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./.
Source: Vietnam News Agency
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Thailand steps up investment in Eastern Economic Corridor
Thai authorities are aiming to boost their gross domestic product (GDP) by promoting a plan to generate a 2.2 trillion THB (64.9 billion USD) investment into five targeted industries within the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) by 2026.
Chula Sukmanop, Secretary-General of the EEC Office, said according to the plan that started last year, Thai residents and foreigners will be encouraged to invest in health care, digital, electronics, automobile sectors and industries under the bio-circular-green (BCG) economic model.
With the above-mentioned targeted sectors, the EEC will help Thailand's economy grow by 5% annually, equivalent to 400 billion THB per year.
The EEC, which comprises areas in Chon Buri, Rayong, and Chachoengsao provinces, will become Thailand's hi-tech industry hub.
The official said the Thai Government is currently in discussions with real estate developers to design industrial parks that will create favourable conditions for new projects. At the same time, transport and logistics infrastructure development will continue to help investors in the EEC save operating costs.
The Government wants to equip workers with improved skills and technological know-how to reassure investors that talented labour is always available here to help them run their businesses, he said./.
Source: Vietnam News Agency