Songkran 2021: Here's what you can and can't do

[webfact]

Picture: Sanook

 

Thai media Sanook published clear details of what you can and can't do at this year's Songkran celebration or Thai New Year next month.

 

The decisions were made at the big committee of the CCSA (Covid steering committee) last Friday as announced by spokesman Thaweesin Visanuyothin. 

 

Sanook called it an update though most Thaivisa readers will be aware of the rules.

 

Firstly, Monday 12th April has now been added as an official public holiday creating a six day event with the previous weekend. 

 

Note that Friday 16th is NOT a holiday so government offices should in theory be open on that day. 

 

Why this was not declared a holiday too has not been announced as many people will undoubtedly just take the whole week off, notes Thaivisa.

 

Here are activities that ARE allowed:

 

1. The sprinkling of lustral water on Buddha images

2. Respects paid to elders in ceremonies.

3. Travel to the provinces 

 

These should all be done according to DMHTT protocols (these refer to things like hand washing, social distancing, mask wearing and track and trace procedures, notes Thaivisa).

 

Activities should take place in spacious areas not enclosed areas and close contact must be avoided.

 

Activities that are NOT allowed:

 

1. Those involving lots of people

2. Water splashing

3. Concerts

4. Use of powder and foam parties.

 

In addition, Sanook said, the emergency decree has been extended by two further months from April 1st to the end of May.

 

This gives the authorities greater enforcement powers and means those breaking the rules can be heavily fined and even jailed. 

 

 

-- © Copyright Thai Visa News 2021-03-25

 

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[CelticBhoy]

I don't think that an agency called "Sanook" is quite the title to have when delivering the stated doom & gloom from the party-poopers in charge.

[Patong2021]

Maybe the return to basics will bring back the family togetherness, the happiness and keep people alive. 

[PatOngo]

No seplash, no sanook, no want! 

[internationalism]

not sure why interprovincial travel is encouraged by the government.

that is spreading virus from bangkok and neighbouring provinces to the villages

[Oldie]

7 minutes ago, internationalism said:

not sure why interprovincial travel is encouraged by the government.

that is spreading virus from bangkok and neighbouring provinces to the villages

It is all about business. The people should travel and spend money. The same reason for the additional holiday day. Covid - forget it... 

[KhunBENQ]

48 minutes ago, CelticBhoy said:

I don't think that an agency called "Sanook" is quite the title to have when delivering the stated doom & gloom from the party-poopers in charge.

Names are nothing but sound and smoke.

It's a popular online "magazine".

You would also find a gruesome murder story at sanook.com.

 

[KhunBENQ]

1 hour ago, webfact said:

Note that Friday 16th is NOT a holiday so government offices should in theory be open on that day. 

Have fun going on that day and please report here :>)

 

The truth is: the country will be in "festival mode" from Sat, April 10 to Sun, April 18.

And better don't plan travel from Friday afternoon.

[hotchilli]

6 hours ago, webfact said:

Note that Friday 16th is NOT a holiday so government offices should in theory be open on that day. 

Theory as we've seen often goes out of the window when it comes to practice.

[Burma Bill]

6 hours ago, webfact said:

published clear details of what you can and can't do at this year's Songkran celebration or Thai New Year next month.

 

I note from both lists, no mention of the throwing of ice cubes/blocks - yes or no??? (it was quite common where I used to live in rural Thailand)

[Caldera]

Another sad and boring Songkran.