Bangkok Airports Offer Free Parking for Songkran’s Millions
Thailand Prepares for Songkran Travel Surge with Free Airport Parking
Thailand is gearing up for a massive influx of travelers during the upcoming Songkran festival, the traditional Thai New Year celebrated from April 12th to 16th. Airports of Thailand Plc (AoT) projects over 3 million passengers during the holiday travel period (April 11–17), a significant 20% increase compared to last year. To ease travel and encourage tourism, AoT announced free parking at four major airports: Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Chiang Mai, and Phuket. This initiative, running from midnight on April 12th to midnight on April 16th, aims to accommodate the expected surge in domestic and international arrivals.
Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit emphasized ensuring smooth and safe travel during this busy period, urging all transport agencies to implement comprehensive plans for land, rail, water, and air travel. This proactive approach reflects the government’s commitment to facilitating a positive experience for Thai citizens returning home and international tourists participating in the vibrant celebrations.
AoT President Kerati Kijmanawat detailed preparations at all six airports managed by the company—including Mae Fah Luang Chiang Rai and Hat Yai, although free parking is only offered at four. These preparations include collaborating with stakeholders to optimize efficiency and mitigate congestion. Airlines have been requested to increase check-in counter availability and ensure adequate staffing to handle the heightened passenger volume.
“Airlines have been asked to open more check-in counters and arrange staffing appropriately.”
Of the anticipated 3 million passengers, 1.86 million are projected to be international travelers (a 21% year-on-year increase), while 1.14 million are expected to be domestic travelers (a 20% increase). This surge in air traffic translates to an estimated 18,030 flights—10,442 international and 7,588 domestic—during the Songkran period, a substantial 20.7% increase compared to the previous year. The free parking initiative is part of a broader strategy to manage this increased traffic flow. This year’s passenger projections highlight a continued recovery in the tourism sector following the global pandemic, mirroring trends across Southeast Asia and other global tourist destinations. Similar holiday periods in other countries, such as the Christmas and New Year travel season, often see similar measures implemented to accommodate increased passenger volume, underscoring the universal challenges of managing peak travel times.
Historically, Songkran has been a period of high travel volume in Thailand. However, the festival’s increasing popularity as an international tourist attraction has added complexity to travel management. The Bangkok Post reported on these preparations.
What if the free parking fills up? Overflow parking will be available, but it may not be free. Travelers are advised to arrive early to secure a free parking spot.
Are there any restrictions on the free parking? No, free parking is available for the entire specified duration, regardless of the length of stay. However, standard parking regulations still apply.
The anticipated traveler surge during Songkran presents opportunities and challenges. Increased tourism revenue is a welcome boost to the Thai economy. However, managing the logistical complexities requires careful planning and coordination. The free parking initiative, coupled with other AoT measures, underscores a proactive approach to mitigating potential disruptions and ensuring a smooth and enjoyable travel experience. By anticipating and addressing challenges, Thailand aims to maximize the benefits of the Songkran travel boom and solidify its position as a premier tourist destination.
