The cabinet officially decided Tuesday to approve an extension of the Songkran holiday period.
This year, it will be a five-day break running from Thursday, April 12, through Monday, April 16.
Col Athisith Chainuvati, a government spokesman, said the extended holiday will boost economic activity and tourism.
He added that Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has asked various agencies to make life easier for those who are travelling home during the long holiday by staying open longer to provide more convenient services.
Details of the biannual campaign to promote safe driving for "seven dangerous days" are still awaited.