Thailand’s Loy Krathong celebrations across five regions are expected to generate 6.9 billion baht in tourism revenue from 1.9 million domestic trips, with the highest number of visitors heading to the North, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT).
TAT Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool reported a projected 9% increase in tourist numbers compared to last year, accompanied by a 12% rise in revenue.
She detailed that the northern provinces anticipate 568,740 domestic trips, a 7% increase from last year, expected to generate 2.5 billion baht, up by 9%. The central and western regions are estimated to see 380,440 trips, contributing 797 million baht in revenue.
Bangkok is poised to host the “Amazing Night of Lights: Loy Krathong Festival” from November 13-16, expected to earn 1.37 billion baht from 330,450 local visitors and achieve a hotel occupancy rate of 72%.
The eastern and northeastern regions are both set to see significant growth, with projected local trips of about 285,660 and 284,860, respectively, marking increases of 19% and 12% year-on-year.
In terms of revenue, the eastern provinces are likely to earn 1.12 billion baht, a 22% increase, while the Northeast is projected to garner 582 million baht, slightly more than the South, which is expected to earn the least revenue at 561 million baht from 148,850 local trips.
Ms. Thapanee highlighted that the top five provinces known for their distinctive Loy Krathong traditions—Sukhothai, Tak, Chiang Mai, Samut Songkhram, and Roi Et—are projected to collectively draw 330,400 local visits, generating over 1.3 billion baht.
Chiang Mai and Sukhothai are leading the pack with projected visits of 147,330 and 87,330, respectively. Chiang Mai is also expected to have fully recovered from recent flooding, with hotel occupancy rates projected to surge to 87% during the festival.
She added that cooler weather this month has boosted tourism sentiment, especially in the North and Northeast, with the Loy Krathong festival expected to draw visitors to various provinces over the weekend.
However, Ms. Thapanee cautioned that factors like high household debt and recurring PM2.5 pollution could present challenges.
