Chamber of Commerce Predicts Vibrant Valentine's Day with 2.9 Billion Baht Spending, Highest in 6 Years

The Thai Chamber of Commerce predicts a vibrant Valentine's Day with 2.9 billion baht in spending, the highest in 6 years, as Thai people anticipate improved economic conditions after the upcoming election. Umakorn Suntornsurati, Assistant Director of the Economic and Business Forecasting Center at the University of Thai Chamber of Commerce, revealed a survey of attitudes, behaviors, and spending during Valentine's Day 2024. The survey of 1,280 nationwide samples found that 35.3% consider the day moderately important, with Gen Z showing the most enthusiasm. When asked about Valentine's Day feelings, 69.1% reported happiness, 20.6% felt anticipation, and 7.8% experienced stress. Spending sources included 70.1% from snack money and 26.1% from savings. Top benefiting businesses include hotels, gift shops, flower stores, restaurants, and chocolate/candy vendors. Interestingly, 51.5% of respondents plan no Valentine's celebrations, while 48.5% will mark the occasion. Thanawat Pholvichai, the university's president, noted that the survey reflects optimism about post-election economic prospects and expects significant circulation of election-related spending.