Bangkokians Plan To Join Songkran Festivities Upcountry

Bangkokians plan to join Songkran festivities upcountry

BANGKOK (NNT) - A poll by Kasikorn Research Center says most Bangkokians tend to avoid political turmoil by traveling upcountry during the Songkran Festival.

Based on the poll, majority of Bangkok residents tend to celebrate Songkran Festival upcountry due to political turmoil in the capital.

This year, people are more intimidated by political threat not economic threat.

The blockade of Ratchaprasong junction on 3 April and the declaration of the State of Emergency on 7 April would affect people who decided not to leave town during the holidays especially those who planned to shop at Ratchaprasong commercial zone.

This year, Kasikorn Research Center estimated 23.2 billion THB would be spent by Bangkok residents during Songkran Festival.

Those who visit their hometowns would spend an additional 8.5% compared to 2009. Upcountry travelers tend to spend more by 15.6%, while those overseas travelers tend to spend more by 17.8%, but those who choose to celebrate in Bangkok tend to spend 8.4% less than the previous year.

The poll was conducted by Kasikorn Research Center during 17-31 March 2010 among 500 people aged between 15-65 years.

-- NNT 2010-04-10

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