Bangkok (VNA) - The Thai government will fully support this year's Songkran Festival, which takes place from April 13-15, with 17 – 20 million people expected to travel around the country next month.

According to Government spokesman Anucha Burapachaisri, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha had ordered state agencies to prepare grand events for the holiday. The expected number of tourist represents a significant increase from the COVID-19 pandemic period.

Anucha said the government has launched campaigns to encourage people to enjoy trips and travel during public holidays between now and September under the Tourism Authority of Thailand's "Visit Thailand Year: Amazing New Chapters" scheme and such campaigns as We Travel Together, Wonder Deal and Secret Code 365.

To ensure safety, visitors are encouraged to install the "I Lert U" smartphone application, which allows users to report issues and request assistance. Moreover, it locates the caller and sends help using the GPS signal from the phone.

In a related development involving the local tourism sector, TAT has freshly formed a strategic partnership with four of the world’s leading online platforms – Agoda, Alipay, Klook, and KKDay – in introducing a joint marketing initiative to boost tourism in Thailand./.
VNA