Around Bt89 billion is forecast to be circulated during
the upcoming New Year festival, a 10.5-per cent rise year-on-year in all
types of expenses, according to the University of the Thai Chamber of
Commerce (UTCC) Economic and Business Forecasting Centre.
About 56 per cent of those surveyed plan to spend their
money on travel. The money circulation for domestic tourism during this
festive season is expected around Bt40 billion and for tourism abroad around
Bt24 billion.
According to the UTCC research, the other half of the
people will stay at home, while they will spend for new year party
celebrations at about Bt6.1 billion, merit-making at Bt7.2 billion, consumer
goods at Bt9.2 billion, luxury items Bt570 million and durable merchandises
at Bt900 million.
Director of UTCC Economic and Business Forecasting Center,
Thanawat Polwichai said the survey indicated that the public spending
ambience is vigorous this year despite earlier flood situations. He said
this is due to improving political circumstances, more public confidence,
higher prices of agricultural produce, and the not-too-strong baht exchange
rate. He said that as a result, Thailand’s economic growth rate next year
for is forecast to grow 4.5-5 per cent without political problems, the Thai
and the world economy downturn.
About half of those surveyed, or 51 per cent, said they
believed the Thai economy will improve next year, 34 per cent said it will
maintain at the same level, and around 13 per cent said it will be worse,
whereas they viewed that the country’s political situations will not
improve. Around 63 per cent of the public voiced their opinion that
merchandise tended to be more expensive next year and hoped the Ministry of
Commerce to have measures to control prices of goods and to cushion
consumption expenses.
For the upcoming New Year season, 62 per cent of the
public want to give their presents to Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva,
which are flowers, cards, the Thai harmony, and moral support. Six per cent
want to offer their gifts to ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra and about 5.5
per cent to Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban.
Meanwhile, road accidents, traffic problems, safety of
accommodation during holiday trips, crimes, and price hikes for goods during
the festive time are the concerns of Thais.
On the New Year occasion, those surveyed said they wished
His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej good health. They also wished for the
harmony among Thais, a better economy and safety in lives and property. (MCOT/TNA
news)
