Through a news release by national state news agency NNT, Governor Sophon said that the government has a policy for every province to organise Songkran or Maha Songkran activities to promote cultural traditions.
Such activities will be held across Phuket during the holiday, marking the Thai new Year, Governor Sophon said.
Such events will also generate income from tourism, especially through the three-day event to be held in Patong, from Apr 12-14, he said.
In Phuket Town, there will be the ‘no alcohol’ water-play zone set up on Dibuk Rd, where celebrations are to be held from Apr 14-16, he added.
“In addition, with the cooperation of localities and various sectors Songkran activities will be held throughout Phuket to promote tourism during Songkran 2024 to preserve Thai culture and traditions, and stimulate the tourism sector of the economy and reflect Thai Soft Power to become more well known,” he said.
“We therefore invite citizens and tourists [sic] to participate in dressing in traditional Thai clothes to bathe Buddha images, pour water over your head, and splash happiness and fun at the Phuket Songkran Festival, which is expected to generate income of billions of baht for Phuket during the Songkran festival,” he added.
Lertchai Wangtrakuldee, Director of the Phuket office of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT Phuket), has predicted that Phuket will see an estimated 264,350 visitors travel to Phuket during the Songkran festival.
The tourists are expected to spend an average of B6,625 per day, generating B7.04bn for Phuket, Mr Lertchai said.