The atmosphere at yesterday's first day was upbeat as visitors made their way among colourful booths hoping to get a helping hand to find low-interest loans and enjoyed the costumes, celebrity promoters and give-aways on offer.

No visitor needs to leave the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre empty-handed as all the stalls have prepared gifts.

Banks - including TMB Bank, the Government Savings Bank, Kasikornbank and Siam Commercial Bank - have set up their booths in the style of restaurants, with apron-clad staff waiting to dish out help and advice. And to ensure they have all the information required close to hand, the aprons have been specially designed with pockets at the front to hold a variety of brochures.

Other banks have dispersed their staff throughout the centre to mingle with the crowds in a more direct approach.

The Capital OK booth was packed during the first day of the four-day event, with dozens of people lining up to make loan applications.

Elsewhere cuddly toys proved to have pulling power with visitors. BankThai managed to attract crowds of customers with its gimmick - a 40cm-tall teddy bear for each applicant - while UOB Bank (Thai) also drew visitors with an elephant doll for those applying for its products.

Whether or not they were looking for loans, most visitors seemed to enjoy the colourful designs and spacious booths.

One said: "I've visited the event every year. This year the banks' booths are more colourful and bigger than last year. There's more space, although loads of people jammed the booths."

About 50 youngsters, aged between 15 and 19, made a surprise appearance at the money-seekers' fair. But they weren't looking for either loan or deposit products. They were seeking out the stars from "Academy Fantasia" that Bank of Ayudhya had invited to join the event.

Although the kids weren't quite sure what event they were in, it was certainly a creative idea to introduce teenagers and teach them about money at an early age.

Piyarat Setthasiriphaiboon

The Nation