Thailand expects surging spending, flights during Songkran festival
Thai people are likely to spend more in the upcoming Songkran festival, with the Airports of Thailand (AOT) expecting a surge in the number of passengers on the occasion.
Passengers at Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok, Thailand, January 6, 2023. Photo: AFP/VNA
Bangkok (VNA) – Thai people are likely to spendmore in the upcoming Songkran festival, with the Airports of Thailand (AOT) expectinga surge in the number of passengers on the occasion.
According to the latest survey conducted by the Universityof the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC), spending during the festival is projectedto increase by 17.3% to 125 billion THB, up from 107 billion THB in 2022. Thesurvey also found the top three activities for people during the event – makingmerit; water splashing; and gathering-feasting.
UTCC President Thanavath Phonvichai said this year'sSongkran is expected to be more active than usual, as people's spending hasbeen pent up for a long time and most see the country's economy as recovering,helped by a rebound in tourism.
Meanwhile, the AOT is expecting about 2.37 million domesticand international passengers to pass through its six airports during the holiday,an annual increase of 137%.
From April 11 to 17, airlines have scheduled 14,220 flightsthrough the airports. These comprise 7,500 international and 6,720 domesticflights, up 219% and 2% year-on-year, respectively./.
Thailand’s Department of Disease Control (CDC) has urged more than 2 million elderly people to get COVID-19 shots before the Songkran festival as infections may soar during the festive period.
Massive Songkran festival will be held across Thailand in April to further stimulate the resurgent tourism industry, Thai government spokesperson Anucha Burapachaisri said on March 26.
The Thai government will fully support this year's Songkran Festival, which takes place from April 13-15, with 17 – 20 million people expected to travel around the country next month.
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Passengers at Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok, Thailand, January 6, 2023. Photo: AFP/VNA
