Government Advises Thais to Enjoy Songkran Without “Water Blessing” Ceremony

[snoop1130]

 

BANGKOK (NNT) - The Ministry of Public Health is advising the public not to participate in the Songkran holiday’s "water blessing" ceremony, claiming that pouring water on other people’s hands, particularly elderly relatives, increases their risk of contracting COVID-19.

 

Dr Somsak Akkasilp, director-general of the Department of Medical Services, has urged people who plan to return to their hometowns during the upcoming Thai New Year holiday to abstain from participating in the tradition in order to reduce the risk of infection among elderly family members. He also requested that holiday revelers practice social distancing and bowing to one another in order to reduce their chances of contracting COVID-19.

 

Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe

 

Thailand will be celebrating Songkran this year, from April 13-17, and many people are expected to travel to their home provinces to celebrate with their families.

 

The government has stated that it will not impose a travel ban this year. Instead, from March 21-31, it will launch a nationwide campaign to provide a vaccine booster to 70% of the nation’s 12 million senior citizens in order to better protect them from the virus.

 

According to ministry data, only 4 million Thais - roughly 32% of the total senior population aged 60 and over - have received a booster shot.

 

-- © Copyright NNT 2022-03-14

 

- Aetna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here.

 

- Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

[ThailandRyan]

So pouring water on the hands is a no go, but having water fights with the squirt guns is just fine....are these people in another galaxy...

[pokerface1]

3 minutes ago, ThailandRyan said:

So pouring water on the hands is a no go, but having water fights with the squirt guns is just fine....are these people in another galaxy...

Yep you got it right don’t try to use logic or it will give you a head spin. 

[PETERTHEEATER]

No sweat. This year to avoid throwing water we will hurl blocks of ice.

[connda]

Government steps to the forefront to destroy the last vestiges of Thai culture.
I guess they need wealthy foreigners to come to Thailand for its high-priced malls now that cultural activities have been permanently shelved in the name of safety.  Dress some mannequins in traditional Thai cloths and call it a win!
Malls - Safe
Cultural activities - Unsafe.

Edited March 14, 2022 by connda

[internationalism]

getting soaked in water, sometimes cold, sometimes dirty from canal, and for hours, can lead to lowered immunity and different infections. That should be avoided.

But washing somebodies hands or feet is completely harmless. I don't think it was ever mentioned by the government the last year, even there was more serious virus raging around.

Many elderly would be upset and won't understand reason. 

Edited March 14, 2022 by internationalism

[spidermike007]

Keep up the fear. After all, we wouldn't want the people to have too much fun. 

 

What will this oppressive regime do when Covid is finally gone, as it likely will be soon? 

 

Yeah, water like beer is quite dangerous. 

[vandeventer]

12 hours ago, spidermike007 said:

Keep up the fear. After all, we wouldn't want the people to have too much fun. 

 

What will this oppressive regime do when Covid is finally gone, as it likely will be soon? 

 

Yeah, water like beer is quite dangerous. 

This could be another dry year this year, sometime your prayers are answered.

[hotchilli]

13 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

The Ministry of Public Health is advising the public not to participate in the Songkran holiday’s "water blessing" ceremony, claiming that pouring water on other people’s hands, particularly elderly relatives, increases their risk of contracting COVID-19.

And the usual water fights?

[Scouse123]

The beauty of Thailand is it is never short of some ' expert ' in government prepared to come forward and make an ass of themselves spouting the obvious or giving their spin on the Coronavirus even though they possess no medical qualifications to do so.

[Ralf001]

Will be down the 6 this year, love me a massive drunken waterfight !!

[JonnyF]

Well it's only advice. It's not like they're banning it.

 

Personally I think it's probably good advice (for once). Someone with Covid coughing all over their hands, sneezing, wiping their runny nose with their hands etc. before reaching into a bucket of water and then throwing that water over someone probably isn't the best idea, especially in the villages where vaccination rates are lower or they've been jabbed with Sino khrap. 

 

As long as they allow inter provincial travel and keep all the restaurants open then I'll be happy.  

[HappyExpat57]

And I'd bet my bottom 25 satang I won't be able to go on my motorbike 3 kilometers in any direction without getting doused with dirty klong water.

[Burma Bill]

19 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

claiming that pouring water on other people’s hands, particularly elderly relatives, increases their risk of contracting COVID-19.

Well I never!! 

I thought the rinsing and washing of hands was a public health requirement to help prevent the spread of Covid-19!!

[zzaa09]

Oh dear.

Appears that some circles [Thai authorities/officialdom] still don't get it. 

Astounding -