Extra Covid vaccine doses are being planned for tourism provinces

Thailand's Culture Ministry and Tourism and Sports Ministry have announced that provinces considered to be major tourist destinations may gain extra Covid-19 vaccine doses. The government is being asked to agree to the proposal, according to Culture Minister Itthiphol Kunplome, to boost residents' confidence and help local economies. Phuket, Chiang Mai, Chon Buri (Pattaya), and Surat Thani are among the provinces selected.

According to the Bangkok Post, the first doses of China's Sinovac vaccine have been distributed in tourist provinces, with 2,500 doses going to Koh Samui, 4,700 to Pattaya, 3,500 to Chiang Mai, and 4,000 to Phuket. In June, The breakdown is 16,000 Samui, 50,000 Pattaya, and 32,000 Chiang Mai. In September, another 48,000 doses will be to Phuket, 16,000 to Samui, and 48,000 doses each to Chiang Mai and Pattaya.

Officials are also talking about how the Songkran celebrations will be held this year after the Prime Minister confirmed the holiday will occur. Prayut Chan-o-cha says he's asked the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration to discuss with relevant agencies to discuss guidelines for the celebrations and submit a proposal to the cabinet next week.

“At this point, the situation has improved. The Songkran festivities can be held with everyone's cooperation. However, the type of events to be held and how they will be held must be discussed to ensure that disease control measures are not put at risk.

It's unclear if such non-traditional Songkran practices, such as foam parties and pick-up trucks splashing water on roads, will be permitted this year.

Given the low number of daily new infections, Itthiphol suggests that water splashing be allowed to continue.

“It should be approved because the daily number of new Covid-19 cases has dropped from three to only two.”

He does add, however, that this year's Songkran celebrations should place a greater focus on religious and cultural activities such as making merit and pouring water on Buddha statues and the palms of the elderly. Participants will be required to wear face shields, masks, and raincoats to protect themselves against contamination, as well as maintain social distance when giving traditional greetings to the elderly.