A recent poll by Thailand’s Khon Kaen University has indicated that this year’s Songkran festival is likely to benefit from a more active economy than in the previous year.

The survey, which was conducted among 1,270 people aged above 18 across the country during April 3-6, estimated the extra spending of each respondent at 4,840 baht. Most of their spending covers trips, special meals, gifts and water-splashing implements. Around 40 percent of them believe that the economy during the Songkran holiday should be better than last year thanks to the political stability.

Roughly 83 percent of the respondents plan to observe the Songkran festival in their residential provinces. Respondents planning to holiday abroad mostly pick Laos, Hong Kong, Japan and Singapore. Those choosing to vacation within the country mostly opt for Chonburi, Chiang Mai, Krabi and Phuket.

The majority of the respondents also approve of the eight firm rules issued by the Cabinet for Songkran revelers’ safety. The rules include a ban on alcoholic drinks, the use of high-pressure water guns and the wearing of inappropriate clothing.

Asked with whom the respondents most wished to celebrate Songkran, the most popular persons are businessman Tan Passakornnatee, actress Yaya Urassaya Sperbund and actor Naded Kugimiya.-VNA