The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) will comply with the Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration’s (CCSA) resolution on Songkran celebrations and prohibit water-splashing during the Thai New Year holiday period, city clerk Khachit Chatchawanit said yesterday.
Earlier, the Association of Business Operators on Khao San Road had asked the CCSA to review their decision and allow fully-vaccinated revellers to take part in water-splashing along the famous street.
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The CCSA then resolved to allow Songkran celebrations, but banned the consumption of alcohol, foam parties, water fights and powder-smearing at such events, saying any celebration must be in line with the official disease control guidelines.
City Hall, Mr Chatchawanit said, will release its guidelines on Songkran celebrations tomorrow after BMA’s communicable disease committee meets later today. The rules, he said, will come into effect on Friday.
He urged people to observe traditional celebrations instead, such as pouring small amounts of water on the hands to mark the occasion, as opposed to having water fights.
Stressing the need to prevent COVID-19 outbreaks after the holiday ends, Mr Chatchawanit urged senior citizens to get vaccinated, before taking part in family activities during the festival.
Everyone must wear a face mask at all times and avoid eating together to reduce the risk of infection, Mr Chatchawanit said.
Event organisers which plan to hold Songkran events with less than 1,000 participants must get permission from their local district office, while events with more than 1,000 participants must be approved by BMA’s Health Department, he said.
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