The Interior Ministry urgently handed provincial governors five New Year’s Eve guidelines.
The Monday ministry decree states that government agencies and the commercial sector can still celebrate, but they must fulfill these five rules:
- Entertainment venues must close at certain times and keep minors, guns, narcotics, and other contraband out.
- Local authorities must inspect New Year’s event venues for safety and legality.
- Organizers must limit overcrowding to avoid a repeat of October’s Seoul crowd-crush tragedy.
- Public health ministry must apply COVID-19 controls.
- Local authorities and police must patrol regularly during the New Year festival (December 30-January 2) to ensure public safety and prompt emergency response.
The government and judiciary canceled New Year celebrations amid widespread prayers for Princess Bajrakitiyabha’s recovery, casting doubt over Thailand’s New Year. After losing consciousness on December 14, the Princess is receiving heart treatment at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital in Bangkok.
Khao San Road canceled its countdown and Pattaya canceled its December 29-31 fireworks extravaganza. Both tourism sites will hold New Year’s concerts and festivals.
