Chiang mai: Chiang Mai is bustling with activity on Chinese New Year's shopping day, with sales of ducks and chickens soaring to 1,000 animals per day.
According to Thai News Agency, the Siriwatana Market in Chiang Mai city was particularly lively, with Uncle Oun's Nakhon Pathom braised duck stall seeing high demand. Ms. Sopha, the stall owner, noted that despite a 2 baht increase in the price of fresh duck per kilogram, they maintained their selling prices. Large braised ducks sold for 450 baht each, with orders reaching 400 ducks. Boiled chicken, priced between 250-300 baht each depending on size, also saw a large order of 600 chickens. Sales for both items have been very strong this year.
The municipal fresh market in Hua Samrong Subdistrict, Chachoengsao Province, also experienced a busy day with shoppers seeking offerings such as boiled chicken, steamed rice cakes, fruits, and ceremonial items. Aunt Ngaed, a vendor in the market, shared that the demand for traditional Thai sweets, Khanom Thien and Khanom Kheng, has increased significantly. She prepared over 500 kilograms of sweets this year, surpassing last year's production, and reported strong sales.
In Uthai Thani Municipal Market, Thai people of Chinese descent gathered in large numbers to purchase offerings for the festival, resulting in high sales of goods like paper money, gold paper, pork, chicken, fish, and traditional Chinese sweets. The market atmosphere was notably busy.
Pimonchai Fresh Market in Mueang Yala District, Yala Province, saw similar activity with customers buying offerings for Lunar New Year. The prices for most goods, including meat and seafood, remained stable compared to last year, while security personnel ensured tight control in the area.