Impact Level: Notification
Locations Affected: Bangkok, Thailand
Tracking Id: RINTP4475291638
Description:
As per reports, Thailand is preparing for the Songkran holiday period from Friday (10 April) to Sunday (19 April). The details are as follows:
• Authorities in Bangkok may order petrol stations to close between 2200 hours and 0500 hours starting Monday (20 April) as part of energy conservation measures. The proposed restriction was announced on Tuesday (07 April) by Anutin Charnvirakul, who stated that the measure would begin only after the conclusion of the Songkran travel period.
• Authorities clarified that fuel stations will remain operational throughout the holiday period and that any restrictions will begin once travellers return and normal daily activity resumes. The government stated that the possible overnight closure is intended to conserve fuel amid global supply disruptions linked to tensions in the Middle East, which have contributed to higher global energy prices.
• The Ministry of Transport (Thailand) also confirmed that public transport fares will remain unchanged during the Songkran travel period. According to Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, the fare freeze will apply across buses, rail networks and ferries to reduce the financial burden on travellers. The Department of Land Transport will use the Road Safety Fund to subsidise operational costs if required.
• Separately, authorities in Bangkok have announced extensive festival arrangements across the city. At least 88 locations will host Songkran-related activities, including major celebration areas such as Silom Road, Khao San Road, Siam Square, CentralWorld and Lan Khon Mueang. Water-splashing festivities across the city will be permitted only until 2200 hours each day, and designated activity areas will remain alcohol-free.
• The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration has also divided the city into three management zones during the festival. Zone one includes officially organised festival venues with safety plans and event management. Zone two consists of areas where informal gatherings may occur and require monitoring. Zone three includes locations where festivities are prohibited, including hospital entrances, fire stations, police stations, bridges, expressways, major intersections and primary roads.
Background:
The Songkran festival is one of Thailand’s major annual holidays and is associated with large-scale domestic travel as people return to their hometowns or visit tourist destinations.
Impact:
• The Songkran travel period will lead to a sustained and nationwide increase in mobility, with significant operational implications across road networks, transport hubs, and intercity travel corridors. Major highways and expressways are expected to experience prolonged congestion, particularly during outbound travel.
• If implemented, overnight closures of petrol stations could affect late-night logistics, delivery services and long-distance commercial transport operating through Bangkok. Businesses that rely on continuous vehicle movement, including courier services, ride-hailing operations and freight transport, may experience operational adjustments as drivers will need to refuel before the closure period begins.
• Private vehicle users may need to refuel earlier in the evening to avoid disruptions. However, since the restriction would occur only between late evening and early morning hours, the overall impact on daytime mobility is likely to remain limited.
Recommendations:
Advised to plan journeys, avoid peak travel dates where possible, and allow additional time for both road and public transport travel. Use of public transport is advised for long-distance travel to reduce reliance on private vehicles.
Sources:
• https://www.bangkokpost.com/learning/easy/3232978/petrol-stations-may-be-closed-overnight?tbref=hp
• https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/3232733/phiphat-freezes-fares-for-songkran?tbref=hp
• https://www.bangkokpost.com/learning/easy/3232985/bangkok-songkran-to-be-alcoholfree-and-end-at-10pm?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQMMjU2MjgxMDQwNTU4AAEelFudPfgxq4tHqEN6HZdUabs7s6WKw3F0a5Ipk83CuMvUJd7D8eqzGr9ut0w_aem_MUEWi84oqjJrdcxQjGAjdw
