As the Songkran Festival begins, Thailand expects to welcome 495,000 foreign visitors over the three days of New Year celebration. Known internationally as the world’s best and biggest water fight, Songkran is a favorite among holiday goers. Recent political turmoil deterred many visitors but according to the Ministry of Tourism, this year’s celebration is said to create revenues of around 15 billion baht (US$428.08 million), a 10% increase from last year. If the predictions are correct, it may demonstrate that Thai travel and tourism sector thrives even under military rule.