 2008-04-23T14:34:00+07:00 672 2008-04-30T14:35:43+07:00 7 true 672-no-alcohol-campaign-not-getting-through DaveB

As the Thai New Year is celebrated at various points around the country on varying days this week, the celebratory spirit of Thailand is in full swing. With Bangkok’s designated days of revel over, now comes the clean-up, which is no small task after the capital city party has ended and the revelers all gone to rest up and recharge after the debauch. Roads in central Bangkok will get a special scouring from today, as popular areas of the city like Khao San Road, Rambuttri Road, Kraisri Road , Silom Road and the Banglamphu area in general will have extra staff to clear the trash and remnants of white powder left behind. Authorities’ urging to cut the white powder out of the party did not go heeded and a big effort will be required to get rid of the remnants. [The Silom Road cleanup](http://www.nationmultimedia.com_ will involve 20 trucks armed with high pressure water hoses to clean up the powder, that in the Bangkok area, is traditionally more popular than shooting water. 2008-04-17T13:50:00+07:00 641 2008-04-16T13:51:44+07:00 7 true 641-bangkok-s-songkran-clean-up DaveB

The Songkran Festival, ringing in the Thai New Year, is celebrated all over the country, but some cities emphasize different dates, with Pattaya kicking into high gear for their Songkran from April 18th to the 20th. The water flinging festival reaches its peak of wild partying in Pattaya, with people coming from around the world to party like Caligula with a super-soaker primed for attack. [Pattaya’s City Hall](http://www.pattayamail.com) has announced its list of official Songkran activities that will take place over the three-day period. The first event on the list will show visitors the roots of the festival, where offerings will be given to 99 monks and water sprinkled over a statue of the Buddha in Lanpho Naklua Public Park. For a family fun-fair approach, April 19th will see the park play host to many games and events like climbing of greased poles, sea boxing and a martial arts show. Throughout the three day festival, expect to get soaking wet, as water is flung form buckets, balloons and pistols all day long. 2008-04-15T14:00:00+07:00 650 2008-04-16T14:01:08+07:00 7 true 650-pattaya-plans-its-songkran-celebrations DaveB

More than 200 people across Thailand have already lost their lives over the period from Friday through Monday during the Songkran festival. This year’s water festival has already seen more people killed and injured on the roads than at the same point last year, with 229 dead and over 3,300 injured - around 5.5 per cent up on last year. Petchabun province had the highest death toll with 11 dead so far, followed by Rayong, and Suphan Buri provinces. The highest number of accidents was in Chiang Rai province, at 50, followed by Phetchabun province at 42. Most accidents occurred on village roads and mainly at night with the great percentage of those being alcohol-fueled. Although the powers-that-be were thinking of imposing a ban on the sale of alcohol over Songkran; in reality, people will just hoard beer and spirits before the event. The Thai Red Cross has reported that it was running out of blood supplies and needs about 1,500 units of blood daily during this busy time, whereas it only received 973 units on April 12 and 950 units on April 13. Blood goes to hospitals nationwide from the red cross’s blood banks. Tourists taking part in the Songkran festivities are advised not to ride motorcycles and take public transport. [Thai road safety](http://www.1stopthailand.com/transportation/road-rental/) 2008-04-15T12:11:00+07:00 638 2008-04-15T12:17:20+07:00 5 true 638-songkran-road-toll-soars Andrew

Authorities have warned residents and tourists in the Thai deep south to remain extra vigilant for terrorist attacks during the Songkran celebrations next week. Reports have come in from intelligence that suspected separatists have started to transfer weapons in possible preparation to launch an attack. Areas most likely affected are said to be Yaha and Bannang Sata districts in Yala province. Along with the traditional Thai New Year of Songkran in April is the fourth anniversary of the Krue Se massacre where numerous militants were killed in a mosque by the army. April 2008 also sees the 60th anniversary of the 1948 Dusongyor riot in Narathiwat (April 28), which is widely cited as the beginning of the southern separatist movement. An explosion was reported on Monday morning in the Joh Airong district of Narathiwat province causing a blackout. No injuries were reported, however. Songkran is traditionally celebrated between April 13 to 15 and involves lots of parading and especially water throwing. Tourists in the area should keep a low profile and celebrate the festival elsewhere in the country if they would like to get involved in the fun. More on [Songkran](http://www.1stopthailand.com/video/) 2008-04-08T07:58:00+07:00 622 2008-04-08T08:00:57+07:00 5 true 622-revelers-in-south-warned-over-songkran Andrew

A total of six dead (including two foreigners) and 76 injured on Phuket’s roads during the holiday season was recorded. The ‘seven days of danger' ran from midnight December 28 to midnight on January 4. The biggest contributor to the accidents was the combination of alcohol and motorcycles. The road-safety campaign included a complete shakedown of motorists on the island. More than 62,000 were stopped at nine checkpoints on Phuket which were manned by 342 officers. A total of 12,180 motorists were subsequently charged with violations, mostly including driving without a license and failure to wear a helmet. In addition to driving without a license (which amounted to 4,780 cases), other high-figure violations included driving while not wearing a seatbelt (2,203 cases), riding a motorbike without a helmet (2,052 cases), drunk driving (2,030 cases) and riding an unsafe motorcycle (1,115 cases). Most accidents occurred at night (78%), and primarily on state highways. V/Gov Tri said that the police were more prepared this year with more widespread checkpoints than the previous year. Despite this the amount of deaths and accidents were more than double the previous year, where three people died and 32 people were injured during the same period. The ‘seven days of danger’ is a precursor to the Thai New Year of Songkran in April, when a combination of water, road congestion and alcohol cause a huge amount of accidents throughout Thailand. Foreign visitors are urged to be extra cautious when visiting Thailand during this time. 2008-01-05T17:00:00+07:00 498 2008-01-05T03:53:01+07:00 5 true 498-phuket-s-seven-days-of-danger- Andrew