(Bangkok, 12th) Despite the Middle East situation pushing up international oil prices and driving transportation costs to soar, tens of thousands of Thais have still chosen to return home for the Songkran Festival.
Songkran is one of Thailand’s most important festivals. Since Friday (April 10), crowds have surged at the two long-distance bus terminals at Mo Chit in Bangkok. Thousands of passengers, dragging overstuffed suitcases, brightly colored woven plastic bags, and cardboard boxes sealed with tape, queued up to board buses heading to their hometowns.
Since the United States and Israel launched an attack on Iran on February 28, prices for some fuel have soared by more than a third. The fuel shortage has forced Thai travelers to use relatively cheaper but more crowded public transportation. Although bus ticket prices have also increased, for those eager to get home, as long as they can return, it's worth it.
The Thai state-owned intercity bus company stated that during the first four days of the Songkran holiday, the expected daily passenger volume could reach 180,000, nearly an 80% increase compared to the same period last year.
Khun, a 29-year-old factory worker, was preparing to return to his hometown in Northern Thailand with his wife and children. He lamented: “The war has pushed up oil prices, and the cost of returning home has really increased a lot.”
Twenty-three-year-old nurse Sutida also complained that recent commuting costs have risen by over 10%, but she insisted on returning to Chiang Mai for the festival because “this is a precious moment for family reunion.”
On Friday, Thai Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin announced the launch of a “Dangerous Seven Days” traffic safety monitoring period, aiming to prevent traffic accidents during Songkran. He also called on the public to carpool to save energy.
However, not everyone has chosen to celebrate the festival as usual. According to a poll released by the Chulabhorn Royal Academy’s polling center on April 5, many people plan to cut spending or even forgo participation in the upcoming Songkran celebrations.
The majority of respondents believe that the cost of living has risen significantly, with prices of essential goods continuing to climb, thereby increasing household financial pressure. Among them, 61.32% said their expenses have increased significantly and are difficult to afford; 43.87% are worried about product shortages or logistical delays; another 41.27% said they can still cope for now, but need to be more cautious and economical when spending.
Since the United States and Israel launched an attack on Iran on February 28, prices for some fuel have soared by more than a third. The fuel shortage has forced Thai travelers to use relatively cheaper but more crowded public transportation. Although bus ticket prices have also increased, for those eager to get home, as long as they can return, it's worth it.
The Thai state-owned intercity bus company stated that during the first four days of the Songkran holiday, the expected daily passenger volume could reach 180,000, nearly an 80% increase compared to the same period last year.
Khun, a 29-year-old factory worker, was preparing to return to his hometown in Northern Thailand with his wife and children. He lamented: “The war has pushed up oil prices, and the cost of returning home has really increased a lot.”
Twenty-three-year-old nurse Sutida also complained that recent commuting costs have risen by over 10%, but she insisted on returning to Chiang Mai for the festival because “this is a precious moment for family reunion.”
On Friday, Thai Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin announced the launch of a “Dangerous Seven Days” traffic safety monitoring period, aiming to prevent traffic accidents during Songkran. He also called on the public to carpool to save energy.
However, not everyone has chosen to celebrate the festival as usual. According to a poll released by the Chulabhorn Royal Academy’s polling center on April 5, many people plan to cut spending or even forgo participation in the upcoming Songkran celebrations.
The majority of respondents believe that the cost of living has risen significantly, with prices of essential goods continuing to climb, thereby increasing household financial pressure. Among them, 61.32% said their expenses have increased significantly and are difficult to afford; 43.87% are worried about product shortages or logistical delays; another 41.27% said they can still cope for now, but need to be more cautious and economical when spending.