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The state of emergency decree grants Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha full authority to command the Center for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) to combat the pandemic.
Meanwhile, Thailand is increasing security nationwide for the Loy Krathong festival on October 31st. Thai Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan emphasized the need for enhanced security measures amid ongoing protests in several provinces. Security measures are planned to be implemented at piers along the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok and at locations where people release floating lanterns during the festival.
The COVID-19 situation in Thailand remains complex and unpredictable.
Patrol boats will be deployed on the Chao Phraya River. Maritime offices will coordinate with the Royal Thai Navy to ensure security in Thai provinces during the festival. People are asked to wear masks in public, as maintaining social distancing will certainly be difficult during this festival.
The Loy Krathong festival is celebrated annually on the night of the full moon in the 12th month of the Thai Buddhist calendar, which this year falls on October 31st.
During this festival, the Kingdom of Thailand becomes vibrant and dazzling with paper lanterns illuminating the night sky and floating lanterns covering the rivers. Thai people release krathong (floating lanterns) on the river and khomloi (paper lanterns) into the night sky, praying for good fortune. The Loy Krathong festival is usually most lively in four provinces and cities: Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Ayutthaya, and Sukhothai.
