"Sia Preecha," a generous businessman in Udon Thani, has announced that he will stop giving out red packets for Chinese New Year starting this year. He explained the reason is concern it might become an issue due to the upcoming election and because he has already given generously to society.
On 6 Feb 2026 GMT+7, at the Pu-Ya Shrine Foundation meeting room in Udon Thani municipality, a ceremony was held to transfer the chairmanship of the Pu-Ya Shrine Foundation from Mr. Wisit Uewongkul, the 5th chairman, to Mr. Chanchai Thanapura, the 6th chairman. Mr. Natthapong Khamwongpin, Deputy Governor of Udon Thani, Mr. Kittikorn Thekthananon, Mayor of Udon Thani, former chairmen of the shrine, and representatives of the Sae family clans in Udon Thani were present as honored witnesses. At the event, Mr. Preecha Chairat, Lifetime Honorary Chairman of the Pu-Ya Shrine Foundation, donated 1,200,000 baht for the foundation’s auspicious food project to Mr. Chanchai Thanapura, the current chairman.
Afterward, Mr. Preecha Chairat, or "Sia Preecha," aged 76, owner of Rerm Udom sugar factory, Baan Chiang Hotel, Preecha Market, and real estate in Udon Thani, known as a generous businessman in Udon Thani who has continuously given red packets, announced that he would stop distributing red packets this Chinese New Year. He has done so for 40-50 years. He explained his first reason is that the election for members of parliament is just one week before Chinese New Year, raising concerns of potential issues.
His second reason is his age — now 76 years old — and that he has been giving red packets for a considerable time. As he grows older, it is time to conclude this tradition. Third, every year many people come as early as 3-4 a.m. to wait for red packets, and they often finish by 10 a.m., losing a day’s work. Sometimes, it’s not worth waiting; working might earn more. Therefore, he will not give red packets this year or in the years ahead.
"The main reason for stopping the Chinese New Year red packet giveaway this year is the risk of violating election regulations, which I was unaware of. This year, Chinese New Year falls on 15 February, while the parliamentary election is on 8 February. If I gave out red packets, could it cause issues? I decided to stop mainly for this reason. Second, after 40-50 years of giving red packets and now at age 76, it’s time to rest. I have given a lot to the community already. I take this opportunity to wish everyone good health and strength to endure the still challenging economic conditions this year," he said. When asked about politics and which party might lead or win, Sia Preecha silently gestured with his finger to indicate he would not comment.
According to reporters, every Chinese New Year, many people gather in front of Sali Ngern’s house on Nit Yo Road to receive red packets. There are two main reasons people come: first, to receive red packets as a lucky charm to invest with; second, to use the money for daily expenses. Sia Preecha once explained that the red packet tradition began when an employee requested 200 baht, which then expanded to giving red packets to many people. The distribution eventually required organization, prioritizing disabled people, the elderly, and disadvantaged groups. This year, however, there will be no such scenes in front of Sali Ngern’s house, leaving only the legend to be told to future generations.