Loy Krathong to generate 6.1 billion baht: tourism authority
Loy Krathong, Thailand’s festival of light, is expected to generate 6.1 billion baht in tourism revenue from 2.04 million domestic tourists, increasing 5% and 10% year on year respectively, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) said on Thursday.
Loy Krathong is celebrated on the full moon night of the 12th lunar month and this year falls on November 27, when Thais will launch decorated floats or krathong onto waterbodies to pay respect to Phra Mae Khongkha, the Goddess of Water.
The festival is also celebrated with fireworks and, in certain parts of Thailand, the launching of lanterns into the sky.
TAT estimates that during the festival some 2.04 million Thais will travel to provinces that host big celebrations, such as Bangkok, Sukhothai, and Chiang Mai, bringing average hotel occupation rate to around 58%.
“However, people’s spending will not increase drastically from last year, as Thais are still cautious about laying out cash amidst the rising cost of living,” TAT governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool said.
A recent survey by the Tourism Council of Thailand (TCT) revealed that 40% of Thais plan to celebrate Loy Krathong in their hometown, while 39% plan to travel to nearby provinces.
The most popular destinations among respondents are the northern region, followed by the central region, Bangkok and the metropolitan area, and the northeastern region, respectively.
Thapanee said TAT will organise a Loy Krathong festival at Phadung Krung Kasem canal in Bangkok from November 25-27, which will highlight promoting the culture of riverside communities and the use of biodegradable krathong to minimise environmental damage.
The tourism authority will also host Loy Krathong celebrations in five key provinces to boost tourism, namely Sukhothai (November 18-27), Tak (November 24-27), Chiang Mai (November 26-28), Samut Songkhram (November 18-27) and Roi Et (November 26-27).
