Downturn dampens Loy Krathong

By The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The economic downturn has hit the upcoming Loy Krathong festival hard with spending expected to grow by 5.7 per cent to Bt9.3 billion, the lowest growth in three years, according to the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce.

Thanavath Phonvichai, director of UTCC's Economic Business Forecasting Centre, yesterday said consumers had been spending more cautiously during the crisis.

In addition, Loy Krathong this year in on November 2, which is a work day instead of a weekend day as in the past.

The UTCC survey found that people plan to spend an average of Bt1,272 per head during the festival. Of those planning to go out, Bt473 is for travel costs and Bt829 for items such as krathong, fireworks, alcohol and food, while Bt271 is the average cost of celebrating at home, with Bt866 for other expenses.

-- The Nation 2009-11-01

This can't possibly be correct, the PM said everything is hunky dory.

Don't be overly concerned Thailand , it was mentioned that the people have money for food and drinks , with copious amounts of whiskey on the A typical binge drinking splurges , there will still be lots of fun(chaos) for one and all to join in , with the usual drowning of pedestrians from traveling pick-ups complete with 45 gallon drums of 'WET' water . Think of the pleasure people will derive from the gory display of the dead and dying brought about by the usual carnage on the sois and highways in this smiling land of mai-pen-rai , the dedicated body snatchers will be out in full force to clear up this yearly mess and the monks will make a killing(?) on the cerimonial burning rites , that seem to last an eon of noise and stuffing of faces .

LET THE GAMES BEGIN .

Don't be overly concerned Thailand , it was mentioned that the people have money for food and drinks , with copious amounts of whiskey on the A typical binge drinking splurges , there will still be lots of fun(chaos) for one and all to join in , with the usual drowning of pedestrians from traveling pick-ups complete with 45 gallon drums of 'WET' water . Think of the pleasure people will derive from the gory display of the dead and dying brought about by the usual carnage on the sois and highways in this smiling land of mai-pen-rai , the dedicated body snatchers will be out in full force to clear up this yearly mess and the monks will make a killing(?) on the cerimonial burning rites , that seem to last an eon of noise and stuffing of faces .

LET THE GAMES BEGIN .

I think you are referring to Songkran not Loy Krathong?

LET THE GAMES BEGIN

Oh wow ..... well this is really exciting .... apparently a completely new way to celebrate the Loy Krathong festival.

Getting those little boats to sail around in the 45 gal drums is not going to be easy!!

Sorry guys , just that I was talking about Sonkrang yesterday evening with a BKK expat who has now set up buisiness here in PP .

Sanuk !!

LET THE GAMES BEGIN

Oh wow ..... well this is really exciting .... apparently a completely new way to celebrate the Loy Krathong festival.

Getting those little boats to sail around in the 45 gal drums is not going to be easy!!

well observed...