Bangkok, Thailand-
A dry Songkran? No, we aren’t referring to water fights, which is a different matter and is also likely to, for the third year in a row, be curtailed, but alcohol.
At a press conference yesterday Thai public health minister Anutin Charnvirakul confirmed that Songkran will take place in mid April and that people will be allowed to travel and visit with family, which is the main focus of the holiday for most Thais.
Songkran is the Thai new year, also known as the water festival, and the single biggest holiday in Thailand and the largest annual migration of people within the country to their hometowns and villages. For many Thais it is the only significant time off they get every year.
The festival was completely canceled in 2020 due to Covid-19 and scaled back in 2021. This year the announcements on what will be allowed are due to come later today, March 18th, 2022.
However, ahead of the festival, Anutin stated that he believes everyone who plans to go home and see family, especially the elderly and vulnerable, should have a seven day “protection” period before traveling, testing themselves with ATK tests and avoiding gatherings, especially around alcohol.
In fact, the deputy prime minister suggested that Thai people completely skip alcohol at Songkran this year and focus on family and traditional religious activities. He stated that alcohol, according to him, and gatherings around it significantly raise the chances of spreading Covid-19 and weakens one’s immune system.
As a result, Anutin has “asked” the Thai people to refrain from drinking alcohol, having parties, and gathering around booze at Songkran this year. TPN media notes this isn’t an order or a mandate but advice and a request.
Do you think the request will be followed? Tell us in the comments below.
