By Praphorn Praphornkul

   

BANGKOK (NNT) - A meeting of cabinet ministers yesterday (Mar 23) agreed to extend the use of the emergency decree for two more months, until May 31, and approved guidelines and measures to help limit the spread of COVID-19 during Songkran on the concept of "Songkran in New Normal, Inheriting Thai Culture".

 

Government Spokesman, Anucha Burapachaisri, says that activities that involve mass gatherings and close contact for Songkran this year will not be allowed. Permitted activities must comply with the Center for COVID-19 Situation Administration’s (CCSA) guidelines. People can participate in a water-pouring ceremony but it should not be organized in closed or air-conditioned areas. The number of participants has to be limited, and they are encouraged to ensure physical distancing and wear protective masks.

 

Songkran activities are to take place in open areas, with a limit of one person per square meter. Members of the public are advised to avoid crowds, water splashing, powder smearing, foam parties and other parties and events with people from many different areas.

 

Religious and cultural activities will take place nationwide. Different agencies will organize activities to support local artists and cultural performances. People are encouraged to preserve Songkran traditions, such as cleaning their homes, temples and public places, giving alms, making merit, paying their respects to the elderly, and wearing traditional Thai clothes.

 

The cabinet meeting approved a state of emergency extension in the country from April 1st to May 31st, 2021.

 

 

-- © Copyright NNT 2021-03-25

 

- Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you

- Follow Thaivisa on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

7 minutes ago, webfact said:

agreed to extend the use of the emergency decree for two more months,

These new Covid clusters are a blessing in disguise for the government.

Allows them to control those pesky protesters who want a democracy.

1 hour ago, webfact said:

agreed to extend the use of the emergency decree for two more months.

Why? Travel anywhere you want for Songran, but we will keep control measures in place for a further 2 months.

What they actually mean is, we will stop those pesky protesters with what ever means we can.

Why even allow Travel and the festivities to go on for 6 days in the first place.  Cut it back to the original intent when the Merit making ceremony first appeared culturally.  I guess the cabinet did not want to have to make more holidays later in the year to make up for the ones not given because of the nasty Covid virus, or is it they were hoping that all of the protestors would go home and visit family instead of trying to get these bums thrown out of office.  

5 minutes ago, ThailandRyan said:

Why even allow Travel

 

A bit late to try to restrict travel. The "authorities" have been encouraging domestic tourism which obviously includes travel. Airlines, trains and buses all have added extra service, and most are sold out. Canceling travel now would involve a massive snafu.

 

Domestic travel has not been restricted for months, to do so now makes absolutely no sense.

 

 

Some of the other restrictions, like crowd size, seem meant to give the authorities reason to break up any massive parties? Would expect loose, provincial/district curfews (say 11 PM), and extended TOD restrictions on alcohol sales.

 

 

 

 

Appears to be little more than an 'enjoy but lets not go silly' message, understandable given current circumstances

26 minutes ago, mtls2005 said:

 

A bit late to try to restrict travel. The "authorities" have been encouraging domestic tourism which obviously includes travel. Airlines, trains and buses all have added extra service, and most are sold out. Canceling travel now would involve a massive snafu.

 

Domestic travel has not been restricted for months, to do so now makes absolutely no sense.

 

 

Some of the other restrictions, like crowd size, seem meant to give the authorities reason to break up any massive parties? Would expect loose, provincial/district curfews (say 11 PM), and extended TOD restrictions on alcohol sales.

 

 

 

 

In other words.  "If they party like it's 1999 the Government can't be seen as at fault", and if Covid is again let loose from Pandoras box like the last debacle at Christmas time and Samut Songkran, then again, aint our fault is what your trying to say as it will be the bad Thai people who did this and as a Government we will have no choice but to shut everything down as no one can follow orders, restricted to barracks as the Military would say.  Do I have this right?

28 minutes ago, ThailandRyan said:

Do I have this right?

 

Probably not.

 

But it is "dramatic", so there's that going for it.

 

 

20 minutes ago, mtls2005 said:

 

Probably not.

 

But it is "dramatic", so there's that going for it.

 

 

It was as sarcastic as I felt was needed based upon this governments past practices

What is the significance of the uncaptioned photograph in the OP? Three anonymous, unmasked and smiling individuals announcing another 'new normal?

No crowds throwing water but the buses and trains will be packed to their limits. At least water fights are held outside.