Songkran attracts millions of visitors to Thailand to experience the water festival. But this year, Thai people continue to welcome a dry Tet.
Water splashing during Songkran has been banned for the third year in a row, due to an increase in Covid-19 infections. The Thai government said the country needed to tighten up epidemic prevention measures during the New Year, with a ban on water splashing and related celebrations such as throwing colored powder, music festivals with soap bubbles on the road. street or consume alcoholic beverages at events. Tourists can still experience some activities to enjoy Songkran safely.
All other traditional activities such as Buddha bathing ceremony, sacred water... are allowed to take place in temples, but participants are required to wear masks. Photo: One Day Deals
From April 9 to 17, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) organized the Amazing Songkran 2022 festival at 10 temples in Bangkok's old town. These are Wat Arun, Wat Pho, Wat Rakang, Wat Suthat, Wat Kalayanamit, Wat Prayun, Wat Ratchanatdaram, Wat Mahathat, Wat Saket (Phu Khao Thong), and Wat Ratchabophit.
Especially, from April 13 to 15, TAT arranges special festival activities at Wat Saket and Wat Ratchabophit, such as Khon mask dance, traditional Thai puppetry and singing performance, and introduction of pruning art. Fruits and desserts...
Songkran Music Heritage 2022 will take place from April 12 to 21 at Wat Phra Ram, Ayutthaya city and Songkhla old town. In particular, in three days from April 13 to 15, there will be a music festival.
Tourists are encouraged to wear traditional Thai clothing when attending Songkran events organized by TAT and to comply with Covid-19 prevention guidelines. Documents to present include certificate of complete vaccination, negative rapid test results within 72 hours.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) said that most Thais will return to their hometowns, with some tourists tending to drive to tourist attractions close to home to minimize costs and exposure.
Yuthasak Supasorn, director of TAT, said that although water splashing and entertainment festivals are not allowed, traditional events in Bangkok, Ayutthaya and Songkhla can generate $62 million in tourism revenue from about 570,000 people participating.
Bangkok remains the most popular destination for day-trippers, followed by Chon Buri, Nakhon Ratchasima, Phuket, Kanchanaburi, Phangnga, Ayutthaya, Udon Thani, Prachuap Khiri Khan and Nakhon Nayok, according to TAT.
Songkran is one of the occasions that attracts a large number of international visitors. Photo: Find Thai Property
Before asking the public to celebrate Songkran's silence, Sa-nga Ruangwatthanakul, president of a business association on Khao San Road in Bangkok, said that the Thai government was not making full use of the pent up demand for travel. days of international visitors, and missed opportunities for the tourism industry to recover. He asked the government to ease travel restrictions and quarantine regulations that make it difficult for tourists to Thailand.
Meanwhile, Shane Francis, an American visitor who often visited Thailand before the pandemic, said he looks forward to vacationing in the kingdom again, especially during the Songkran New Year.
Mr. Francis said: "Unfortunately the government has chosen dry Songkran this year. I love seeing the joy on everyone's faces during the festival and feel Thais can benefit from this festival, especially especially when everyone has to stay at home for the past two years. However, I understand that safety is important."
Before Covid-19, Songkran was the occasion when Thailand welcomed the most international visitors. The area around the festival venue is always full. On the street, you will see a large number of people pouring into the street with all ages, vibrant music everywhere. This year, because of the epidemic situation, the government proposed a plan to limit entertainment activities , attracting crowds such as splashing water.
