The cabinet on Tuesday resolved that April 12-16 would be the official public service holiday for this year's Songkran celebrations, deputy government spokesman Chalitrat Chantharubeksa said.
Mr Chalitrat said that Friday, April 12, was made an additional holiday because Songkran Day falls on a Saturday, April 13.
Allowing the Songkran holiday to run for five consecutive days would enable people to travel to their hometown in time to celebrate Songkran, and help reduce traffic which is usually very heavy during the festival.