![Songkran festivities may be allowed this year - Thai PBS World Tonight [3rd March 2021]](https://onecms.thaipbs.or.th/media/qtyhJRjCJuAvMUihniz5ccOGCs7mudK15ZntuFwqIG50SsBebT6uBMB.jpg "Songkran festivities may be allowed this year - Thai PBS World Tonight [3rd March 2021]")
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha is considering easing some restrictions during the Songkran festival, Thailand’s traditional New Year in April, but the decision will depend on the COVID-19 situation at the time, according to the Culture Minister Itthiphol Khunpluem.
He said that the government is concerned that it will be blamed if any easing of restrictions leads to a new wave of infections.
As far as the Culture Ministry is concerned, it feels that certain cultural activities, such as merit-making and offering alms to monks, can be held during the Songkran festival, but restrictions, such as social distancing, the wearing of face masks and limited numbers of attendees, must be observed.
