SONGKRAN festival led to an 8.76 percent increase in the number of foreign tourist arrivals this week compared to last week with holidaymakers from China topping the list, TV Channel 7 said this evening (April 14).
The Ministry of Tourism and Sports said 106,504 Chinese tourists came to Thailand this week, followed by 90,524 Malaysians, 53,308 Indians, 36,701 Russians and 24,693 Americans.
Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt said major Songkran festival areas such as Siam Square, Silom road, and Khao San road saw large numbers of Thais and foreign tourists participating in the water festivities.
Silom road saw the highest number of visitors, exceeding 100,000 people per day, while Siam Square has turned into a popular gathering place for young people to enjoy water fights.
Regarding security, he has instructed police to ensure the safety of all tourists in areas where events continue tomorrow (April 15), especially Khao San road and Siam Square.
Meanwhile Deputy Prime Minister/Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation Yodchanan Wongsawat, along with Bangkok Metropolitan Council Chairman Wiput Sriwa-urai and Bang Rak District Councillor Thongtham Wechayachai plus some Pheu Thai Party members joined the Songkran fun at Silom road today.
The minister, nephew of de facto Pheu Thai boss-turned-inmate Thaksin Shinawatra, greeted vendors and inquired about their sales during the festival. He then tried his hand at frying fish balls, grilling Northeastern Thai sausages, and making omelets, with the vendors taking photos with him as souvenirs.
After that the high-profile team joined the water festivities at packed Silom Road. They were greeted by members of the public, including young people and members of the LGBTQIA+ community, who took selfies with them and enthusiastically sprayed water at Yodchanan.
CAPTIONS:
Top – Deputy Prime Minister/Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation Yodchanan Wongsawat having fun at Silom road today, April 14, 2026.
Front Page – Khao San road packed with revellers. Both photos – PPTVHD36
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Chadchart launches Songkran fun at Silom
