Thailand-
The following is our weekly feature in which we take a look at the top developing stories and things to follow over the next week. We are focusing on what is happening for the first week of April 2022, ending April 16th, 2022.
As we publish dozens of stories a week, this allows our readers to get a quick glimpse of the most important stories taking place in Thailand and Pattaya and to monitor and follow for the week ahead, as chosen by our editorial team. Let’s get right into it with the biggest news of the week and what important stories to follow and look for this week that are likely to see further developments:
Songkran, the Thai New Year/Water Festival is here!
It’s time for what is Thailands biggest holiday and largest annual migration of people as millions return home from Bangkok, Pattaya, Phuket, and other areas to their homes in rural provinces, especially the Northeast.
The new year is usually marked by massive world famous water fights, parties, festivals, and more.
However, this year, for the third year in a row, Thailand is still concerned with the spread of Covid-19 and many elderly and vulnerable at risk in rural provinces and have decided NOT to allow alcohol drinking at official events, water splashing and fights, massive street parties, etc.
This year will be focused entirely on ceremonial and religious events such as watering Buddhist relics, paying respect to venerated monks, showing respect to the elderly, and some cultural and religious shows and performances. The massive drenched concerts and parties will have to wait at least another year.
Response to the ban has been mixed from our readers. Many expats, especially older ones, don’t enjoy the water fights and won’t miss them. However, most also have stated that they understand the negative impact on tourism by not allowing the party aspect of the new year.
Indeed, local business and tourism associations have expressed for months concerns about the ban on “fun” activities, especially Pattaya’s normal massive water fest on Beach Road that normally takes place on April 19th and attracts usually well over a hundred thousand people. Hotel bookings, according to local hotel associations, are not showing any significant increase during Songkran, a week that is usually one of the busiest of the year before Covid.
Many proposals were made to have water play zones with strict covid testing and rules, however, the Center for Covid-19 Situation Administration in Bangkok ultimately said no, saying they just didn’t see rules being able to be followed. It’s worth noting that private gatherings, like at a family home, can still throw water but it is discouraged. All public splashing on streets, in front of businesses, etc is banned this year.
However, that doesn’t mean the festival won’t be a fantastic time for many to take a week off and relax, see family and friends, make merit, show respect to their seniors and elders, wear bright Songkran shirts, and enjoy delicious meals and time together in the spirit of the festival.
For those looking for traditional events many will be held at Wat Chai near Walking Street, a full event schedule will be available at the temple. Immigration and all government offices will be closed most of the festival and local events usually stretch to about the 20th.
Be aware there will also be many businesses that will close shop for the week as well as people go home to see their family. Alcohol is NOT banned at licensed restaurants and converted bars, although requests to extend closing times past the current unpopular legal 11:00 PM for the festival were denied. It’s likely law enforcement will be keeping a close eye on entertainment venues currently acting as restaurants.
Pattaya police (indeed, nationwide) are launching a massive campaign for traffic safety. Expect many drunk driving checkpoints and heavy police presence across Pattaya locally every day of the festival. Significant focus areas besides drunk driving are mask wearing and helmet wearing.
TPN media will have much of our staff on holiday but will still be running during the festival. Please be safe and see you soon!
