Sansern: Over B8bn circulated during Songkran

Sansern: Over B8bn circulated during Songkran

People enjoy themselves on the bank of the Ping river in Kao Lieo district, Nakhon Sawan province, on Sunday. (Photo by Chalit Poomruang)
People enjoy themselves on the bank of the Ping river in Kao Lieo district, Nakhon Sawan province, on Sunday. (Photo by Chalit Poomruang)

The government anticipated 8-16 billion baht was being circulated during the five-day Songkran festival, up 12-14% from the previous year.

Government spokesman Lt Gen Sansern Kaewkammnerd based the projection on positive information gathered from tourism organizations which helped spurred spending during the water festival.

The Thai Hotels Association reported higher occupancy rates at hotels nationwide, with all rooms booked up in some areas. Airlines are also operating 28 chartered flights during April 13-17, bringing in foreign tourists and adding another 249 domestic flights to serve local travellers.

Thais also have more purchasing power as the result of improved farm prices such as those of rubber, palm oil and sugarcane. As well, consumer confidence in March improved to the highest level in two years while the export outlook is more promising, he said. 

Lt Gen Sansern said Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha was satisfied with the improved economic situation and spending during Songkran when compared to 2016.

He said the premier had instructed authorities to examine the status of hotels and tour guides to ensure that they were operating legally. 

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