Thailand: We must have Songkran, says PM

• Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha on 8 Mar 21 insisted that Songkran celebrations be held to revitalise the struggling tourism industry.
• Gen Prayut said he wanted to see the economy improve and people’s income boosted by tourism activities over the long holiday.
• He therefore vowed to ease restrictions ahead of the festival so that people had enough time to plan their trips and make hotel reservations.
• Spokesperson Apisamai Srirangson said the CCSA would meet on 15 Mar 21 to consider rolling out a further relaxation of restrictions in three phases.
• The first phase starting on 1 Apr 21, the easing would be in line with the government’s vaccination plan with adjustments to the colour-coded status of each province, she said.
• The second phase will include the lifting of the state of emergency at the end of May 21, and thereafter a reliance on communicable disease laws to contain the virus.
• From 1 Oct 21, the third phase will likely begin with a further easing of measures, including entry and quarantine requirements for foreign visitors. This phase will coincide with more people having been given their Covid-19 vaccinations.

External Link : https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2080287/we-must-have-songkran-says-pm