Thai New Year

  • Covid-19 NewsCCSA to decide Songkran rules today

    CCSA to decide Songkran rules today

    Thailand’s Public Health Minister says the government’s Covid-19 task force will meet today to decide what this year’s Songkran celebrations will look like. While a ban on inter-provincial travel is not expected, Anutin Charnvirakul says provincial governors will impose health screening protocols on those moving between provinces. “We are now on the last lap. Covid-19 vaccines have already arrived and…

  • Covid-19 NewsSocially distanced Songkran traditions allowed, water fights likely to be banned

    Socially distanced Songkran traditions allowed, water fights likely to be banned

    Thailand’s Culture Minister says that, while this year’s Songkran holiday will go ahead, activities such as water splashing, foam parties, and the daubing of powder paste are likely to be banned. Itthiphol Kunplome adds that the Bangkok Metropolitan Association may decide to close Khao San Road, normally a water fight epicentre. The Bangkok Post reports that this year, the Thai…

  • Pattaya NewsExtra doses of Covid vaccine lined up for tourist provinces

    Extra doses of Covid vaccine lined up for tourist provinces

    Thailand’s Culture Ministry and the Tourism and Sports Ministry says provinces considered major tourist destinations could be given extra doses of the Covid-19 vaccine. Culture Minister Itthiphol Kunplome says the government is being asked to agree to the proposal in order to boost residents’ confidence and help local economies. The chosen provinces included Phuket, Chiang Mai, Chon Buri (Pattaya), and…

  • Thailand NewsOfficials mull over new guidelines for this year’s Songkran water festival

    Officials mull over new guidelines for this year’s Songkran water festival

    With Thailand’s massive water festival, Songkran, set to go on next month, officials are now mulling over potential guidelines to help reduce the risk of Covid-19. The culture minister says there is talk of setting up so-called “water play” areas that allow the water fights and splashes with a Covid-19 check-in at the entrance. Pattaya News says face shields, goggles…

  • Thailand NewsSocial distancing for Songkran, Thailand’s New Year water festival

    Social distancing for Songkran, Thailand’s New Year water festival

    Thailand’s massive water festival Songkran, celebrating the Thai New Year, got the “okay” as long as the festivities are in line with Covid-19 prevention measures. PM Prayut Chan-o-cha says people need to abide by social distancing rules during the Songkran holiday from April 13 to 15… So make sure your water gun shoots at a long range. For long distance water…

  • World NewsHow Asian countries celebrate the arrival of another year

    How Asian countries celebrate the arrival of another year

    As the dust settles on this year’s somewhat muted New Year celebrations, some Asian countries still have their own festivities to look forward to. And it’s not all fireworks and drunken parties – in Asia, the dawn of a new year is seen as a time to celebrate family and good fortune, while washing away the bad luck of the…

  • Thailand NewsRemaining Songkran holidays set for September, without the water fights

    Remaining Songkran holidays set for September, without the water fights

    The Cabinet has approved a proposal from culture minister Itthipol Khunpleum to celebrate the 2 remaining days of Songkran in September. The 3-day Songkran holiday, usually observed in April, was postponed this year as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. A replacement public holiday was observed at the end of July and the 2 remaining days will now be marked…

  • Tourism NewsJuly Songkran plans pushed back to later in the year

    July Songkran plans pushed back to later in the year

    People won’t be throwing or spraying water on each other next month. Celebrations for Thailand’s New Year – Songkran – were rumoured to be moved from April to July, but a 3 day soaking wet holiday might not happen until later this year. The large water celebrations could even be separated to be on non-consecutive days, according to a source in…

  • Songkran NewsTop 10 dos and don’ts for the 2020 Songkran festival

    Top 10 dos and don’ts for the 2020 Songkran festival

    Heading to Thailand for the 2020 Songkran festival? Want to know the dates, where to go and the dos and don’ts for this amazing water festival in Thailand? Songkran is a single name given to a series of concurrent events – an astrological ‘new year’, a Buddhist festival, the ‘change’ from dry season to wet season and a humongous water…