Songkran Canceled in Chonburi, Khon Kaen, and Phuket Amid Coronavirus Fears
Official Songkran celebrations have been canceled in the provinces of Chonburi, Khon Kaen, and Phuket amid fears of the Coronavirus spreading.
Pattaya Mayor Sonthaya Khunpluem stated that the city will call off all official Songkran events, including the popular Wan Lai Festival, and is pushing private event organizers to do the same.
Beach road festivities, parades, concerts, booths, and other events will be axed this year.
Sonthaya did note, however, that the official ban will not be placed apply to people who still want to go out and engage in water fights in the streets as enforcement would be nearly impossible.
Bang Saen, another city in Chon Buri province, also followed suit and instituted a Songkran ban.
Patong Mayor Chalermluck Kebsup also stated that official Songkran events at the popular Phuket beach will be canceled this year as she fears that it would lead to more Covid-19 cases in Thailand.
Khon Kaen municipal mayor Thirasak Teekhayuphan did the same in the northeastern province.
As of now, Songkran celebrations are still set to take place in both Bangkok and Chiang Mai, but Thai officials in the two Songkran-hotspots said they are closely monitoring the public health situation surrounding the Coronavirus.
Songkran is the Thai New Year’s celebration that takes place from April 13-15 every year and is marked by raucous street parties and water fights.
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