Quake fails to dampen Songkran fun with over 70% still planning to travel
MAJORITY of Thais have shaken off earthquake jitters and are gearing up to have lots of fun during Songkran Festival with a survey by the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce showing 72.1% plan to travel during the Thai New Year celebration officially starting next Sunday April 13 and running till Wednesday April 16, Amarin TV said.
Mr. Anukul Prueksanusak, deputy government spokesman,said this survey of consumer behaviour leads to expectation of 134.631 billion baht cash circulation during the festival, up 4.5% from last year’s total of 128.834.19 billion baht, and if the target is met it would be highest total since 2020 when it added up to 69.005.48 billion baht.
The large total of 72.1% intending to travel during Songkron is the highest since 2019 and reflects confidence in spending and the continued recovery of the tourism sector.
Moreover 74.5% indicated that the earthquake had not affected their spending plans while 14.4% intended to spend more but 11.1% cautiously spend less.
Most respondents said they will continue to celebrate Sonkran as usual but would avoid activities in buildings in general or high-rise buildings.
Meanwhile, business operators said the situation after the earthquake remains normal with sales in stores, hotel bookings by Thai and foreign tourists, air travel and number of flights remaining the same.
They expect spending to jump during the festival.
“Travel confidently in Thailand this Songkran. The government has ordered relevant agencies to urgently inspect the safety of hotels, important tourist attractions and building structures in risk areas to build confidence among both Thai and foreign tourists,” Anukul said.
Photo: Amarin TV
This report was originally published by www.thainewsroom.com
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