A caravan of over 100 Malaysian big bikes arrived in Phuket to bring vibrant activity during Songkran. This is expected to stimulate the southern economy with significant cash flow. Meanwhile, highway police coordinated forces to facilitate smooth traffic along the entire route and increased strict enforcement of traffic discipline.
On 12 April 2026, reporters observed heightened tourism activity during the Songkran festival in Phuket province. Today, a caravan of more than 100 Malaysian tourists riding big bikes and choppers crossed the border checkpoints at Satun and Sadao districts, heading into Phuket to join the celebrations and experience the beauty of Thailand’s sea. Their main destinations were Patong Beach and other key tourist spots across the island. The group expressed their fascination with the culture, colorful Songkran festivities, and the natural beauty of southern Thailand.
To ensure smooth and safe tourism activities, local authorities and highway police joined forces to manage traffic convenience along the route, while intensifying enforcement of traffic discipline and verifying driving licenses. This aims to prevent accidents and promote proper driving standards alongside other road users in the area, following previous reports of inappropriate driving behavior by some groups.
Tourism statistics show Malaysian visitors remain the largest group of foreign tourists entering Thailand, with over 4.3 million arrivals last year. About 80% prefer to cross via land border checkpoints, with popular provinces including Songkhla, Bangkok, Yala, and Phuket.
These tourists typically stay around four days on average and spend several thousand baht per day. The influx of big bike groups during Songkran adds a lively element that significantly boosts Phuket’s tourism economy.