Chiang Mai's "Warorot Market" is quiet this year. During Songkran, tourists have disappeared and fewer stop to buy souvenirs than in previous years. Vendors point to the economy and high fuel prices as reasons for reduced consumer purchasing power.
On 16 Apr 2026 GMT+7, reporters observed the atmosphere at Warorot Market, a famous souvenir hub in Chiang Mai. The end of this year's Songkran festival was quiet. Vendors said many tourists were missing, with souvenir sales nearly nonexistent. Most visitors came just to browse, buying only a few souvenirs, unlike previous years.
Ms. Nonglak Warissupawut, a vendor at Sripan shop, said the main cause was high fuel prices deterring tourists. The economic situation has reduced spending power, causing people to be more cautious with money. Shop owners face higher costs, with packaging plastics and raw materials for souvenirs rising over 30%. However, all shops keep prices steady because raising them would drive away customers. For example, Sai Aue sausage still sells at 500 baht per kilogram and crispy pork rind with fat at 600 baht per kilogram, but no one is buying.
, she also added,During the Songkran festival,Normally,on the morning of 13 Apr, people usually come to the market to shop before going to pour water on Buddha statues. This year, almost no one showed up. Likewise, after Songkran, people typically stop by to buy souvenirs to take home, but this year was unusually quiet like never before.