February 11, 2009
Bangkok (ASTV Manager Online) – 43.3 percent of Thais thought that Valentine’s Day was not important or just important a little while only 13.1 percent said it was important, according to a poll.
University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC) surveyed 1,202 respondents during February 3-6.
Most people anticipated Valentine’s Day would be less celebrated this year due to economic worries.
The average spending is expected to remain at 577 baht per person. Valentine spending will be the lowest in three years.
Young people in Bangkok would spend less, and chocolate would be a preferred choice to flowers, according to Kasikorn Research Center.
50 percent of total money spent on Valentine’s Day would come from Bangkok.
The love festival was expected to become busy at the beginning of this week due to long holidays. Those who give importance to Valentine’s Day have already bought gifts in advance.
34 percent of Bangkokians selected chocolate as Valentine gift whereas 32.7 percent went for flowers and 9.3 percent chose cards.
It is the first year that Bangkokians bought chocolate gifts more than flowers.
