Thailand Ministry of Health reports 25,389 new COVID-19 cases and an additional 87 deaths since yesterday. The ministry also announced an additional 26,084 patients recovered from the COVID-19 virus.
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha signed the Songkran rules and regulations set by the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA). Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) permanent secretary Khajit Chatchawanich announced the guidelines.
Traditional water sprinkling under the Covid-free setting is allowed.
Alcohol consumption in organizing venues will not be permitted.
Venues are limited to one person per four square meters.
Participants are required to wear face masks at all times
Water splashing, powder smearing, and foam parties are prohibited on roads and other public areas.
Families can take part in activities, such as pouring water on the hands of the elderly to show respect and seek their blessings, could be held, but wearing a face mask remains compulsory. People are advised to refrain from engaging in activities that involve close contact or shared objects.
Yesterday, Khao San Road business operators appealed to reconsider the “no water splashing” order. They said they could potentially lose a huge opportunity to recover their losses during the COVID lockdowns.
Mr. Khajit said that organizers are required to obtain permission from the BMA’s Health Department if participants exceed 1,000 people. If lower, they must seek permission from district authorities.
He said the administration had received seven to eight requests seeking permission to hold Songkran activities in areas run by private firms and temples.
Currently, 46 out of 50 district offices in Bangkok had notified that they would not hold Songkran celebrations, while the remaining four district offices had yet to give confirmation, he said.