TCEB Situation Update Travel Advisory: COVID-19 Virus on 2 April 2021 Disease Prevention Guidelines for Songkran (Thai New Year) Festival Celebration

TCEB Situation Update

Travel Advisory: COVID-19 Virus on 2 April 2021

Disease Prevention Guidelines for Songkran (Thai New Year) Festival Celebration

The Songkran Festival, or Thai New Year Day Celebration, takes place between 13 and 15 April. The Cabinet, however, approved a special holiday on 12 April resulting in extended holiday period from 10 to 15 April.

In order to control and prevent COVID-19 infection, the Thai cabinet approved the measures for organising Songkran Festival. Organising events in small limited or air-conditioned space is discouraged. Outdoor venue with good ventilation and exposure to sunlight is suggested.

The number of event attendees should be limited to 1 person to 1 sqm.

In the event, the attendee must wear surgical mask. One-meter distance should be arranged for each participant during the pouring of scented water ceremony.

It is also suggested that the followings be avoided: long duration of gathering for meal and drink, activities involving large crowd, gathering for water splashing, activities attracting close contact,         alcohol drinking in public.

Organisations are asked for cooperation to conform to the measures announced by the Center for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) and strictly practice the protocols of the communicable disease committee of the province where the activity takes place.

Meanwhile, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration’s communicable disease committee               announced the compliant measures to control the infection during Songkran Festival between 10 and 15 April 2021. The details are as follows:

1. 1. Traditional activities, such as pouring scented water on the Buddha statue, priests and the seniors, other religious ceremonies, can be organised. However, the organisers and the participants are required to strictly follow the Announcement of Bangkok regarding the temporary closure of certain venues and establishments dated 23 February 2021. In case of over 300 participants, the organisers must submit their event plan and disease control measures to the district office prior the event.

2. 2. In case of other activities, such as booth setup, partying where over 100 participants are expected, the organisers must submit their event plan and disease control measures to the district office prior the event. The event and/or activities should be organised in an open air space with good ventilation. Narrow or air-conditioned space should be avoided, including activities involving large crowd and possibly creating chaos or activities involving close contacts, such as water   splashing, concert, foam party, powdering. 

3. 3. Parties and recreational activities involving people from various locations and long duration of meal sharing and drinking should be avoided.

Violators can be subject to penalties under Article 18 of the Royal Decree on Public Administration in Emergency Situations B.E. 2548. They can face up to 2 years imprisonment or subject to up to 40,000 THB fine, or both. Due to its urgent nature that can cause grave and serious consequences for the public or public benefit, rights to dispute is denied as established by Article 30, Paragraph 2 (1) of the Administrative Procedure Act B.E. 2539

Reference http://www.prbangkok.com/th/post/view/MDY1cDBzNnM0NHIyb3Ezc3E2NnEyNDk0cDRyOTQzcjQxMTcyMg

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Further information about COVID-19 outbreak from WHO

https://www.who.int/thailand/emergencies/novel-coronavirus-2019/situation-reports

Department of Disease Control Contact Centre (Call 1422 24/7)

https://ddc.moph.go.th/viralpneumonia/eng/index.php

Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) (Call +66 (0) 2694 6000)

https://www.businesseventsthailand.com/en/situation-update-coronavirus-covid-19 or info@tceb.or.th