Thailand expects surging spending, flights during Songkran festival

Passengers at Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok, Thailand, January 6, 2023. Photo: AFP/VNA

Bangkok (VNA) – Thai people are likely to spend more in the upcoming Songkran festival, with the Airports of Thailand (AOT) expecting a surge in the number of passengers on the occasion.

According to the latest survey conducted by the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC), spending during the festival is projected to increase by 17.3% to 125 billion THB, up from 107 billion THB in 2022. The survey also found the top three activities for people during the event – making merit; water splashing; and gathering-feasting.

UTCC President Thanavath Phonvichai said this year's Songkran is expected to be more active than usual, as people's spending has been pent up for a long time and most see the country's economy as recovering, helped by a rebound in tourism.

Meanwhile, the AOT is expecting about 2.37 million domestic and international passengers to pass through its six airports during the holiday, an annual increase of 137%.

From April 11 to 17, airlines have scheduled 14,220 flights through the airports. These comprise 7,500 international and 6,720 domestic flights, up 219% and 2% year-on-year, respectively./.

VNA