Low backing from Thais for government’s Songkran promotion policy: poll
Most Thais are not in favour of the government’s policy to promote Songkran Festival as global destination by extending the celebration period of water splashing festival from three to 21 days in April, according to a poll result by The Attraction, a content provider platform focused on soft power.
The online poll conducted on an undisclosed number of participants asked Thai people their opinion on the 21-day water festival: 21.9% of respondents said the policy was not feasible; 20.9% said they did not understand the policy; and 16.4% said 21 days of celebrations was too long.
When asked if the government’s efforts to promote Songkran this year met their expectations: 33.7% said the Songkran Festival is already world famous and needs no further promotion; 28.2% said the results were below expectations; and 22.8% were hopeful that the government would do better next year as this was its first year in power.
When asked for their opinion — on a scale of 0-10 (zero being should be scrapped) — if the 21-day Songkran should continue, 29.6% of respondents answered 0, while 23.2% gave it a 5, pointing to indecision; 7.4% of respondents gave a score of 10 and wanted the move to continue next year.
Respondents also named celebrities that should be invited to promote the Songkran Festival. They are: Lisa of Blackpink girl group (71.1%), Taylor Swift (39.8%), BTS boy band (19.9%), footballer Harry Maguire (8%), and YouTuber PewDiePie (5%).
As for Songkran venues in Bangkok that respondents would recommend to foreigners, the top choices were: Khao San Road (63.5%), Silom Road (43.3%), Iconsiam shopping mall (32.5%), Sanam Luang (27.6%), and Siam Paragon shopping mall (26.6%).
Among Songkran destinations upcountry, the top choices were: Chiang Mai (38.2%), Chonburi (35.7%), Khon Kaen (31.7%), Samut Prakan (31.7%), and Kanchanaburi (20.1%).
Songkran activities/items that respondents would recommend for foreigners are: Sprinkling water on a Buddha statue (68.6%); sprinkling water on elders, or “Rot Nam Dam Hua” (64.5%), colourful shirts with flower print (57.8%), Thai scented water or “Nam Ob Thai” (50%), and Thai-style water bowl (36.6%).
