Health Minister says no water splashing on Khaosan Road during Songkran

[webfact]

 

The Ministry of Public Health has rejected a request, from businesses on Bangkok’s famed backpacker haven Khaosan Road, to allow water splashing, although other ways to celebrate Thailand’s traditional New Year Songkran are permitted.

 

Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said today (Monday) that it is still necessary keep the risk of COVID-19 infections, from close contact, to a minimum among Songkran revellers.

 

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He admitted, though, that it will be difficult to prevent people from being close together when they gather at a specific venue.

 

The minister then asked businesses in the Khaosan area to be patient and to wait another year before water splashing resumes, noting that public compliance with safety measures is needed, as Thailand is moving to classify COVID-19 as an endemic disease, tentatively by July.

 

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Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/health-minister-says-no-water-splashing-on-khaosan-road-during-songkran/

 

-- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-03-29

 

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[Thaiwrath]

he urged the public to start practicing safety measures from April 1^st, so they will be familiar with them during the festival.

 

These 'measures' have been in effect for nearly 2 years. 

If they are not already familiar with them, they never will be Mr A !

[hotchilli]

People will celebrate in other ways, the water fights were becoming a free-for-all in some locations.

What was once a bit of fun was high jacked and turned into a fiasco.

[brommers]

As a billionaire it is easy for this dolt to tell businesses to be patient and wait another year. In another year there will have been more bankruptcies of businesses that have in no way contributed to the spreading of Covid because they are asking for an outdoor event where transmission is at a minimum. Singapore is able to hold a water war this year so why not Thailand? Only because those in power are intent on keeping their jackboots on the throats of the Thai people. 

[RichardColeman]

Sure there will still be the usual chaos with dead drivers from buckets of waters thrown over car windows and motorbike helmets. Bunch of - lethal - kids

[4MyEgo]

4 hours ago, webfact said:

Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said today (Monday) that it is still necessary keep the risk of COVID-19 infections, from close contact, to a minimum among Songkran revellers.

The reason, I presume is to keep hospitals at an acceptable level for the flu endemic.

 

Edited March 29, 2022 by 4MyEgo

[tonray]

Great...now how about prohibiting drunkards peeing in the Soi allys too ?

[redwood1]

Good....I am celebrating already.......Another  wonderful Songkran ahead....

[Road Warrior]

magic  !!  wont work with thais !!

[bluejets]

Riiiiiight...!

My imagination is pretty good but won't stretch that far...????

[Burma Bill]

10 hours ago, webfact said:

businesses in the Khaosan area to be patient and to wait another year before water splashing resumes

Whilst across the border in Cambodia - happiness, happiness!!

 

"Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen on March 28 once again affirmed that Cambodians can celebrate the Khmer traditional New Year festival in mid-April after two years of suspension due to the COVID-19 outbreak".

 

https://www.khmertimeskh.com/501048897/cambodians-to-celebrate-khmer-traditional-new-year-festival-in-april/

 

"The Phnom Penh Capital Administration is in the process of preparing the city for the celebration of the Khmer New Year and to welcome the expected flow of tourists during the holidays."

 

https://www.khmertimeskh.com/501049212/phnom-penh-capital-administration-gears-up-for-approaching-kny/

 

[shackleton]

Well at least we have a decision made no throwing water

A few people will be happy can't see many tourists getting involved 

Probably same in Pattaya always next year for people to ???? 

[Caldera]

I want the naughty version of Songkran back as soon as possible, if only because I'll enjoy reading people whinge and moan about ice water, khlong water, whatnot. ????