As the Thingyan Water Festival approaches, prices of festival-related goods in Mon State markets have risen sharply, but sales remain strong, according to vendors who spoke to IMNA.
Due to rising fuel prices and difficulties in fuel access, transportation costs have doubled, pushing up the prices of Thingyan items such as water guns, waterproof phone pouches, goggles, water-play accessories, festival clothing, and decorative items to as much as three times higher than last year.
A small water gun that sold for 3,000 kyats last year is now priced at up to 10,000 kyats, while a large waterproof phone pouch that previously cost 6,000 kyats is now being sold for 20,000 kyats. Despite the price increases, demand remains high, a female wholesale and retail seller in Ye Township said.
“Since early this morning, I’ve been receiving continuous phone calls, and clothing orders have increased. I haven’t even had time to go out or wash my face—I’ve been busy taking orders for these Power Ranger outfits. Sales are really good. Items sell out as soon as they arrive. Last year, one outfit cost about 10,000 kyats, but now prices have reached up to 50,000 kyats,” she said.
Online markets have also seen a rise in advance orders for Thingyan goods.
However, retailers said that due to rising transportation costs, small shops with limited capital are facing shortages of goods despite strong demand.
“Fuel costs for transportation are very high now. It costs around 400,000 kyats to transport goods from Mottama to Mawlamyine. Because we cannot afford the fuel cost, we are unable to place orders for Thingyan items. Many children come asking to buy water guns,” a small shop owner in Ye Township said.
Previously, Thingyan goods were typically sold about a month in advance of the festival. However, since the military coup, pre-orders have declined, and sales now mainly take place only in the days leading up to and during the festival.
The military junta has also permitted the organization of festivals and events in Mon State to ensure a lively Thingyan celebration.
The new Mon State government is preparing to organize large pavilions along Mawlamyine Strand Road and near Mawrawaddy Park, featuring traditional Mon food and entertainment programs with well-known singers.
Local sources said that government staff are being pressured to participate in the urban Thingyan events, while business owners are also being forced to contribute financially.
