Covid overshadows New Year’s plans for many – Dusit poll

As if 2020 wasn’t bad enough, many Thais say ringing in the New Year will be overshadowed by Covid-19 concerns, followed by financial woes and the overall world economy.

The Suan Dusit Rajabhat University Poll, asked for opinions on the matter from 1,277 people nationwide on December 4 through December 10, to gauge their New Year’s travel plans.

Each respondent was allowed to give more than 1 answer, and when asked about what would affect their travel plans, a majority of almost 93% said Covid-19 was the biggest factor, followed by the economy, with almost 57% choosing the economy as the biggest factor, and almost 37% choosing traffic conditions as the overarching problem with travelling.

When asked what their favourite travel destinations would be, Chiang Mai came first, with almost 32% choosing the northern Thailand destination. Bangkok and Chon Buri followed with 23% and 20% respectively choosing those locales. Nan was chosen by about 13% with Chiang Rai coming in last at 12%.

Asked to mention five travelling “behaviours” they would change during the coming New Year, about 84% said they would be more careful; 68% would avoid crowded locations; 67% said they would be more selective about travel destinations; 59% said they would visit tourist spots nearer their homes; and 34% said they would try to make one-day trips without staying overnight.

On their average travel expenses per year, 26% said they spent 10,001-20,000 Thai baht; almost 24% said they spent 5,000 – 10,000 baht; almost 19% 20,001 – 30,000 baht; about 17% more than 30,000 baht; and 14% responded by saying they spent less than 5,000 baht.

SOURCE: Bangkok Post