If you’re planning a trip home for Songkran, why not make the journey a little less hectic and a lot more budget-friendly? The Transport Company has just rolled out a fantastic offer that’s perfect for the savvy traveler who isn’t afraid to break from tradition. Steering clear of the peak holiday dates could save you 10% on your travels – that’s money that could be much better spent on holiday festivities or perhaps an extra treat for grandma.
The initiative, aimed at taking the pressure off overstressed bus terminals, is a win-win. By encouraging passengers to travel outside the bustling Songkran period, the Transport Company hopes to make the journey smoother and far less stressful for everyone involved. A spokesperson from the state-run company shared, “This discount is designed to help us spread out the travel load. Ultimately, we’re looking to reduce overcrowding during Songkran.” And let’s face it, nobody likes a bus terminal that’s feeling more like a sardine can.
Songkran, the much-loved Thai New Year, officially kicks off on Sunday, April 13, and wraps up on Wednesday, April 16 this year. It’s one of Thailand’s busiest travel periods, synonymous with heartwarming family reunions and, let’s not forget, some epic water fights. As the festivity draws near, workers across Thailand hit the road, either heading to their hometowns or returning to the city once all the water guns are packed away.
To take advantage of this nifty 10% discount, travelers must set their journeys between March 25 and April 3 or post-peak from April 21 to 30. This offer applies to every route operated by the Transport Company, so there’s no need to hold out for limited routes or dream of an off-the-beaten-path miracle. You can book these enticingly priced tickets through multiple channels – think their website, the official app, or down at the ticket counters at bus terminals nationwide. But don’t dilly-dally, bookies are filling up faster than you can say ‘Songkran splash’ – thanks to this generous nudge of a discount reported by The Nation.
The familiar grumble of traffic jams, endless queues, and buses packed to the brim tells a tale of a Songkran exodus that no one particularly places on their travel bucket list. But there’s light at the end of the tunnel with this latest initiative. Early birds and late returners can dodge the crowds with a pocket full of savings to boot. So, if your plan is to navigate away from the crush and glide contentedly on this year’s Songkran tide, booking early on those non-peak days will have you traveling smarter and in style.
I love that they’re finally doing something to alleviate the craziness at bus terminals during Songkran. This 10% discount is a great idea!
Totally agree, Sarah. But I wonder if 10% is really enough to motivate people to travel on non-peak days?
That’s a valid point. Maybe it should’ve been 15% or even 20% to make a bigger impact.
10% can still make a difference for budget travelers. Small efforts can lead to significant changes in behavior.
It’s probably just a marketing stunt. Real change needs deeper strategies than a mere discount.
While the solution sounds nice, it just takes away from the excitement of all of us traveling together as a community during Songkran!
But wouldn’t you prefer a less crowded bus where you can actually breathe?
The only real solution is infrastructure improvement, but any effort to ease travel is appreciated.
Absolutely, infrastructure needs to catch up with the demand.
Songkran is not just about reaching your destination; it’s about the journey, and this disrupts the spirit. We should not measure it by how fast or cheap it is.
I’m booking my tickets right now! Thanks Transport Company for saving me some bucks!
I tried booking online, but the website kept crashing. Not very helpful with all these issues.
That sounds frustrating, but it’s a common issue with these kinds of promotions. More investment in tech is needed.
This discount could mean a lot for families traveling on a tight budget during Songkran.
Very true, FamilyFirst! Every bit of money saved can be spent on something else.
If only they also incentivized greener transportation, maybe electric buses or something?
Great idea, but I’ll miss the hustle and bustle of traveling. It’s part of the experience, no?
They could offer a similar scheme in other regions. Imagine the logistics though!
Interesting, but each region has its unique issues and solutions. It may not work everywhere.
I usually avoid traveling during such chaotic times, so this discount is perfect for me!
Exactly! Peaceful travel during non-peak times is underrated.
Instead of just discounts, how about adding entertainment options on longer travels? It could really make a difference.
This is a fantastic opportunity for smart travelers! Just go early or late, and dodge the crowd.
Jess, that’s how you do it! I never understood the appeal of fighting the crowd.