Lunar New Year spending seen at 3-yr high

Lights and lanterns are on display ahead of the Lunar New Year in Pattaya, Chon Buri province. This year, the Lunar New Year falls on Jan 22. (Photo: Chaiyot Pupattanapong)

Thailand's consumer spending over the Lunar New Year period could rise 13.6% to 45 billion baht (US$1.36 billion), a three-year high, as the economy recovers and China's border reopening bolsters tourism, a university survey showed on Thursday.

The estimated spending compares with 39.6 billion baht last year, Thanavath Phonvichai, president of the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC), told a briefing.