Poll says Thai people accept the limiting or excluding of Songkran water fights

According to a recent poll, the majority of Thais accept limiting or excluding this year's Songkran water splashing activities. The poll was conducted over the last two days by the National Institute of Development Administration via telephone interviews with 1,315 people.

According to a Nida report conducted today, almost 44% of respondents claimed that water splashing should be prohibited nationwide during Thai New Year to prevent the spread of the Covid-19 virus. Almost 21% say it should be allowed in low-risk areas (not hit by the second wave). Around 18 percent said it should be allowed in all areas as long as it complies with Covid-19's "new normal" standards.

Just about 11% of respondents said water splashing should be allowed nationwide, which would be a significant minority. If water splashing was allowed, almost 65 percent said they were concerned about the Covid virus spreading. Around 27% said they would be "highly concerned" if the Covid situation was not resolved.

But a majority of respondents (about 35%) said they would not be worried about the virus spreading as people are knowledgeable of how to protect themselves. Road accidents also were placed higher than the Covid virus by several pollsters (44%) as the most worrying.

Water splashing did not seem to be more important than avoiding the spread of the Covid-19 virus, as about 82 percent said they would forego water activities if it meant preventing the virus from spreading.

The respondents echoed recent statements provided by Thailand's Culture Minister, Itthiphol Kunplome, who stated that while the Songkran holiday will be observed this year, activities such as water splashing, foam parties, and powder paste daubing are likely to be banned. He had said that the Bangkok Metropolitan Association may decide to close Khao San Road, which is normally the epicenter of water fights.

According to the Bangkok Post, the Thai New Year holiday can only be marked this year by observing traditional customs such as pouring water over Buddha statues, paying respects to the elderly, serving monks, and other merit-making activities.