Songkran without the splash
Next Tuesday promises to be a different Songkran Festival with laughs and smiles from visiting family and friends rather than water splashing, tourists, and shopping during the scorching heat.
Many people have no plans to spend extra during the holidays, with some even considering cutting their holiday budget. While a number will keep up the Songkran spirit and travel domestically, 26.5% out of 1,000 people interviewed by the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC) said they planned to stay home.
The UTCC expects Songkran to be less enthusiastic, but business leaders and state tourism authorities have said holding the festival with health guidelines in place to prevent the spread of Covid-19 is better than nothing.
The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) remains optimistic about a less active Songkran this year, believing an almost week-long holiday and state economic stimulus packages will encourage people to spend more money.
However, FTI vice-chairman Kriengkrai Thiennukul admitted that a ban on water-splashing activities -- the highlight of the festival -- will affect its joyous atmosphere.
Bangkok authorities decided to prohibit celebrations, including water splashing, concerts and foam parties, in one of the popular destinations for Songkran revellers.
The move aims to contain the spread of coronavirus, but could mean less of a party mood for the New Year celebrations.
"We still have a positive outlook. More money will circulate during the festival because people have more time off than in previous years," said Mr Kriengkrai.
The cabinet late last year resolved to add one extra holiday on April 12 to the three-day festival, which usually starts on April 13. When combined with the preceding Saturday and Sunday, the vacation period is six days.
https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/20 ... the-splash
The smart ones will stay at home. What are these politicians thinking, encouraging mass travel during a pandemic ... oh yeah, they're not thinking.
Songkran Hua Hin 2021
Re: Songkran Hua Hin 2021
Who is the happier man, he who has braved the storm of life and lived or he who has stayed securely on shore and merely existed? - Hunter S Thompson
Re: Songkran Hua Hin 2021
Official Songkran attire. (Being sold everywhere in a variety of colours and sizes) 
Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed. Source
Re: Songkran Hua Hin 2021
There's some "between the lines" hints that new regulations concerning Songkran are coming out shortly. It's the last minute but they are spooked by the sudden increase in cases and what lies ahead when the country is in full travel mode this weekend.
If new guidelines are issued, we'll post them in the "Covid News" section.
If new guidelines are issued, we'll post them in the "Covid News" section.
Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed. Source