Downturn dampens Loy Krathong

Thanavath Phonvichai, director of UTCC's Economic Business Forecasting Centre, yesterday said consumers had been spending more cautiously during the crisis.

In addition, Loy Krathong this year in on November 2, which is a work day instead of a weekend day as in the past.

The UTCC survey found that people plan to spend an average of Bt1,272 per head during the festival. Of those planning to go out, Bt473 is for travel costs and Bt829 for items such as krathong, fireworks, alcohol and food, while Bt271 is the average cost of celebrating at home, with Bt866 for other expenses.