The Public Health Ministry issued a stern warning on Sunday that all fairs and other events held throughout the country may be banned if organisers lower their guard against Covid-19.
Kiattiphum Wongrajit, permanent secretary for public health, said all activities with large crowds of people must be held in line with the strict measures approved by provincial communicable disease committees to prevent the possible spread of the coronavirus.
The committees, chaired by the provincial governors, can order ongoing events to stop and prevent all future events from taking place if they pose health risks to the public during Covid, he added.
The warning followed Surin province's decision to abruptly cancel concerts planned for Saturday and Sunday at the Elephant Fair after concert-goers packed the shows on Friday.
Other provinces are also planning similar fairs to celebrate the new year.
"The organisers did not follow the measures set by the Public Health Ministry. If they can improve their compliance, the provincial communicable disease committee may allow the concerts to resume," Surin governor Suwapong Kitipatpiboon said on Saturday.
The shows at the Sri Narong Stadium are a highlight of the annual fair being held in Muang district until Dec 26, according to the fair's Facebook page.
Mr Suwapong said event organisers in Surin province should limit the number of attendees and ensure social distancing, like in Pattaya.