A popular beach on the southern island of Wua Ta Lap in Surat Thani remained closed to tourists on Saturday after suffering storm damage.
Mu Koh Ang Thong National Park authorities announced Ao Kao beach would be off-limits following the Thai Meteorological Department’s warning of summer storms on Friday.
The beach and other areas in the park were closed on Friday over concern that high winds and heavy rain were a risk to tourist activities and destinations.
Na Thub and Tham Rang beaches on Koh Mae Koh, and Sam Sao beach on Koh Sam Sao were allowed to open as normal on Saturday after inspections found only minor storm damage.
However, park officials said Ao Ka beach on Koh Wua Ta Lap will need time to recover from the extreme weather event.
Commercial flights to Yala’s new Betong airport began taking off on Friday as Nok Air joined efforts to promote tourism in the South.
Nok Air and the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) have joined hands with several other partners to offer special tour packages from Bangkok to Betong.
The airline now offers return flights every Tuesday, Friday and Sunday, flying out from Don Mueang Airport at 10am and landing in Betong at 11.45am. The return flight takes off at 12.15am and arrives at 2pm.
The packages include a return plane ticket, hotel, meals and guided tours to attractions in Betong and nearby areas, like the famous Sky Walk Ai Yerweng Sea Mist, Chulaporn Development Village 10, the Piyamit Tunnel, Betong Hot Spring and the Winter Flower Garden. Travellers will also get to taste local delicacies like Betong watercress, tilapia and its special chicken.
TAT hopes to sell 2,200 of these packages, prices for which start at 9,900 baht, in the next three months and expects to generate 22 million baht. This target does not include earnings from other sources such as souvenirs.
Nithee Seeprae, TAT’s deputy governor for Digital Research and Development, said TAT expects Betong to soon become popular as a quick getaway destination.
If the Betong promotion proves to be successful, similar packages will be offered for Pattani and Narathiwat in a bid to boost tourism revenue in border provinces in the South, Nithee added. The government is also planning to open a Betong-Malaysia checkpoint soon.
Songkran holidaymakers flocking to Koh Chang in Trat province have jammed port roads with queues that stretch back 2.5 kilometres.
Trat Port Authority reports that from Tuesday to Thursday, a total of 23,874 people in 4,271 vehicles took ferries to Koh Chang, the province’s biggest island and a tourist hotspot during Songkran.
Covering an area of 213 square kilometres, Koh Chang is Thailand’s second biggest island after Phuket and belongs to the Mu Koh Chang National Park, famous for protected coral reefs, diving spots and rich marine life.
“Tourists waiting to get on ferries to Koh Chang have caused traffic congestion in the province,” Koh Chang Police Station chief Wallop Kangtharathip said on Friday.
“The Pineapple Bay Pier, for example, has reported a 2.5-kilometre queue of cars waiting to get on its seven ferry services, which run to Koh Chang from early morning.
“Some tourists said they had to wait more than two hours to get to the island,” he said.
Holidaymakers leaving the island also face a wait of up to two hours in the ferry queue, he added.
Wallop said police officers and volunteers are working around the clock to facilitate traffic flow in Trat and on Koh Chang, as well as handing out free drinking water to tourists stuck in traffic under the hot sun.
Dusit Samutrakaphong, chief of Mu Koh Chang National Park, said tourists were visiting the park to swim in the Klong Plu and Than Ma Yom waterfalls, and to see the coral reefs of Koh Chang and other islands.
The park is enforcing strict Covid-19 rules to prevent outbreaks among tourists, as well as a ban on all plastic waste.
The refilling of Jomtien Beach was a triumph because it drew many tourists during the Songkran break, the Marine Department announced recently.
The department expanded the 800-metre Jomtien beach’s width from just 5 metres to 51 metres in line with the Transport Minister Saksayam Chidchob’s policy to prevent beach erosion.
After refilling the beach, the department handed the management back to the Na Jomtien Municipality on December 29.
The Marine Department said the refilling of the beach was a huge success because it managed to draw a lot of tourists during the Songkran holidays, allowing tourism operators there to earn good revenue.
Jomtien is about 3 kilometres south of Pattaya to the east of Bangkok.
Northern Thailand’s largest elephant attraction splashed out on Thursday, opening for free so that visitors could enjoy Songkran’s Family Day with the friendly giants.
Some 546 Thai and foreign tourists took up the offer at Maesa Elephant Camp in Chiang Mai’s Mae Rim district, which has struggled to survive during the last two years of Covid-19.
“We scrapped the entry fee for the camp in June 2020, and cancelled all elephant shows and elephant riding to ensure that all 70 of our animals here live close to their natural habitat,” said Maesa’s owner Anchalee Kalmaphichit on Thursday. The camp has also responded to complaints from animal welfare activists by reportedly unshackling all of its elephants. Visitors are now getting the benefit of this more compassionate and natural approach.
“After the government approved interprovincial travel this Songkran, we organised several activities where tourists can interact with elephants. These include feeding them and washing them in the creek to help the big animals fight the summer heat,” she added.
To compensate for the lack of earnings from entry fees, the camp switched to selling platters of fruit to feed the elephants at 100 baht each. It also has a coffee shop and booths selling souvenirs made by hilltribe people living in the North.
“During 2020-2021, we suffered over 80 million baht in losses due to a drop in visitor numbers during the Covid-19 outbreak, despite waiving the entry fee,” said Anchalee. “However, after travel restrictions were lifted earlier this year, the camp has seen an increase in visitors, bringing hope that we can become a tourist hotspot again.”
Locals and tourists in several provinces have been celebrating Songkran Day, or traditional Thai New Year, under Covid-19 preventive measures.
Through a series of photos, The Nation Thailand takes you on a visit to three tourist provinces, where people immersed themselves in Songkran festivities.
On Wednesday, Chiang Mai saw a religious procession of Phra Buddha Sihing, the highly revered image of Gautama Buddha, as well as nine Buddha images from temples in the province. The procession took to the road at 3pm from Tha Phae Gate in Muang district and headed to Wat Phra Singh Woramahawihan.
Throughout the 2km distance, locals and tourists gathered around the procession to pour scented water on the Buddha images while admiring the floral decorations, which were followed by more than 100 dancers in traditional Lan Na costumes sporting long nails.
The procession lasted about 40 minutes amid the hot sun. It came to an end when Chiang Mai Mayor Assanee Buranupakorn, who led the procession, placed a pedestal tray at the temple of Wat Phra Singh.
A news source said some foreign tourists were seen splashing water on one another at Tha Phae Gate while not wearing any face masks, in clear violation of the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) measures. Police officers ordered them to stop and explained the regulations, before letting them off with a warning.
In Nakhon Ratchasima, Governor Wichian Chantaranothai led an alms giving ceremony along the canal next to Thao Suranari Monument in Muang district early on Wednesday. Government officials and the public joined in the ceremony to mark the first merit making of the Thai traditional New Year.
Sixty Buddhist monks from several temples in the province embarked on boats to receive alms of dried food and drinks from participants.
After the ceremony, people proceeded to pour scented water at the base of Thao Suranari Monument to show respect to Thao Suranari or Lady Mo, Nakhon Ratchasima’s heroine during the Laotian invasion of Siam in 1826.
On Wednesday afternoon, Wichian presided over another merit making ceremony, at Wat Phra Narai Maha Rat that features a pagoda believed to house a relic of Lord Buddha. Hundreds of pious Buddhist locals and tourists joined in the ceremony.
Meanwhile, Bang Saen Beach in Chonburi’s Pattaya district proved another hot spot for tourists this Songkran.
On Wednesday the road leading to the beach in Saen Suk subdistrict was packed with vehicles as parking lots near the beach were full since early in the morning.
Although the splashing of water in public areas is prohibited by the CCSA, visitors to Bang Saen Beach found a way to fight the summer heat by diving into the sea for a refreshing swim, while others clambered on banana boats and were whizzed off by jet skis for hours of thrilling fun.
Kesinee Boonthawong, 47, a seafood seller at Bang Saen Beach, happily said she welcomed more customers this year than the previous couple of years that were hit by the Covid-19 outbreak, thanks to a ban on water splashing and foam partying on the road, which has resulted in smoother traffic flow and therefore increased the number of tourists entering the beach area per hour.
“Furthermore, tourists who are wet from being splashed with water and powder are less likely to enter a restaurant and order a meal, as they tend to go back to their hotels and clean up instead,” she pointed out.
“I wish the province would keep this no-water-splashing policy during Songkran in the following years,” she added hopefully.
Travellers who wish to avail of the government’s “Rao Tiew Duay Kan” (We Travel Together) travel campaign are advised to hurry and book as there are only 154,684 room nights left from a total of 2 million.
The http://www.เราเที่ยวด้วยกัน.com website, where Thais are required to register for the campaign, reported that as of Tuesday, the fourth phase of the campaign had only 154,684 discounted room nights left, but as many as 485,160 unclaimed rights for air ticket discounts.
The campaign runs until May 31 but if all room rights run out before the deadline no more new rights will be added.
Under the popular campaign, eligible registrants receive 40 per cent discount on hotel rooms and restaurants (capped at 3,000 baht per night). They also receive an e-voucher when checking into a hotel as well as a 40 per cent flight refund when they check out. The subsidy has been capped at 2 million room nights and 600,000 air tickets.
Since the campaign’s conditions stipulated that registrants must reserve a room at least 7 days in advance, the last day to reserve rooms is May 24 and travellers must check out before the campaign ends on May 31.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is hosting “Amazing Songkran 2022 Celebrations” at 10 temples in Bangkok and the “Songkran Music Heritage Festival 2022” in Ayutthaya and Songkhla. It is also supporting other Songkran festivities in Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Samut Prakan.
TAT governor Yuthasak Supasorn said this move comes after the government gave the go-ahead to Songkran 2022 festivities under universal prevention and Covid-free setting guidelines.
“This year, all Songkran festivities hosted or supported by TAT will take place in line with universal prevention guidelines against Covid-19,” he said.
“All participants are asked to strictly follow these rules at all times, which include being fully vaccinated with an approved Covid-19 vaccine, or showing a negative test result using an antigen test kit of no more than 72 hours.”
He also warned that the government has prohibited water splashing, powder smearing and foam parties in public areas.
“The sale and consumption of alcohol are also prohibited at the event’s location,” he added.
Songkran 2022 festivities are as follow:
‘Amazing Songkran 2022 Celebrations’ April 9-17 at 10 temples in Bangkok
TAT has scheduled rituals that honour centuries-old origins and traditions of the Thai New Year at 10 temples in Bangkok’s old quarters, namely Wat Arun, Wat Pho, Wat Rakang, Wat Suthat, Wat Kalayanamit, Wat Prayun, Wat Ratchanatdaram, Wat Mahathat, Wat Saket and Wat Ratchabophit.
Throughout the nine days, visitors are invited to mark the first step into the Thai New Year by making water offerings to Buddha and capturing the moment at a special photo corner and augmented reality (AR) spot, as well as enjoy lucky draws and collect souvenirs.
Particularly from April 13 to 15, TAT has arranged special festivities at Wat Saket and Wat Ratchabophit, including traditional culture and performances, such as Khon masked dance, Thai-style antiphon singing, and Thai puppet show, as well as demonstrations of authentic Thai dessert making and fruit carving.
‘Songkran Music Heritage Festival 2022’ from April 12-21 in Ayutthaya and Songkhla
Ayutthaya’s Wat Phra Ram and Songkhla’s old town will serve as venues for the “Songkran Music Heritage 2022” to enhance local and international awareness of both locations’ historical and cultural significance.
At Ayutthaya’s Wat Phra Ram, TAT has arranged a host of age-old rituals and celebrations, including the Song Nam Phra activity, making Chedi Sai or sand stupa, demonstrations of handicraft products unique to the province, such as weaving Pla-Ta-Pian fish mobiles (symbol of good health and prosperity), and traditional cultures and performances, such as Khon masked dance and Likay Thai opera theatre.
There will also be a fair selling handicrafts and the famous cuisine of Ayutthaya and nearly provinces.
The temple itself will be decorated in a traditional vibe of Songkran and will be featuring photo spots with visual idea decorations highlighting the province’s two unique symbols – elephant and Pla-Ta-Pian fish – in creatively different shapes and forms. Nearby archaeological ruins will be brightly illuminated.
In Songkhla’s old town, TAT has also arranged a host of age-old rituals and celebrations, including the Song Nam Phra activity, making Chedi Sai, demonstrations of famous cuisine of the province, such as Khao Yam or spicy rice salad, and traditional performances, such as Nora dance drama.
There will also be a mapping story presented by “Nong Mila”, the mermaid mascot specially created for the event to honour Songkhla’s most photographed tourist attraction – the Golden Mermaid statue on Samila Beach.
Here too, there will be a fair selling handicrafts and the famous cuisine of Songkhla and nearby provinces.
Songkhla’s old town, which is dotted with colourful Sino-Portuguese style houses, will also be brightly lit and decorated in a traditional vibe of Songkran with a twist, reflecting the city’s former glory as the commercial trading centre of Southern Thailand.
Meanwhile, the specially-created landmark for photo-taking opportunities will feature the famous handwoven fabric of Ko Yo.
Particularly during the three-day holiday, from April 13 to 15, TAT has scheduled music concerts featuring famous Thai bands and singers at both locations in Ayutthaya and in Songkhla.
‘The Iconic Songkran Festival 2022’ from April 8-17 at IconSiam, Bangkok.
Key festivities will focus on the traditional and cultural aspects of Songkran, including Song Nam Phra and Rot Nam Dam Hua – a ritual to pay respect to the elders, family-focused activities, kite displays, merit-making activities, and a replica of a Thai temple fair.
‘Water Festival’ by Thai Beverage Plc (ThaiBev) in various Thai cities
• April 13-15: Wat Pho, Wat Arun, Wat Prayun, Wat Kalayanamit, Wat Rakang, Maharaj Pier, Lhong 1919, SookSiam at IconSiam, Asiatique the Riverfront in Bangkok. The festival will be held at Lanna Ancient House and Charoen Prathet Road in Chiang Mai as well.
• April 13: Inthayongyos Road, Lamphun.
• April 13-14: Ban Chiang Archaeological Site in Udon Thani and Wat Chaisi in Khon Kaen.
• April 11-12: Phuket’s old town.
‘Nam Thip Pi Mai Muang Chiang Mai’ from April 12-16 in Chiang Mai
This age-old ceremony of creating “Nam Thip” or “lustral water” was first reintroduced by TAT last year using water from three sacred water sources at Wat Buppharam, Doi Angkhang or Doi Inthanon, and the Ping River, which were part of the 108 sacred water sources obtained for the Coronation of King Rama X.
This year, the ritual will be held once again to mark the 726th anniversary of Chiang Mai on April 12 and will be using water from the three sacred water sources and six additional sources at Wat Pha Lat, Wat Pa Dat, Wat Dap Pai, Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep, Wat Tharathip Chai Pradit, and Wat Phut En.
This year, a total of 10,726 bottles of “lustral water” will be given to visitors to Chiang Mai from April 12-16 at 10 distribution locations via advance registration.
Visitors are also encouraged to visit these temples which boast magnificent Lanna architecture.
Phra Pradeang Songkran Festival 2022 from April 22-24 in Samut Prakan
Taking place at the Phra Pradaeng City Hall, this remains one of Thailand’s most fascinating ways to celebrate Songkran.
Phra Pradaeng is where local people observe Mon traditional Mon ceremonies and their New Year traditions are very different to those found in the rest of the country.
For a start, the celebrations here take place a little later and feature a range of cultural activities, including a spectacular floral procession, a parade of local Mon people in their colourful traditional outfits, a Miss Songkran parade, and a Mister and Miss Songkran Beauty Contest.
Visitors will also have the chance to join merit-making activities in the local temples, pay respect to community elders, and enjoy folk plays and cultural performances, as well as enjoy the famous cuisine of Phra Pradaeng.
A top Thai YouTuber shared the confusion he witnessed at Suvarnabhumi Airport as foreign tourists arriving under the Test & Go scheme stood around looking lost.
Atichan Cherngchavano, who reviews IT gadgets under the alias “Au Spin9”, posted a “review” of the airport in a Facebook post on Sunday.
He said there were no signs directing tourists, and most of them just stood around looking completely lost because they could not find the hotel they had booked under the Test & Go scheme.
Atichan added that he heard hotel staff screaming the names of their hotels, but tourists could not hear them due to the racket.
By the time the tourists found a hotel counter, they had to queue for ages because there was only one person handling bookings for many hotels.
“This is how passengers under the Test & Go scheme were treated at Suvarnabhumi Airport. Nobody could go anywhere, they just stood in long lines. Hotel staff shouted their hotels’ names until their lost their voices and were left shaking their heads in despair. Some passengers complained, but the hotel staff only said they must complain to the airport,” Aticharn posted.
“It became a game of hunting for the hotel’s logo. Everything is placed randomly instead of alphabetically. There is no directory guiding passengers. A counter handles as many hotels as they want until the hotel logos are thrown down on the floor. When passengers find their counter, they have to join long queues because only one person handles several hotels’ guests.”
Atichan said the airport turmoil was probably just the first hurdle for tourists, adding that he doubts very much that people will want to return after an experience like this.
The Airports of Thailand Plc (AOT) estimates about one million arrivals at its six international airports from April 11 to 17, its director said on Monday.
AOT director Nitinai Sirismatthakarn said the long Songkran holidays this year will see more active travelling by Thai and foreign tourists as the government has eased Covid-19 restrictions.
The AOT operates six airports: Suvarnabhumi Airport, Don Mueang International Airport, Mae Fah Luang-Chiang Rai International Airport, Chiang Mai International Airport, Phuket International Airport and Hat Yai International Airport.
Nitinai said the AOT estimated that there would be 9,310 flights at the six airports from April 11 to 17, an increase of 14.48 per cent from the same period last year.
There would be 6,820 domestic flights, a drop of 2.79 per cent, and 2,490 international flights, an increase of 123.14 per cent.
The AOT expected about one million passengers to land at the six airports during the period, up 103.07 per cent compared to the same period last year. There would be 843,220 domestic passengers, an increase of 62.08 per cent, and 238,800 international flight passengers, an increase of 1,798.07 per cent.
Compared to the Songkran period last year, the number of flights and passengers at Suvarnabhumi Airport, the Don Mueang airport and Phuket airport would increase sharply, Nitinai said.
The AOT director added that the six airports would strictly comply with measures of the Public Health Ministry to prevent the spread of Covid-19 virus .
Nitinai said the AOT has also installed Common Use Passenger Processing Systems and Common Use Bag Drop systems at the six airports for departure passengers to check in automatically and drop their bags automatically to facilitate and shorten their check-in time.
From April 11 to 17, Suvarnabhum Airport will waive parking fee at the long parking zone, or Zone C, and there will be shuttle buses to carry passengers from the zone every 15 minutes on around-the-clock basis.
Nitinai added that passengers can also park their vehicles free at the X-Terminal building from April 13 to 18.
The director added that the six airports will also be decorated with Songkran props for passengers to take photos and there will also be Buddha amulets for them to pour water on in line with Thai tradition.
The Chiang Rai airport will be especially decorated in the northern Songkran theme, the director added.
He urged departing passengers to arrive at the airports about two or three hours in advance because there could be check-in bottlenecks due to the expected increase in passengers.
“This is how passengers under the Test & Go scheme were treated at Suvarnabhumi Airport. Nobody could go anywhere, they just stood in long lines. Hotel staff shouted their hotels’ names until their lost their voices and were left shaking their heads in despair. Some passengers complained, but the hotel staff only said they must complain to the airport,” Aticharn posted.
Atichan said the airport turmoil was probably just the first hurdle for tourists, adding that he doubts very much that people will want to return after an experience like this.
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