Despite high expectations for a lively Songkran festival in Thailand this year, the persisting air pollution in northern parts of the country due to the annual smoky season is casting a shadow over the festivities and causing concern among tourists and businesses. The Centre for Economic and Business Forecasting predicts an average spending of 7,091 baht per festival-goer, reflecting a resurgence in tourism supported by higher tourist numbers, despite the air pollution. The public water fights, which are part of the festival’s purification ritual, have not been celebrated in three years due to the pandemic. However, thousands of fire hotspots detected in Thailand and neighbouring countries due to the smoky season have caused severe transboundary haze pollution that was discussed during a meeting between Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar.
Songkran prospects might be dampened by Thailand’s air quality – Thailand News
