Quake Can't Dampen Songkran Joy: 72% of Thais Plan to Travel

[webfact]

File photo.

 

Thais are unfazed by recent earthquake jitters and are eagerly preparing for the Songkran Festival. The University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce reports that 72.1% of Thais plan to travel during the Thai New Year celebration, which officially begins on Sunday, April 13, and runs through Wednesday, April 16.

 

Deputy government spokesman, Mr. Anukul Prueksanusak, revealed that consumer spending is expected to reach a staggering ฿134.631 billion this year, a 4.5% increase from last year's ฿128.834 billion.

 

Should these expectations be met, it would mark the highest expenditure since 2020, when spending hit ฿69.005 billion.

 

The impressive 72.1% intending to travel is the largest proportion recorded since 2019, demonstrating growing confidence in the economy and a resurgence in tourism.

 

 

 

Despite the tremors, it appears there's little impact on spending plans, with 74.5% of participants indicating no change. However, 14.4% of those surveyed plan to spend more, while 11.1% intend to tighten their wallets slightly. Most intend to enjoy traditional Songkran celebrations but are steering clear of activities in tall buildings.

 

Business insiders, including hotel owners and airline operators, report no downturn in sales or bookings. They anticipate a surge in expenditure as the festival progresses.

 

“Travel confidently in Thailand this Songkran," urges Mr. Anukul, highlighting government efforts to inspect the safety of structures in high-risk areas, ensuring tourists can enjoy the holiday worry-free.

 

In conclusion, Thais are clearly ready to usher in the New Year with enthusiasm, as preparations for Songkran highlight the public's resilience and the steady recovery of Thailand's famed tourism industry.

 

Based on a story by THai Newsroom

 

-- 2025-04-08

 

 

[watchcat]

Quake Can't Dampen Songkran Joy: 72% of Thais Plan to Travel perhaps the roadkills will?

[hotchilli]

5 hours ago, webfact said:

Deputy government spokesman, Mr. Anukul Prueksanusak, revealed that consumer spending is expected to reach a staggering ฿134.631 billion this year, a 4.5% increase from last year's ฿128.834 billion.

Amazing insight... Thais will go all out in the middle of the month, and go skint for the remainder of it.

[hotchilli]

2 hours ago, watchcat said:

Quake Can't Dampen Songkran Joy: 72% of Thais Plan to Travel perhaps the roadkills will?

Nah, Thais are desensitised to road tragedies.

[bannork]

2 hours ago, watchcat said:

Quake Can't Dampen Songkran Joy: 72% of Thais Plan to Travel perhaps the roadkills will?

Most road accidents at Songkran are young people on motorbikes, often on side country roads. I think the main roads are safer than normal due to the number of checkpoints.