Cross-year prayer to be held in Hat Yai’s countdown

SONGKHLA, Dec 19 (TNA) – The southern province of Songkhla will hold the New Year countdown event on Dec 31 in Hat Yai business town while the main highlight will be the cross-year Buddhist prayer instead of entertainment activities. The chairman of the Tourists Business Federation of Songkhla Surapol Kamplanonwat said that the local entrepreneurs planned to hold the New Year event in the Hat Yai city center. This year’s activities will be different, he said, adding that it will focus on simple celebrations with the cross-year prayers and the local product fair. However, he believed tourists would flock to join the event and at least 300 million baht will be circulated during the period.. Malaysian tourists are also expected to cross the border to spend holiday in Hat Yai as it is also the school break in Malaysia, he said. Meanwhile, the authorities will step up security and set up checkpoints on the routes, heading to the main towns, which are tourist destinations, including Muang district, Hat Yai district, and Sadao district to boost confidence among tourists. (TNA)