Songkran Travel Boost: More Flights and Discounts

[webfact]

Picture courtesy of Wikipedia

 

With the vibrant Songkran celebrations fast approaching, significant steps are underway to accommodate the anticipated surge in domestic travel. Over the festive period, an additional 25,000 seats will be available on domestic flights, and travellers can expect a reduction of up to 30% on some airfares, according to Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit.

 

In a recent meeting chaired by Mr Suriya, who also serves as a deputy prime minister, preparations for the peak travel window from 11th to 17th April were discussed. Key representatives from both state agencies and the private sector joined to strategise the response to the expected influx of travellers.

 

The focus is to manage high demand effectively while keeping travel costs reasonable. To this end, Mr Suriya has negotiated with six major airlines under the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT), including Thai Airways International and Thai AirAsia, to add 25,000 seats through 124 extra flights.

 

The initiative extends across popular domestic routes, connecting Bangkok with destinations like Phuket, Chiang Mai, Krabi, and Koh Samui. In addition to the increased flight capacity, these airlines will offer fare discounts of up to 30% on select routes, enhancing travel accessibility during the Songkran period.

Tickets for the additional flights are already on sale and can be purchased online, via call centres, or at ticket counters until 20th March.

 

Beyond air travel, rail and bus services are also being scaled up. The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) will introduce 26 extra train services connecting Bangkok with cities like Chiang Mai and Ubon Ratchathani. Meanwhile, the Transport Company is set to operate 1,000 additional bus services, with demand expected to peak on 11th April, handling around 130,000 passengers.

 

Motorists using the Hin Kong-Pak Chong section of the M6 motorway and the M81 motorway can continue to enjoy toll-free travel during the roads' trial phase.

 

As Thailand gears up for Songkran, these measures are designed to ensure a smooth and cost-effective journey for all travellers. With travel options expanded and prices trimmed, this year's festivities are set to be more accessible than ever, encouraging both residents and tourists to partake in the cultural celebrations, reported Bangkok Post.

 

-- 2025-03-11

 

 

[dinsdale]

24 minutes ago, webfact said:

travellers can expect a reduction of up to 30% on some airfares

Fair chance just before these discounts come in on some destinations the fares will go up i.e. price goes up 20% a few days before a 20% discount is applied.

[Tropicalevo]

1 hour ago, webfact said:

The initiative extends across popular domestic routes, connecting Bangkok with destinations like Phuket, Chiang Mai, Krabi, and Koh Samui. In addition to the increased flight capacity,

 

Not sure how Koh Samui is going to manage that.

The airport has been pretty much at full capacity for most of this year.

eg full capacity yesterday and today - 50 flights per day.

[ikke1959]

1 hour ago, dinsdale said:

Fair chance just before these discounts come in on some destinations the fares will go up i.e. price goes up 20% a few days before a 20% discount is applied.

That is always... if you study economy it is normal.. rise the price and give a discount... or if you want to raise the price. promote the new price with discount so people get used to the new price.....Nothing is given away for free in business...