Thais urged to celebrate Songkran minus ‘Water Blessing’ ceremony
THE MINISTRY OF PUBLIC
Health is advising the public not to participate in the Songkran holiday’s “water blessing” ceremony, known as ‘Rod Nam Dam Hua’, claiming that pouring water on other people’s hands, particularly elderly relatives, increases their risk of contracting COVID-19.
Dr Somsak Akkasilp, director-general of the Department of Medical Services, has urged people who plan to return to their hometowns during the upcoming Thai New Year holiday to abstain from participating in the tradition in order to reduce the risk of infection among elderly family members.
Instead he requested on Monday (Mar 14) that holiday revellers practice social distancing and bowing to one another in order to reduce their chances of contracting the coronavirus.
Thailand will be celebrating Songkran this year, from Apr 13-17, and many people are expected to travel to their home provinces to celebrate with their families.
The government has stated that it will not impose a travel ban this year. Instead, from Mar 21-31, it will launch a nationwide campaign to provide a vaccine booster to 70% of the nation’s 12 million senior citizens in order to better protect them from the virus.
According to ministry data, only 4mn Thais – roughly 32% of the total senior population aged 60 and over – have received a booster shot.
Out of the 66 COVIDrelated deaths reported on Monday, 83% were senior citizens.