The government has declared Chinese New Year’s day, which falls on Friday February 12^th, a special public holiday and Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha is encouraging Thai people, not just those of Chinese descent, to spend during the long weekend, as a boost for the economy, said Ms. Traisulee Traisoranakul, deputy government spokesperson, on Sunday.

As Thais of Chinese descent will be buying additional food, other festive items and offerings to their ancestors before Chinese New Year, she said that the prime minister has instructed the Internal Trade Department to make sure that vendors do not take advantage of consumers by hiking prices.

Traders are also required to display price labels or face legal action.

As more people are now turning to online shopping, Ms. Traisulee said officials have also been instructed to check the prices of goods for sale on online, to prevent profiteering and misleading advertising, while consumers are advised to check carefully before making purchases online.