People in Surin are making purchases of new television sets to watch the World Cup football, contributing to near-doubling of sales for the stores. Siriwat Datthuyawat, a salesperson in a large electrical appliances shop in Surin city, revealed that since the run-up period until 3 days after the start of the World Cup, customers come in to continually purchase new television sets of 21 inch and bigger sizes. The store has been able to sell about 10 sets per day, compared with the 5-6 sets per day during the normal period.
Mr. Siriwat said that compared with the last World Cup 4 years ago current sales is still considered lower. He said this may have been caused by the lessened spending by consumers and parents having to prepare money for the new school term. In Surin city, much like in other provinces, restaurants that put up large-screen displays for customers to watch the World Cup matches are filled with football fans, who said that coming out to watch the games with friends and indulging in the atmosphere is more enjoyable than watching at home.