Thailand Ministry of Health reports 21,678 new COVID-19 cases and an additional 78 deaths since yesterday. The ministry also announced an additional 27,138 patients recovered from the COVID-19 virus.
Deputy Prime Minister and Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul discourage business in Khao San to plan water-splashing events. He added that their patience and cooperation will help avoid any resurgence of COVID-19 cases.
Business operators located on Khao San road requested a review of the government’s decision to ban water-splashing. They said that it will impact business operations and their ability to attract tourists to take part in the festival. Water splashing has become a trademark event of the Songkran festival. They said that without it, there are not many tourists who can take part.
The Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) had earlier banned water-splashing and other celebrations associated with the holiday. These activities increase the risk of getting infected with COVID.
President of the Association of Business Operators on Khao San Road, Sa-nga Ruangwatthanakul talked about the impacts. The participants are expected to contribute a revenue of 50-80 million baht during the 4-day holiday. Without such activities, this revenue will be compromised. Mr. Anutin said the ban on water-splashing is necessary to reduce the risk of contagion.
“This year, other social activities aren’t prohibited, so please be patient for another year,” he said.
“We are preparing to classify Covid-19 as an endemic disease, so we need to have the cooperation of all stakeholders.”
Public health officials had previously warned that new infections could reach 100,000 per day unless precautions are taken during the festival.
The public health minister also called on those who plan to visit their families during the Songkran holiday to exercise extreme caution and avoid risky activities at least one week before travel to help keep their families, especially the elderly, safe from the virus.