When the message of love fills the air

When the message of love fills the air

Flowers, dinners, gold — it's the usual Valentine's Day

Today could have been just another Saturday for millions of Bangkok residents. Instead, they will be plied with roses, chocolates, gifts or candle-lit dinners.

A survey by Kasikorn Research Centre recently found people will be spending at least 15 billion baht on gifts and celebrations on this special day.

Conducted on 400 people in Bangkok aged between 15 and 39, the survey revealed a 7.2% rise in spending for Valentine's Day this year. According to the survey, political unrest likely marred the day of romance last year.

The survey also found people are expected to spend more this year because the special day falls on a weekend which allows them to spend more time with their loved ones and splurge more on gifts, luxurious dinners and other activities.

Aat Pisanwanich, dean of the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce’s economics faculty, agrees the special day falling on a weekend has encouraged spending as couples are given more time to spend with their lovers and to linger over activities.

The presence of shopping malls in every nook and cranny in the city means there is a greater likelihood that people will splurge on gifts and dinners, he added.

"Nothing represents Valentine's Day better than a red rose," he said. Roses are the classic gift to be given on Valentine’s Day, so not surprisingly they are the most popular among couples.

According to the survey, about 52% of respondents said they planned to buy flowers as a gift for their lovers.

Flowers are the most preferred Valentine’s gift among women who responded to a survey carried out by NadDate, an online dating website, about their plans.

Some 202 people aged between 25 and 45 who earn at least 20,000 baht a month responded to the survey.

About 27% of female respondents listed flowers as the best gift for them on this special day. Jewellery was listed by 18%, Valentine’s cards by 12% and chocolate and brand-name accessories by 10%.

Jirattaphol Pawnudomboonnark, 34, owner of a tea outlet, said women generally love flowers as it brings freshness to their lives and improves the mood and atmosphere.

Apart from a bouquet of red roses, he plans to have a special dinner with his girlfriend to celebrate the occasion.

“It’s okay for a man to splurge on a big gift and expensive dinner to impress their loved one. That’s something a man should do for the woman he loves on this special day,” Mr Jirattaphol said.

According to the Kasikorn survey, working people aged between 25 and 39 planned to spend more on each other — or about 2,300 baht per person — than students aged between 15 and 24 who said they would spend 1,200 baht.

About 20% of male respondents who took part in the online dating website survey said they expect to get chocolate as a gift. About 18% of them hope their lovers will cook a special meal for them. Flowers and Valentine’s cards were listed by 17%. About 10% of respondents expected to receive sentimental gifts made by their lovers.

Nongram Trachoo, 37, a hotel director's assistant in Bangkok, said she and her husband planned to have lunch at a restaurant in the city.

“Eating out is convenient for us as city residents,” she said, adding she thought about cooking a special meal for her husband but it did not seem to fit their lifestyle as they live in a condominium.

Exchanging expensive gifts can also be an expression of commitment for some.

Wachinee Thongun, 26, a marketing planner, said she was looking for a nice gold ring as a gift for her Valentine whom she has been dating for more than 10 years.

“He gave me a gold bracelet last year. So, I plan to woo him with a ring to show him how committed I have become this year,” she said.

But celebrating Valentine’s Day however doesn’t necessarily have to be expensive for every couple.

Waratah Jongsaeng, 24, a public relations manager, said she and her boyfriend planned to keep their celebration as low-key as possible. Instead of splurging on an expensive dinner in a vibrant restaurant, they will have a quick dinner at a street restaurant and spend quality time together.

“It’s not the price tag that matters,” she said, adding it shouldn't be obligatory for a man to splurge to please a woman.

Ms Waratah says she plans to bake some cookies for her boyfriend, and all she wants in return is something thoughtful, or a simple "I love you" which wouldn't cost a single baht.

However, the importance of Valentine's Day diminishes somewhat among more mature couples.

Chairat Kongkreingkrai, 41, a bank manager, said his wife does not enjoy crowded restaurants.

The couple have agreed to stay home and enjoy some home cooking to avoid the crowds and traffic congestion.

But a couple doesn't always have to spend to celebrate Valentine's Day.

About 94% of the respondents in the Kasikorn survey said they would express their love to their partners through the social media as it was the most convenient and cheapest way to enjoy the occasion.

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