Bangkok chief insists no entertainment events will be cancelled

Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt insists that no public entertainment events will be cancelled in the city despite pleas from the Ministry of Public Health.

The 56 year old city chief said that cancelling any upcoming events without reason would cause panic among the people.

The Public Health Permanent Secretary, Kiattiphum Wongrajit, informed the media that he wanted to meet Chadchart to discuss a new plan to prevent the spread of Covid-19 in Bangkok. Furthermore, Kiattiphum reported that the Ministry of Public Health wanted Bangkok to cancel some activities to curb the increasing number of coronavirus infections.

Chadchart reported that he had not received an official invitation but says in his place he would be happy to send the Deputy Permanent Secretary for the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, Wantanee Wattnana.

Chadchart said there is no need to cancel events in Bangkok, like the ongoing Music in the Garden, which kicked off on June 10, and the open-air film festivals were outdoor events. Face masks have been encouraged at all times, and no Covid clusters have evolved from the event.

The Bangkok governor reported that most new virus victims have been infected by family members, friends, and colleagues. But the city chief insisted that he would consider MOPH’s worries and suggestions.

Chadchart said Bangkok would cancel events if he thought it was necessary, and reemphasised he was willing to adjust Covid prevention measures if the negative effects were spotted at the events.

He added plans have been changed for an orchestra competition at the end of this month. The competition will now be an outdoor activity and social distancing measures and ATK testing would be in place at the event.

The Deputy Permanent Secretary Wantanee told the media that she would join the MOPH meeting to discuss the process of Covid medicine distribution. She admitted that the number of new Covid cases has increased, but believes it is under control as most people in Bangkok have already had their booster vaccines.

Wantanee urged infected people to quarantine for 10 days even and encouraged people to get a booster shot.

SOURCE: Matichon