Songkran party in Khaosan canceled this year over virus fears
BANGKOK — Songkran party in Khaosan Road has been canceled this year as a health measure to prevent the possible spread of coronavirus disease.
Piyabutr Jeewaramonaikul, president of the Khaosan Business Association, announced on Monday the decision to cancel Thailand’s famous festival.
An event as huge as Songkran could expose holidaymakers to the Covid-19 virus, leading to more cases of the disease, he said.
It is the second year running the iconic Khao San Songkran celebration has been canceled. The activities were called off last year to allow authorities to prepare the area for His Majesty the King’s coronation.
The Songkran party on Khao San Road has been a feature of the festival for more than four decades, with thousands of Thai party-goers joining thousands of foreigners in splashing water and other activities.
Communities in neighboring Bang Lumphu and Wisutkrasat areas also agreed to cancel the religious and other related activities, including the Songkran beauty contest, during the Thai New Year celebrations, he said.
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration will this week decide whether other Songkran events in the capital will go ahead, or not.
Famous Songkran parties in Pattaya, Bang Saen, Khon Kaen and Patong beach in Phuket have already been canceled for fear of spreading the coronavirus.
Patong Municipality in Phuket has canceled its Songkran party, and Phuket Bike Week, planned on Patong beach from April 11-18 in conjunction with Songkran, has been postponed until further notice.
Source: Bangkok Post
Photo: Songkran celebration in Pattaya
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