The Songkran exodus has begun and Issan-bound buses from Pattaya are packed.
Thais leaving town for the Thai New Year have booked commuter buses days in advance, forcing operators to add a third more vehicles to the schedule.
Yupin Sakunasilapin, owner of Srimongkol Tour Co., said her phone has been ringing off the hook, with commuters looking for tickets to Korat, Khon Kaen, Udon Thani, Nong Khai and Buriram. She said the number of buses to central and northeast Thailand have increased from 13 to 17 a day.
Bus companies have increased daily departures by 1/3 to cope with the increase in holiday travel.
Passenger Somporn Kruathong said she’s leaving Pattaya early, hoping to avoid the New Year’s crush. She said she can’t afford to miss a day of her holiday, as she must return to Pattaya to work after Songkran.
Bus operators say the crowds are normal for Songkran, but urged travelers to check availability before showing up at the city’s bus station.
