Local tourism spending during the Songkran festival this year is forecast to remain lower than before the pandemic, generating around 11 billion baht.

Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) governor Yuthasak Supasorn said 11 billion baht is expected from 3.34 million trips nationwide during April 13-17.

Overall tourism spending this year is expected to improve from last year, but is still far below normal years as the country is still battling a high number of Covid-19 cases, prompting the government to ban water splashing in all areas.

Most Thais are returning to their hometowns, while some travellers are more likely to choose nearby destinations within driving distance as they want to minimise expenses during the festival, said the TAT.

Of overall travellers, 34% said they will opt for a destination close to their home, while 32% plan to take inter-provincial trips, said the agency.

Mr Yuthasak said even though water splashing and entertainment festivities are not allowed, the TAT has events in Bangkok, Ayutthaya and Songkhla that could generate 2.1 billion baht in tourism revenue from 568,580 participants.

The festival last year generated around 6 billion baht from 1.6 million domestic tourists.