No national travel restrictions for Songkran, but dozens of provinces so far have enacted their own travel restrictions (list)

Thailand-

Thai Public Health Authorities have continually reminded those in the country that there are no national Covid-19 restrictions currently due to Covid-19, however, multiple provinces have set their own restrictions to visitors from certain areas.

Dr. Opas Kawinpong, the Director-General of the Thai Department of Disease Control, spoke with the press today, April 10th, reiterating that there were no national travel restrictions. However, he reminded people of several facts. The restrictions and messages come as Thailand attempts to balance another round of Covid-19 cases and infections against Songkran, the Thai New Year, which is also the single biggest holiday and travel period of the year under normal circumstances.

Songkran this year has been allowed, although under drastically reduced standards with only very minimal mostly religious activities allowed. All “fun” activities, like concerts, water fights, big parties, etc. that normally are the highlight of the festival are banned this year out of concern for the Covid-19 virus. Additionally, Thailand’s Center for Covid-19 Situation Administration, or CCSA, has ordered the closure of entertainment venues in 41 provinces closed for at least two weeks during the festival.

Dr. Opas stated that people should be aware in advance before traveling, especially those coming from five main provinces-Bangkok, Pathum Thani, Nonthaburi, Samut Prakan, and Nakhon Pathom. Restrictions on those coming from these areas can vary from a ten to fourteen-day quarantine, a rapid Covid-19 test, or other restrictions. (Due to how fast things are changing, we are not going to list every restriction in this article, we advise you to check with both your destination and your current province. Keep in mind there could be additional restrictions when coming back-Editor.) Dr. Opas suggested people stay home or where they are currently this Songkran, although there isn’t a ban. For those who do travel, they should wear masks, socially distance, avoid crowded places, and limit the people they interact with.

The current provinces with some measures of restrictions as of April 10th, 2021: Kamphaeng Phet, Chiang Mai, Tak, Nan, Phayao, Phetchabun, Lamphun, Uthai Thani, Chaiyaphum, Nakhon Phanom, Bueng Kan, Buriram, Mahasarakham, Mukdahan, Yasothon, Loei, Sakon Nakhon, Nong Khai, Nong Bua Lam Phu, Amnat Charoen, Chai Nat, Saraburi, Chumphon, Trang, Narathiwat, Nakhon Ratchasima, Pattani, Phangnga. And Songkhla.

Dr. Opas also stated this list could change quickly and the situation was developing rapidly. The Pattaya News notes that Chonburi has no restrictions currently for leaving or entering the province, although checkpoints for both Covid-19 and drunk driving are in place throughout the province.

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Adam Judd
Mr. Adam Judd is the Co-owner of TPN media since December 2017. He is originally from Washington D.C., America. His background is in HR and Operations and has written about news and Thailand for a decade now. He has lived in Pattaya for about nine years as a full-time resident, is well known locally and been visiting the country as a regular visitor for over a decade. His full contact information, including office contact information, can be found on our Contact Us page below. Stories please e-mail Editor@ThePattayanews.com About Us: https://thepattayanews.com/about-us/ Contact Us: https://thepattayanews.com/contact-us/