No splashing or water gun battles for Songkran

During the Thai New Year's Songkran celebrations next month, no splashing or water gun battles will be permitted. Officials agreed today at the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration conference, chaired by PM Prayut Chan-o-cha, to prohibit water splashing and foam groups, as well as other close-contact practices such as chalk powdering of ears. The ban on Thailand's most common holiday is said to be in place to prevent the spread of Covid-19.

Traditional practices will be permitted as long as citizens follow strict disease control measures, according to Natapanu Nopakun, deputy spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who provides the CCSA with a regular update in English. Clear information on the restrictions, he states, will be released at a later date.

“Instead, Songkran events this year will concentrate on the festival's traditional aspects, such as merit-making, such as sprinkling water on Buddha statues, pouring water on the palms, on the hands of the elderly... and asking for their blessings.”