Songkran Is Over — But Your Body Might Still Be Paying the Price

Songkran 2025 was an unforgettable celebration across Phuket. Hours under the blazing April sun, splashing in water fights on the streets, late nights, street food, and non-stop socialising. It’s Thailand’s most beloved festival — but it’s also one of the hardest on your body.

Now that the water guns are put away, many people are noticing the aftermath: red, irritated skin, a scratchy throat, upset stomachs, fatigue, and more. If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Here at Doctor Karon Clinic in Karon Beach, Phuket, we see a significant increase in patients in the days following Songkran every year.

This guide covers the most common post-Songkran health issues, how to treat them at home, and when it’s time to visit a doctor.

1. Sunburn — The #1 Post-Songkran Complaint

Spending hours outdoors in Phuket’s April heat — one of the hottest months of the year — means your skin took a serious hit. The UV index in Phuket during Songkran regularly reaches 11–12 (Extreme), and most people are too busy celebrating to reapply sunscreen.

Signs your sunburn needs attention:

• Skin that is bright red, hot to the touch, or blistering
• Peeling skin 2–3 days after exposure
• Swelling or tenderness
• Fever, chills, or nausea alongside the burn (a sign of sun poisoning)

What to do at home:

• Apply a cool (not cold) compress to affected areas
• Use aloe vera gel or a fragrance-free moisturiser to soothe the skin
• Stay well hydrated — sunburned skin loses moisture rapidly
• Avoid further sun exposure until the skin heals
• Do NOT pop any blisters — this increases the risk of infection

When to see us: If your sunburn is severe, covers a large area, is blistering, or is accompanied by fever and dizziness, please visit Doctor Karon Clinic or call our doctor-on-call service. We can provide prescription-strength treatment and IV drip hydration to speed up recovery.

2. Cold, Flu & Sore Throat — The “Water Fight Chill”

Being repeatedly soaked in cold water, combined with air-conditioned recovery in hotels and vehicles, creates the perfect environment for upper respiratory infections. This is one of the most common things we treat in the week after Songkran.

Common symptoms:

• Sore or scratchy throat
• Runny or blocked nose
• Coughing and sneezing
• Mild fever
• General fatigue

What to do at home:

• Rest as much as possible for the first 48 hours
• Drink warm fluids — herbal tea, warm water with honey, or warm broth
• Use saltwater gargles for sore throat relief
• Over-the-counter decongestants or antihistamines can help manage symptoms

When to see us: If your fever exceeds 38.5°C (101.3°F), lasts more than 3 days, or if you develop difficulty swallowing, chest tightness, or shortness of breath, see a doctor immediately. We can assess whether you need antibiotics, antiviral treatment, or simply supportive care to get you back on your feet faster.

3. Diarrhoea, Vomiting & Food Poisoning — The Street Food Side Effect

Songkran is also street food season. Huge volumes of food are prepared and served in warm outdoor conditions — a risk factor for bacterial contamination. If you ate street food or drank large quantities of flavoured water or shared drinks, your digestive system may be in revolt.

Signs of food poisoning or traveller’s diarrhoea:

• Nausea and vomiting within hours of eating
• Loose or watery stools more than 3 times a day
• Stomach cramps or bloating
• Mild fever

What to do at home:

• Focus on hydration — water, electrolyte drinks, or coconut water
• Eat bland foods (rice, toast, banana) while symptoms persist
• Avoid alcohol, spicy food, dairy, and caffeine
• Oral rehydration salts (ORS) can help replace lost electrolytes

When to see us: Seek medical attention if symptoms last more than 48 hours, if you see blood in your stool, or if you are unable to keep any fluids down. Severe dehydration can become dangerous quickly in Phuket’s heat. Our IV drip therapyis an excellent way to rapidly restore fluids and electrolytes — we can even come directly to your hotel or villa.

4. Swimmer’s Ear & Eye Irritation — From Contaminated Water

Not all Songkran water is clean. Water in street buckets, water guns, and community pools can carry bacteria and irritants. Prolonged exposure can lead to:

Swimmer’s Ear (Otitis Externa):

• Ear pain or itchiness
• Feeling of fullness in the ear
• Muffled hearing or discharge

Eye Irritation:

• Redness or itchiness
• Watery discharge
• Sensitivity to light

What to do at home:

• Gently dry your ears after water exposure (tilt your head, use a soft towel — never cotton swabs)
• Rinse eyes gently with clean water or saline solution
• Avoid touching or rubbing your eyes

When to see us: Ear pain that is worsening, any discharge from the ear, or eye symptoms that persist for more than 24 hours should be evaluated by a doctor. We offer ear examination, ear irrigation, and appropriate antibiotic treatment.

5. Heat Exhaustion — Don’t Ignore It

April in Phuket is hot. Temperatures regularly exceed 35°C (95°F), and with humidity above 80%, heat exhaustion is a real risk during Songkran — especially for those who drank alcohol while celebrating outdoors.

Symptoms of heat exhaustion:

• Heavy sweating
• Pale, cool, or clammy skin
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Rapid or weak pulse
• Nausea and headache
• Muscle cramps

What to do:

• Move to a cool, shaded area immediately
• Sip cold water or sports drinks slowly
• Apply cold, wet cloths to skin
• Loosen clothing and rest

Warning — Heat Stroke: If the person is confused, has stopped sweating, has hot dry skin, or loses consciousness, this is a medical emergency. Call us immediately at 064-402-2666. Heat stroke can be life-threatening.

How Doctor Karon Clinic Can Help You Recover Faster

We offer a full range of services to help you bounce back after Songkran:

We are open 7 days a week, 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM, and our doctor on-call service is available 24 hours. We can come directly to your hotel or villa anywhere in Karon, Kata, Rawai, Chalong, Patong, Tri Trang, Kamala, or Bang Tao — typically within 30 minutes of your call.

Contact Doctor Karon Clinic

Phone / WhatsApp: 064-402-2666 

Clinic Line: 076-396-266 

Email: karonclinic@gmail.com 

Location: Karon Beach, Phuket

Book an appointment online

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Key Aspects of Songkran 2025:

• Water Activities: Expect lively street celebrations where participants joyfully splash water on each other. This practice is believed to wash away misfortune and welcome the new year with a clean slate.

• Cultural Practices: Many Thais will visit temples to make merit, offer food to monks, and perform rituals like pouring water over Buddha statues and the hands of elders, seeking blessings and paying respects.

• Travel Considerations: Songkran is a significant holiday in Thailand, leading to increased domestic travel as people return to their hometowns. This surge can result in crowded transportation and higher accommodation demand. If you’re planning to travel during this period, it’s advisable to book in advance.

Celebrations in Chiang Mai:

Chiang Mai, located in Northern Thailand, is renowned for hosting some of the most elaborate Songkran festivities. The city’s celebrations often extend beyond the official dates, sometimes lasting up to a week. The moat surrounding the old city becomes a focal point for water activities, with both locals and tourists participating in the merriment. Traditional ceremonies, parades, and cultural performances add to the festive atmosphere.

Safety Tips:

• Protect Your Belongings: Given the widespread water activities, ensure your valuables, especially electronic devices, are stored in waterproof bags.

• Dress Appropriately: Wear comfortable clothing suitable for getting wet. Quick-drying fabrics are recommended.

• Stay Hydrated: April is one of Thailand’s hottest months. Amidst the festivities, remember to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.

Songkran offers a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in Thai culture, blending traditional customs with lively celebrations. Whether you’re participating in water fights or observing cultural rituals, the festival provides a memorable experience for all.

The post What should we expected from 2025 Songkran in Thailand appeared first on Doctor Karon Clinic.

Phuket, the biggest island in Thailand, is an ideal getaway for anyone searching for a tropical island vacation. It has all the essentials to make your visit amazing: beautiful hotels, deserted beaches, an international airport, delicious cuisine, stunning scenery, a rich cultural scene, and lively nightlife.

Phuket also has fascinating local traditions and some fantastic food experiences. Phuket caters to visitors of all ages, backgrounds, financial means, and areas of interest.

Tourists may enjoy the benefits of the varied opportunities offered by the three distinct seasons. We’ll help you find the best time to visit Phuket to help you plan your trip and make the most of your time there.

Overall Best Time to Visit Phuket

Phuket often experiences temperatures between 23 to 31 degrees Fahrenheit. After the monsoons have ended, this is the coolest time of year in Phuket.

Almost the year has mild temperatures, with the warmest months being April – May and September – October. However, there is a noticeable variance in rainfall between each month. The southwestern monsoon causes September and October to be the wettest months.

There will still be plenty of time in the sun, even during the monsoon, since rain comes in brief, with scattered showers. Because of the favorable weather between November and February, this is when the greatest number of visitors come to Phuket.

This is the best time of year to enjoy water activities in the calm sea and unwind on one of Phuket’s stunning beaches. Afterward, go to one of the numerous nightclubs and dance till dawn.

The sights and sounds of the island’s sun-kissed beaches, lush jungles, and green mountains will transport you to a world unlike any other. The most admirable aspect about Phuket, especially during peak season, is that it’s suitable for every vacation.

Whether you’re a group of friends on a trip, a honeymooning couple, a solitary traveler searching for excitement and new experiences, or a family just trying to get away from it all, you will surely enjoy the place.

Least Busy Time to Visit Phuket

Start from April! After the peak season (November – Febuary), when most visitors have left Phuket, it is a great time to go. It’s constantly hot, even in the monsoon season, with an average temperature of roughly 30 degrees Celsius.

Rainfall is heavier but short-lived during these months, leaving plenty of time to take in the sights, relax by the hotel pool, and experience the dazzling sunsets that this time of year is known for.

If you end up with some rainy days, you won’t be bored since there are many enjoyable options. If you’re expecting European-style precipitation, you’ll be sorely disappointed.

When it finally does rain in Phuket, everyone is relieved since the showers provide a welcome reprieve from the scorching heat. Since the weather seldom fluctuates much, you can get by with only shorts and a t-shirt all year round.

This allows for greater purchases on vacations and less packing hassle at home. One drawback of swimming in the ocean during the off-season is the risk of rip currents. Please pay close attention to the warning signs at beaches and do not enter the water if they are there.

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