Over 300,000 Songkran Revellers Expected in Ayutthaya

AYUTTHAYA, April 13 (TNA) - The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Ayutthaya Office is optimistic that more than 300,000 foreigners and Thais would visit Ayutthaya province during the Songkran Festival. Director of TAT Ayutthaya province, Orasa Arwutkom said the projection was nearly 2.4 per cent up year-on-year and it would see about 500 million baht changing hands. Several festive activities include splashing water with tamed elephants, which the province has organised more than a decade. Making merit and paying respects to the Buddha at temples in the ancient capital of Ayutthaya is a traditional way to celebrate the Thai New Year. Meanwhile, TAT office in China’s Guangzhou province also led Chinese tour operators to explore the Songkran festival in Ayutthaya this year, so they can add the event in their next year’s tour programmes for Chinese tourists. (TNA)