Phuket set for alcohol-free Songkran festival to boost tourism
Phuket will host its annual alcohol-free Songkran festival next Sunday, April 13, featuring traditional activities, cultural performances, live music, and a family-friendly environment. This event celebrates Songkran’s cultural significance while promoting tourism and local business.
Phuket Deputy Governor Samawit Suphanphai recently shared details of the 11th annual Songkran No Alcohol Festival Phuket 2025. The festival involves the Phuket Provincial Administrative Organisation, Phuket Tourism Business Association, Limelight Phuket Shopping Mall, and other local enterprises.
Samawit highlighted the festival’s role in preserving the essence of Songkran for future generations, promoting tourism, and supporting local businesses and hotels.
Recognised by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage, Songkran also enhances Thailand’s soft power on the global stage.
The alcohol-free festival also aims to raise awareness about the risks of alcohol-related accidents during Songkran, with hopes that Phuket avoids a high accident rate this year.
Tourism Authority of Thailand’s Phuket Office Director Siriwan Siharat noted that the Songkran festival is a key feature of the government’s Amazing Thailand Grand Tourism and Sports Year campaign.
She reported an 80.9% increase in advance hotel bookings in Phuket for April 12-16, with over 289,000 tourists expected, generating approximately 8.29 billion baht, reported Bangkok Post.
The festival will run from 4pm to 10pm on April 13 along Dibuk Road, in front of Limelight Phuket and Queen Sirikit Park in Mueang district. Visitors are encouraged to wear Thai and local fabrics to fully embrace the traditional Thai New Year atmosphere.
In similar news, the Transport Company is offering a 10% discount to those willing to travel outside of the peak Songkran dates, aiming to reduce the severe congestion at bus terminals during the Thai New Year holiday. By encouraging passengers to avoid the busiest travel days, the company hopes to alleviate overcrowding and ensure a smoother journey for all.
This initiative comes as part of efforts to ease the pressure on terminals and improve the travel experience. It’s a great opportunity for savvy travellers to save money while avoiding the holiday rush.
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