Authorities are urging persons departing Thai airports to arrive at least three hours prior to the flight. Early arrival will permit passengers to avoid congestion caused by increased traffic during the annual Songkran festival. Long lines are expected at passport control from 11 - 17 April and passenger volume at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi and Don Muang airports, as well as at Phuket,is expected to be around 30% higher during the Thai New Year festival.
Songkran is celebrated each April before the beginning of the rainy season. This year, festivities will take place from 13 to 15 April. Modern Thais still perform traditional rituals, visiting temples and holding family reunions. Tourists enjoy the tradition of throwing water at each other, which has developed into hilarious water fights accompanied by cries of “Sawatdee Pi Mai” (“Happy New Year”). No pedestrian or driver is likely to remain dry.