Thais Mark Lunar New Year
BANGKOK, Feb 16 (TNA) - Thai-Chinese communities across Thailand flocked to shrines on Monday to mark the start of the Lunar New Year, with consumer spending projected to hit a six-year high despite lingering economic caution.
In Bangkok’s historic Yaowarat Chinatown, crowds gathered as early as dawn for "Shopping Day" on Sunday. Residents queued for traditional offerings including roasted ducks, auspicious fruits, and ritual paper money to honor ancestors.
Official Chinese New Year festivities in Bangkok’s Chinatown have been cancelled this year due to the national mourning for the late Queen Mother.
In the southern province of Songkhla, the City Pillar Shrine on Monday saw a steady stream of devotees and tourists praying for prosperity amidst the sound of firecrackers and traditional incense offerings.
In the northern province of Chiang Mai, locals scaled back on elaborate offerings due to budget consciousness. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) expects over 100,000 visitors this week. The city's Chinatown area saw tourists from China, Taiwan, Japan, and Europe, with local tourism revenue estimated to reach 1 billion baht.
The University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC) forecasts a vibrant season. National spending is expected to rise 5% year-on-year to 54.2 billion baht ($1.7 billion), driven by a recovery in tourism and festive sentiment.
The UTCC noted that while consumer confidence has not fully returned to pre-pandemic levels, the "Lunar New Year effect" remains a vital pillar for the retail and service sectors. Consumers are prioritizing essential ritual items and opting for short-haul "day-trip" merit-making to manage costs.
The festivities, which run through February 17, mark the most significant cultural event for Thailand’s large ethnic Chinese population and a critical window for the country’s tourism-led economy.
