People in Thailand are preparing to celebrate the start of the traditional New Year holiday.

"Songkran," also known as the water festival, will begin on Thursday. It will be the first full-scale, nation-wide celebration of its kind in four years, after the coronavirus pandemic put a damper on social activities.

Songkran is a way for Thais to welcome the new year by splashing each other with water as a cleansing ritual.

It's a chance for people to take to the streets and soak their friends, family members and even strangers during the hottest time of the year.

Ahead of the official start, spaces reserved for water splashing have been set up at popular tourist spots, such as department stores.

Locals and tourists are already enjoying the festive decorations. Many are excited about this year's post-pandemic celebration.

The Thai New Year is also a time when much of the country is on the move. The government expects up to 20 million domestic and international tourists in April.