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Thailand: Huge profits from traditional festival

Event organisers in Thailand have reaped profits estimated up to 1.7 billion USD on the occasion of Songkran, the Thai traditional New Year festival from April 13-15.
Event organisers in Thailand have reaped profits estimated up to 1.7billion USD on the occasion of Songkran, the Thai traditional New Yearfestival from April 13-15.

According to Kriengkrai,co-Chief Executive of Index Creative Village Plc, Thailand's largestevent organiser, the lead-up to Songkran celebrations have been goodfor business.

The value of the festival would increase if the government promoted Thai New Year as a regional event, he added.

This year, many organisers charged entrance fees for Songkran events to help with crowd control.

Major venues in Bangkok holding Songkran events includeCentralWorld, MBK Centre, Asiatique, The Circle Ratchaphruek, SiamPark City, The Promenade and W Bangkok.

During the three-day festival, families reunite and offer prayers and food to monks.

A highlight of the event is younger individuals pouring water on the elders to bring them good luck.

Songkran has become an international occasion with a wide range oftourists from around the globe celebrating the Thai New Year.-VNA
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