Spiritual weekend boosts trade, tourism in Thailand

Tourism and trade along the Thai border this week will see brighter prospects as people across the nation prepare for the Buddhist Lent on July 16. In Songkhla, tourists from Malaysia and Singapore continue to pack the southern province's central business and transport district of Hat Yai, with hotel reservations occupied until the end of August. Somchart Pimthanapoonporn, president of Hat Yai Hotel Association told Thai News Agency that at least 50 million baht to change hands during the four-day public holiday from July 15-18. In Chanthaburi, active trade had been reported at Thailand's northeastern border with Cambodia. Local Cambodians were seen gathering at the Thai border checkpoint from as early as 7am local time, before making their way to purchase goods for merit making during the Asalaha Bucha Day and the Buddhist Lent. Local shopkeepers admitted having to pile up on supplies to meet demands, while the Thai-Cambodian border trade and tourism association in Chanthaburi predicted the border trade value should exceed 30 million baht by Friday.