The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) said the recent long national holiday generated 8.8 billion baht, while the Transport Ministry reported more than 400 road accidents.

The tourism industry had previously been buoyed by foreign tourists. But with the Covid-19 pandemic and its economic impact, the TAT devised a campaign to encourage Thais to travel as much as possible, thus generating revenue.

One of its tactics is to encourage people to travel on weekdays. The TAT has also mulled the creation of more holidays and opportunities for locals to visit various parts of the kingdom.

For instance, the government announced the recent Songkran replacement days, which ran from Friday until Monday.



The Thai traditional new year holiday, held in April, was postponed to prevent Covid-19 infections.


Prachin Buri saw its tourism trade boom over the weekend. A number of local tourists visited an overcrowded Khao Yai National Park, while others explored rivers and waterfalls in the province's Na Di district.



Transport Ministry data showed 325 car accidents with 48 deaths and 309 others injured. A total of 81% of the accidents occurred due to speeding.

Meanwhile, there were 92 motorcycle accidents with 25 fatalities. Ratchaburi and Suphan Buri had the most motorcycle accidents.