Mayjira Kongkeaw, owner of the Norm Boutique shop,
said sales have dropped this year so she cut her prices to 180 baht.
Issaree Paipornrueang
Along with the water guns, the arrival of floral shirts in stores
heralds the coming of Songkran.
From banks to restaurants to grocery stores, Thais swap out uniforms for the
colorful shirts to celebrate the coming of the hot season and the Thai New Year.
But this year, political strife in Bangkok has at least one shirt vendor saying
sales aren’t as rosy as last year.
Mayjira Kongkeaw, who has been selling Songkran shirts for 30 years at the
Naklua Market, has seen sales drop this year, forcing her to cut prices.
“In the past, I could not even sit down because there were so many customers.
But this year it seems quiet and not as crowded as before,” the 44-year-old
vendor said.
Mayjira said she has cut prices from last year’s 190 baht to 180 baht. Her
prices, however, are on the high side, as retailers last year reported average
prices were as low as 150 baht.
She’s hoping sales would increase as this weekend’s “Wan Lai” day neared, but
wondered how much the Bangkok street protests have dampened enthusiasm for the
Songkran.
“I’m not sure if it will happen or not because of political unrest. But maybe
some of tourists from Bangkok will come to Pattaya,” she said.
Saipin Piamrit, who runs the Darani 2 opposite Wat Chaimongkol on South Pattaya
Road, agreed that sales were better last year. “Sales this year are ok, but they
were better a year ago.”
Sommai (surname unknown) who runs an unnamed shop on Soi Hollywood, said that
last year sales were better, as it is quieter this year. “Not many people are
coming around to buy shirts … It might be because there are too many shirts
vendors this year and the economic situation is not very good.”
