MONTHS after severe flooding crippled large parts of southern Thailand, the annual Songkran celebrations have brought a surge of visitors to Hatyai, offering a much-needed boost to the local economy and signalling early signs of recovery.
The festival, held from April 13 to 15 and marking the traditional Thai New Year, has transformed the city centre into a vibrant hub of activity, with thousands of local and international tourists filling the streets for water festivities, music and celebrations.
The lively scenes mark a stark turnaround from the aftermath of the floods, which inundated business premises, halted daily activities and left many small traders struggling to resume operations.
For vendors such as Somchai Wongsawat, 45, the return of tourists has been critical in rebuilding income streams after weeks of disruption.
"During the floods, this area was deserted. Water rose into our shops, and we could not operate at all,” Bernama reported him saying.
He added that the current influx, particularly of visitors from Malaysia, has significantly improved business conditions.
"Business is very good now. Many tourists are coming, including from Malaysia. This is helping us recover gradually,” he said.
Another trader, Naree Chaiyaporn, 38, said this year’s festival has renewed hopes of recouping earlier losses, even as recovery remains incomplete.
Among younger residents, the festival has taken on added meaning as a symbol of resilience and a return to normal life.
"After the floods, many people felt sad and stressed. But when Songkran arrives, everyone comes out, celebrates and forgets their hardships for a while,” said university student Anan Srisawat, 21.
Pimchanok Rattanawong, 19, said the event has helped restore a sense of community.
"Songkran makes us feel that the city is alive again. With so many tourists, the atmosphere has returned to how it used to be,” she said.
The recovery is also reflected in the hospitality sector, with hotels reporting a sharp increase in bookings since the start of the festival period.
Accommodation operators say rooms have been fully occupied for several days, driven largely by foreign and Malaysian tourists.
Transport providers, including tuk-tuk drivers, are likewise benefiting from higher demand, while authorities have deployed additional security personnel and traffic controls to ensure the festivities proceed smoothly.
Earlier flooding, caused by prolonged heavy rainfall, affected nearly 360,000 people across multiple southern provinces, including Songkhla, according to Thailand’s disaster management authorities.
The affected areas, which also include popular destinations such as Phatthalung and Satun, are frequent draws for Malaysian visitors, particularly during holiday periods.
This year’s Songkran celebrations, while festive, also underscore the vital role of tourism in restoring livelihoods and revitalising communities in the wake of disaster. - April 15, 2026
