Government says Songkran can go ahead, CCSA to decide what that looks like

The Thai government says Covid-19 won’t stop this year’s Songkran celebrations, but insists that disease prevention measures will need to be followed. What that means for the mass water fights that were such a huge part of the celebrations pre-pandemic remains unclear for now.

According to a Bangkok Post report, PM Prayut Chan-o-cha has given the green light for interprovincial travel and “all related activities” over the Thai New Year holiday, between April 13 and 15. However, spokesman Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana adds that the PM wants everyone to comply with VUCA measures – that is, Vaccination, Universal Prevention, Covid-free settings, and ATK testing.

The CCSA meets on March 18 to agree the measures that will apply to the Songkran holiday period, with the PM suggesting everyone taking part in water-throwing parties should have received a third vaccine dose and should also take an ATK test before and after travelling. High-risk groups, including the elderly, those with underlying health conditions, and pregnant women, are also being urged to ensure they’re fully vaccinated ahead of the holiday. Thanakorn says the public must continue adhering to measures such as social distancing, wearing face masks, and hand-washing. What that looks like in the middle of a full-scale water fight is not clear.

In related news, Dr Opas Karnkawinpong from the Department of Disease Control says he believes Covid infections have peaked in Thailand, as the number of cases has dropped in recent days. Yesterday, Thailand reported 18,943 new cases and 69 deaths, taking the Covid-19 death toll in the kingdom to 23,369.

SOURCE: Bangkok Post