Festive Hat Yai bounces back from floods

Hat Yai of Songkhla launched its first major festival since the recent floods with a New Year celebration generating at least 300 million baht in local economic activity.

- ASSAWIN PAKKAWAN MANIT SANUBBOON

More than 5,000 people gathered at the Odean junction for the "Hat Yai New Year 2026" countdown, an event jointly organised by the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Hat Yai City Municipality and local partners to mark the start of 2026.

Hat Yai mayor Narongporn Na Phatthalung joined Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) officials and provincial leaders in presiding over the festivities.

National artists, local youth bands and international DJs kept revellers entertained late into the night, while landmark buildings were illuminated to symbolise Hat Yai's renewed energy.