Huge rush on Thailand's New Year's trips: Over 160,000 travelers!

Huge rush on Thailand's New Year's trips: Over 160,000 travelers!

There is a buzz of activity in Thailand today, the last day of 2025. As anticipation of the New Year festivities grows, more than 160,000 travelers set off from Bangkok on December 30 to popular destinations such as Chiang Mai and Pattaya. The Travel and Tour World reports that Transport Co., Ltd., the state-owned bus operator, is forecasting record numbers for the holidays. Crowds swarm Mo Chit 2 Terminal, the main bus terminal for intercity travel in Bangkok, as over 8,000 bus rides are on offer.

As of December 29, over 126,000 passengers had already traveled through the country, underlining the great appeal of the New Year period. This period is one of the busiest for tourism in Thailand, right up there with the Songkran festival in April. In addition, around 1,000 buses were made available to meet the high demand. For good reason: New Year's travel also has an economic impact, boosting income in the hospitality, food and transportation sectors.

Extended holidays attract more tourists

A crucial factor in this tourism peak is the extension of the New Year holidays approved by the Thai government: from December 31, 2025 to January 4, 2026, five days are now designated as public holidays. The Bangkok Post reports that Friday, January 2, 2026, has been added as a special holiday to promote domestic tourism and the national economy.

The New Year holidays are now officially divided as follows: New Year's Eve on December 31st, New Year's Day on January 1st, a special holiday on January 2nd and the following weekend on January 3rd and 4th. This measure has been positively received by the Ministry of Tourism and Sports as they expect an increase in hotel bookings and public transport usage in the coming days. Financial institutions will be closed nationwide on January 2, while private businesses may handle the holiday differently.

Travel tips for the New Year kick-off

There are some important tips for everyone setting out on the journey. It is advised to book bus tickets in advance and arrive at the terminals early to avoid long waiting times. You should also pack light and ensure comfort during your trip. Taking a look at the road conditions and the weather forecast doesn't hurt either.

The New Year period not only brings atmosphere, but also economic stimulus for Thailand. The Thailand Tip highlights that the tourism authority is also planning special travel packages and advertising to best welcome the newcomers. From baggage packing to local attractions, everything should be well thought out for a successful New Year.