Bangkok government invites couples to register marriages in lieu of Valentine’s Day

Bangkok government has invited all couples, who have been hit by Cupid’s arrow, to register their marriages instead of Valentine’s Day. Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt announced the “Silom of Love @Bangrak” event, which is welcoming couples to commemorate their love.

According to ASEAN Now, Chardchart says they can register their marriages at the Bang Rak district office on Valentine’s Day. The office is considered a popular location for couples to register their marriages on this special holiday.

The office on the 17th floor of the United Centre Building will open to accommodate such marriage registrations.

For those celebrating the event, every couple will be treated to special ceremonies and receive a souvenir from the government office. Furthermore, they will be entered into a draw to win one of ten gold marriage certificates.

The event will also award other prizes and have activities for newlyweds. The event will start on February 14 with participation limited to 599 couples.

Thai nationals can register their attendance at the event by scanning a QR code at facebook.com/BangkokBangRak/ before February 10 or until the limit is reached.

Foreigners can register in person at the district office. For more information, people can contact 02-253-1513.

Meanwhile, Thailand’s Valentine’s Day spending is expected to jump for the first time in five years this year, according to a survey by the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC). Spending is expected to hit over 2.4 billion baht this year, the survey said.

The survey shows a 57.1% increase in spending compared to last year, with the majority of the money being spent on gifts, dining out, flowers, and movies. UTCC President Thanavath Phonvichai stated that this year’s spending is predicted to be active despite a relatively high cost of living and recent holiday spending.

The study, based on a survey of 1,225 people nationwide, showed that spending is expected to average 1,848 baht per person, compared to 1,176 baht last year, Bangkok Post reported. Thanavath attributes the increase in spending to the recovering economy, which is reflected in the 5.02% year-on-year headline inflation seen in January. The UTCC also forecasts economic growth of 3.5-4% this year, driven by a surge in foreign tourist arrivals, particularly from China, and the general election scheduled for the second quarter.

The election is expected to generate 40-50 billion baht in spending and raise economic growth by 0.3 percentage points. Additionally, the UTCC estimates that five million Chinese tourists will arrive in the second quarter, bringing the total number of foreign arrivals to 26-27 million this year.