Songkran prospects might be dampened by Thailand’s air quality

The persisting air pollution in Northern Thailand casts a shadow over the festival and tourism as Songkran, Thailand’s traditional new year, approaches, making tourists and businesses anxious about fully savoring the festivities.

Expectations are still running high among businesses, and according to the Centre for Economic and Business Forecasting (CEBF) of the Thai Chamber of Commerce University, this year’s Songkran is expected to be the liveliest since Thailand started dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic three years ago.

125 billion baht spending anticipated

An average of 7,091 baht is expected to be spent on tourism by each Songkran festival-goer, demonstrating a resurgence in the economy supported by higher tourist numbers and tourism growth.

Thai people and tourist alike will participate in public water fights from April 13 to 15, which are seen as a purification ritual in the…