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125893
Thu, 06/03/2010 - 17:24
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http://m.oananews.org//node/125893
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Bangkok political violence dampens football-crazed fans
BANGKOK, June 3 (TNA) - Money circulation in Thailand during the 2010 World Cup is forecast to be less vigorous than otherwise as more fans may choose to stay at home following recent political violence in the capital, according to the director of the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC) Economic and Business Forecasting Center, Thanawat Polwichai.
The UTCC surveyed 1,112 respondents on the impact of World Cup 2010 on Thailand's economy and its society.
Dr Thanawat said the upcoming World Cup in South Africa is expected to move some Bt30 billion (US$920 million) in circulation, it would help boost by 0.2-0.3 per cent the Thai economy which was previously forecast to grow within a range of 4-5 per cent this year.
In Thailand alone, the value in football betting is expected to increase 90.8 per cent compared to the 2006 World Cup, or about Bt37.2 billion (US$1.14 billion), according to the centre, while about 11 per cent is spent on World Cup-related consumer goods of Bt22.4 billion (US$6.87 million). The total value of Thailand's World Cup spending is Bt59.6 billion (US$1.82 billion), an over 50 per cent increase compared to those in 2006.
The survey found about half of the respondents said they will spend more on World Cup-related activities, 31.5 per cent indicated no change in their spending and 18.4 per cent said they have spent less.
"Had there been no political problems, money circulation would have been as high as Bt70 billion (US$2.14 billion), and that will partly help stimulate the European economy, which in return would help Thai exports," the centre director.
Almost everyone -- 97 per cent of respondents -- said they followed World Cup updates, with half of this percentage for favourite teams or important matches, while the rest of about 3 per cent never did so.
Ninety-three per cent follow the competition from television, followed by radio with about one fourth and internet 15.6 per cent. Among those surveyed, 35 per cent said they would watch the matches with their families and 34.8 watching alone.
The respondents also viewed that debts from gambling would rise during the World Cup period, but the game would help Thais become less stressed from their work and studies.
Mr Thanawat added the games would cheer up Thais whose mental health was affected from the recent political turmoil. However, unlike in previous years, he said the public this year would stay more at their home to watch the matches, and television would gain the most advantages from airing the World Cup live.
Some 84 per cent believe that the Thai economy remains sluggish, about 15 per cent said on average, and less than one in one hundred persons -- 0.4 viewed that it has improved. (TNA)
The UTCC surveyed 1,112 respondents on the impact of World Cup 2010 on Thailand's economy and its society.
Dr Thanawat said the upcoming World Cup in South Africa is expected to move some Bt30 billion (US$920 million) in circulation, it would help boost by 0.2-0.3 per cent the Thai economy which was previously forecast to grow within a range of 4-5 per cent this year.
In Thailand alone, the value in football betting is expected to increase 90.8 per cent compared to the 2006 World Cup, or about Bt37.2 billion (US$1.14 billion), according to the centre, while about 11 per cent is spent on World Cup-related consumer goods of Bt22.4 billion (US$6.87 million). The total value of Thailand's World Cup spending is Bt59.6 billion (US$1.82 billion), an over 50 per cent increase compared to those in 2006.
The survey found about half of the respondents said they will spend more on World Cup-related activities, 31.5 per cent indicated no change in their spending and 18.4 per cent said they have spent less.
"Had there been no political problems, money circulation would have been as high as Bt70 billion (US$2.14 billion), and that will partly help stimulate the European economy, which in return would help Thai exports," the centre director.
Almost everyone -- 97 per cent of respondents -- said they followed World Cup updates, with half of this percentage for favourite teams or important matches, while the rest of about 3 per cent never did so.
Ninety-three per cent follow the competition from television, followed by radio with about one fourth and internet 15.6 per cent. Among those surveyed, 35 per cent said they would watch the matches with their families and 34.8 watching alone.
The respondents also viewed that debts from gambling would rise during the World Cup period, but the game would help Thais become less stressed from their work and studies.
Mr Thanawat added the games would cheer up Thais whose mental health was affected from the recent political turmoil. However, unlike in previous years, he said the public this year would stay more at their home to watch the matches, and television would gain the most advantages from airing the World Cup live.
Some 84 per cent believe that the Thai economy remains sluggish, about 15 per cent said on average, and less than one in one hundred persons -- 0.4 viewed that it has improved. (TNA)
