Thai PM calls for unity to keep peace during Songkran festival
Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has called for national unity in a Songkran (Thai New Year) message, saying that it is important to promote solidarity to maintain peace and steer the country toward democracy.
Water splashing ritual is the highlight of Songkran festival. (Photo: AFP/VNA)
Bangkok (VNA) – Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has called fornational unity in a Songkran (Thai New Year) message, saying that it isimportant to promote solidarity to maintain peace and steer the country towarddemocracy.
Speaking at the Government House, Prayut said that Thai people must unite tocreate a peaceful atmosphere so that the country can move towards democracy,which in turn will help Thailand regain the confidence of investors and theinternational community.
He stressed that Thai people should work together to reduce conflict and learn toforgive and put their problems behind them during the Songkran festival.
The government has been concerned for low-incomes earners, as well as rice,rubber, palm oil, and cassava farmers who have all been hit by falling prices,he said, adding that he has closely monitored crop prices and ordered stateagencies to expedite efforts to try and solve the problem.
Songkran, Thailand’s New Year festival, takes place from April 12-16. The highlightof the festival is the water splashing ritual, which is believed to ward offevil, bring good luck, and pray for bumper crops. –VNA
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is expecting up to 20 billion THB to be spent by both domestic and international visitors during the Songkran holiday, especially after the Cabinet announced an extra day for the festivities and tax incentives for tourism.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has forecast that the number of tourists during this year’s Songkran festival from April 12-16 will drop by 10 percent partly due to the northern haze problems.
The Thai Government has instructed its police to comply with regulations to ensure safety and order during the traditional Songkran holiday which falls on April 12-16.
Tourist destinations in Thailand began their celebrations of the traditional New Year festival Songkran on April 11, two days ahead of the official date.
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Water splashing ritual is the highlight of Songkran festival. (Photo: AFP/VNA) 
