Thailand's Suvarnabhumi Airport likely to serve over 2m int'l travelers during Chinese New Year 2014

BANGKOK, January 29 (TNA) - Thailand’s main Suvarnabhumi International Airport is expected to accommodate over two million international travelers during the Chinese New Year Festival 2014. Suvarnabhumi Airport Director Rawiwan Netrakhawesna told journalists on Wednesday that about 2.03 million international passengers, or 156,336 daily, mostly are from China, are likely to use the Suvarnabhumi Airport during this year's Chinese New Year celebrations, from January 27–February 8, only a 0.64 per cent decline from last year's. Rawiwan pointed out that international airlines have increased a total of 658 flights, 602 are international flights and the rest are domestic ones, to serve their passengers. Rawiwan acknowledged that China Eastern Airlines has mostly increased its flights during the 13-day Lunar New Year celebrations, or additional 198 flights. According to the director, the interior of the Suvarnabhumi Airport’s passenger terminal buildings have, therefore, been adorned with Chinese New Year-themed decorations, while special activities will be held from January 30-31 to particularly welcome visitors from China, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Singapore. Meanwhile, the "Buying Day” of the Chinese New Year Festival 2014 on Wednesday was active throughout Thailand, as Thai people with the Chinese origin were buying fresh food items and other products to traditionally worship their ancestors on Thursday. Most customers said the prices of many products rose, while traders revealed that their customers were paying less this year. In Chiang Rai Province in the Thai North, a large number of Myanmar people with the Chinese origin from Tachileik town even crossed the border to buy worship goods in the Thai side, while a large number of Cambodian people with the Chinese origin also crossed the border to buy worship products at the Rong Khla Market in Aranyaprathet District of Sa Kaeo Province in the Thai East amid stepped up security measures by local officers. In Yasothon Province in the Thai Northeast, paper-made iPhone and iPad sets were among best sellers products for buyers, as traders were wooing customers with discounts and giveaways. In the Thai far South, some families were worshipping their ancestors, guardian spirits and gods, as they were about to close their shops and go on a long Lunar News Year vacation. (TNA)