Some 5.1 million people are expected to travel during this year's Songkran Festival, generating over 23 billion baht in revenue -- a significant increase from last year's figures.

A government spokesman said 44.7% of Bangkok residents are planning to travel, either to their hometowns or other destinations, during the Thai New Year holiday period.

"Over 5 million people will travel this week, which is a 28.9% increase compared to the number of travellers in the same period last year," he said.

Airports of Thailand expects to see 2.37 million people travelling through its airports, an increase of 137.5% per last year's figures.

Out of the total, 1.37 million people will travel internationally, while the rest will travel within the country.

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha had advised the public to get a Covid-19 booster shot before the holiday starts as well as following Covid-19 measures.

Police warned that scammers and criminals are ramping up activities during the long holiday.