17/04/2026

FRIDAY | APR 17, 2026

21

LYFE

Thailand’s Songkran in full swing despite energy costs o Thais refuse to let ongoing geopolitical turmoil dampen Siamese New Year

T HAILAND’S Songkran celebrations are drawing millions of locals and tourists alike, defying soaring fuel prices and rising travel costs. Major cities such as Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Phuket are hosting large-scale water-splashing events and cultural activities, reinforcing Songkran’s status as a key tourism driver even as higher living and transportation costs weigh on travellers. Suweewiraya Wannasing, 38, who has been working in Bangkok for the past 15 years, has opted to remain in the capital city this year for the celebration to avoid the expense and hassle of travelling back to her hometown in Surin province. “After prayers, I will call my parents to pay my respects and seek their blessings for my future,” she told Bernama when met earlier this week. She said she would join friends later for water splashing festivities and concerts, reflecting how many residents are balancing tradition with celebration despite rising costs. Songkran, observed annually from April 13 to 15, is marked by family reunions, paying respect to elders and ancestors and the ceremonial cleansing of Buddha images. Recognised by Unesco as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, the festival is also a highlight of Thailand’s tourism calendar, attracting visitors from around the world to experience its vibrant celebrations and rich cultural traditions. However, this year’s festivities come against the backdrop of a global energy crisis linked to geopolitical tensions, which has driven up fuel prices and increased transportation costs. The Thai government has urged the public to adopt energy-saving measures and has introduced steps, such as maintaining public transport fares and ensuring adequate fuel supply, to ease the burden on travellers during the festive period. Meanwhile, Tourism Authority of Thailand Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool said the Despite the ongoing energy crisis, Thais seem determined to celebrate Songkran with the same level of enthusiasm shown in previous years.

A vibrant and colourful atmosphere envelops Wat Machimmaram as crowds throng the national-level Songkran Festival 2026, marking the New Year celebration of the Siamese community steeped in customs and tradition. – PICS FROM BERNAMA

Songkran, one of Thailand’s most important and lucrative festivals, continues to play a vital role in driving economic activity, with businesses and local communities benefiting from the influx of visitors. As water splashes fill the streets and traditional rituals continue, the enduring appeal of Songkran highlights Thailand’s ability to celebrate its cultural heritage even amid global economic challenges. – Bernama

Songkran festival brings together the best of Thai culture and contemporary celebration, reinforcing its standing as a truly global event. “With Unesco’s recognition of Songkran in Thailand as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, we are proud to present an experience that is deeply rooted in tradition while embracing modernity, further establishing Thailand as a world-class festival destination,” she said.

Songkran Queen 2026 Jauwadee Bun Chea draws attention as she is paraded around during the national-level Songkran Festival 2026.

Japan tourism hits record high in March despite China spat, Iran war

FOREIGN tourists coming to Japan hit a new record in March despite another huge drop in Chinese visitors, as well as a fall in those from the Middle East, official data showed this week. The number of international visitors was 3.6 million, up 3.5% year on-year, a new record for the month, according to the Japan National Tourism Organisation (JNTO). Chinese visitors dropped 56% to 291,600 – Beijing warned people from visiting last year – while those from the Middle East fell 30% to 16,700 because of the Iran war. The JNTO said the total number of tourists was boosted by “the start of the cherry blossom season around late March, and school holidays coinciding with Easter in April”. Japanese locals and tourists enjoy the famed cherry blossom season, which is often in full swing in late March and early April. The tiny white and pink petals of cherry flowers, known as sakura , herald the start of spring in Japan, and full bloom ushers in a brief period of boisterous outdoor parties held by residents.

Foreign tourists walk through Asakusa area of Tokyo this week. A record number of tourists visited Japan in March, the official tourism board said, despite a sharp drop in Chinese visitors after the relationship between Beijing and Tokyo have soured. – PICS FROM AFP

largest contingent since January. The latest data from JNTO shows the overall number of visitors from Mexico soared 70% while those from the Southeast Asian countries of Malaysia and Vietnam jumped nearly 45%, respectively. – AFP

to annex it, was furious over the comments. The number of Chinese visitors to Japan already tumbled 45% in December, nose-dived 61% in January and dropped 45% in March. South Korea has become the

since Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi suggested in November Japan might intervene militarily in any Chinese attempt to take Taiwan. China, which regards the democratic island as part of its territory and has not ruled out force

Previously, Chinese travellers were the biggest source of tourists to Japan, but the figure sharply dropped after Beijing warned Chinese citizens against visiting Japan. Japan-China ties have deteriorated