(Thailand, 6th) On the 5th, the Polling Center of Thailand's Chandrakasem Rajabhat University released a survey showing that against the backdrop of soaring oil prices and rising living costs, many people are choosing to reduce spending or even abandon participating in the upcoming Songkran Festival (Water Splashing Festival) celebrations.
According to China News Service, the nationwide poll indicated that most people believe that the continuous climb in living costs and the rising prices of necessities are bringing considerable burdens. Under pressure from high oil prices, many people have chosen to reduce or give up Songkran celebrations, and plan to use savings to cope with holiday spending, with the average expected expenditure at about 8,935.74 Thai baht. There is widespread urging for the government to effectively control the prices of goods.
Among the factors affecting participation in Songkran activities, rising fuel costs ranked first at 55.66%; the overall increase in expenses during the festival was second at 49.53%; extreme weather factors such as high temperatures and heavy rainfall ranked third at 42.22%.
The survey shows that most respondents believe that current living costs have risen significantly, especially as prices of necessities continue to surge, causing greater pressure on household finances.
Due to cost pressures, Thai people's consumption behavior during the festival has become more conservative. The survey shows that 51.42% of respondents chose to cancel celebrations to save expenses; 39.62% reduced travel and opted to spend the holiday at home; 37.50% tended to take short trips locally or to nearby areas to lower travel expenses.
Impacted by factors including ongoing tensions in the Middle East and expectations of tighter global crude oil supplies, international oil prices remain high, driving up domestic refined oil prices in Thailand. As of the 5th local time, the retail price of B7 diesel in Thailand has risen above 50 baht per liter, further increasing transportation and living costs for residents.