Thailand expects $3.5bn boost from water-splashing Songkran days

BANGKOK — Thailand’s five-day New Year celebration is expected to bring a 125 billion baht ($3.5 billion) economic bonanza to Southeast Asia’s second largest economy and further fuel its post-pandemic recovery, according to the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce.

The holidays known as Songkran kick off Thursday and run through Monday. This year they mark a milestone as cities are expected to resume activities involving large throngs of water gun wielding celebrants for the first time in four years.