The hottest stories in Thailand news from the last week: No water-splashing activities allowed on Songkran, New arrival measures implemented, and more

PHOTO: Prachachat

  Here is a look at the top NATIONAL stories, chosen by our Pattaya News/TPN National team, from last week, March 28th to April 3rd, with some commentary. They are not in any particular level of importance but are listed in the order of date of publication.

1. No water-splashing activities are allowed in Bangkok during Songkran this year, several authorities confirm

It is now official and confirmed by both the Bangkok Communicable Disease committee and Public Health Minister that the public water/foam-splashing activities will not be held in Bangkok, and so as other provinces across the country, for another year. Both departments said that the celebration was impossible as the spread of Covid-19 was still a major concern. Minister Anutin asked the public to wait for another year despite the fact that he had already made a similar statement in the past two years. This is the third year in a row Songkran will be dry due to Covid-19 restrictions.

No water-splashing activities allowed in Bangkok during Songkran this year, several authorities confirm

2. Updated measures for entering the Kingdom of Thailand announced, starting April 1st

The beginning of April marks slightly relaxed measures for international arrivals as no RT-PCR negative results was required within 72 hours of departure to Thailand. But other than that, most requirements remained the same, including the Thailand Pass registration, a one-night stay in an SHA++ hotel, etc.

Updated measures for entering the Kingdom of Thailand announced, starting April 1st

3. Thai Police warn of unacceptable pranks and jokes on April Fool’s Day

Thai Police played no jokes after all as they warned the public to avoid “sensitive topics” when playing pranks and jokes on social media on April Fool’s Day last Friday. A hefty punishment of 5-year imprisonment or a hundred-thousand-baht fine could be imposed for doing so.

Thai Police warn of unacceptable pranks and jokes on April Fool’s Day

And, that is all for this week. Thank you as always for reading the Pattaya News/TPN News!

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Nop Meechukhun
National News Writer at The Pattaya News from September 2020 to October, 2022. Born and raised in Bangkok, Nop enjoys telling stories of her hometown through her words and pictures. Her educational experience in the United States and her passion for journalism have shaped her genuine interests in society, politics, education, culture, and art.