Chinatown cancels Chinese New Year
No fancy parades and celebrations in Yaowarat for this year’s freshly deemed “official” holiday, Chinese New Year. Bangkok’s governor, Asawin Kwanmuang, has prohibited any mass gatherings on 12th February 2021 in Chinatown due to Covid-19 concerns and expressed that the people’s safety is of utmost priority.
Family reunions can spread Covid-19
“You can still meet each other but, please, wear masks,” said Dr. Wisanuyothin.
While the Chinese New Year celebrations in Chinatown have been cancelled, private family reunions are still allowed. However, according to the Bangkok Post, the Ministry of Public Health warned that families hosting reunions during the Chinese New Year should be extra careful and follow safety measures.
Chinese New Year family gathering in Thailand
Image credit: M Thai
“People are advised to wear face masks when talking, or use chat applications with video call features to reduce physical contact,” said Dr. Chawetsan Namwat, Director of the Emergency Disease and Health Hazards Control Division under the Department of Disease Control (DDC).
The Center for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) spokesperson, Dr. Taweesilp Wisanuyothin, also encouraged people to give out electronic angpao during Chinese New Year to reduce physical contact.
Little hope for Thailand’s third New Year celebration
Thailand is blessed with three New Year celebrations every year – the international New Year on 1st January, the Chinese New Year in February and Songkran Day in April, Thailand’s national New Year.
With Thailand’s first and second New Years celebrations disrupted by the Covid-19 resurgence – Thais are hoping that they can celebrate the third one in style. However, with less than two months ‘til Songkran and zero Covid-19 vaccinations administered to the public, the holiday celebrations are likely to be postponed, again.
Songkran day – a traditional Thai new year celebration that has been cancelled in 2020 due to Covid-19.
Image credit: Khaosod English
With no official announcements of Songkran being postponed yet, we can work together to reduce the likelihood by following precautionary measures this Chinese New Year and throughout the year. We hope you have a safe and healthy celebration and Happy Chinese New Year.
Read more about Covid-19 related articles here:
- Thailand Announces 60-Day Grace Period For Tourist Visa Holders; Foreigners Can Apply Until 30th May
- I Flew To BKK From Singapore During COVID-19: Here’s What Travelling Under The New Normal Is Like
- 11 Hotels In Bangkok For Staycations To Satisfy Your Wanderlust Without Using Your Passport
Featured image adapted from: Thairath
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