BANGKOK (Bernama): As the clock ticks down to 2024, Bangkok is experiencing a familiar phenomenon - the annual exodus of its residents who head to their hometowns.
The four-day New Year holiday kicked off on Friday, sending overwhelming number of cars and buses onto the roads, all heading towards hometowns across the country.
In stark contrast, Bangkok's streets, once bustling with people and vehicles and sizzling street food, is noticeably quiet with significantly lighter traffic.
In line with the exodus, bus stations in Bangkok are seen teeming with people traveling to their home.
"I have been looking forward to this all year. Can't wait to celebrate New Year with my loved ones,” said Natcha Paimwattathaporn, 33, who boarded a train at Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal (Bang Sue Grand Station) to her hometown in Chiang Mai.
She said the trip home provides a chance to reconnect with family members.
"We usually gather to pay respects to elders, visit temples, and enjoy delicious meals,” she said.
The state-run Transport Company expects approximately 70,000 passengers today (Friday) for the New Year's exodus.
For the New Year's travel rush, the company is operating 4,000 additional trips daily between Bangkok and the provinces over the New Year weekend.
The State Railway of Thailand said more than 90,000 passengers embarked on journeys to their respective destinations on Friday.
Meanwhile, President of Airports of Thailand Public Company Limited (AOT), Keerati Kitmanawat said it is estimated 2.65 million passengers or an average of 379,860 passengers per day will fly from six major Thai airports during the week of New Year holidays, starting today to January 1.
The six airpots managed by the Airports of Thailand (AOT) are Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Hat Yai, and Chiang Rai.
AOT will operate a total of 15,152 flights during the said period, or an average of 2,165 flights per day. - Bernama
