The Public Health Ministry is advising the public to refrain from taking part in the rod nam dam hua ceremony during the Songkran holiday, saying pouring water on other people's hands -- especially elderly relatives -- increases their risk of catching Covid-19.
Somsak Akkasilp, director-general of the Medical Services Department, yesterday urged people who plan to return to their hometown during the upcoming Thai New Year holiday to avoid partaking in the tradition to reduce the risk of infections among elderly family members.
The department advises well-wishers to stay one-metre away from their relatives and bow instead, Dr Somsak said.
The nation will take a five-day break over the Songkran period this year, from April 13 to 17, and many people are expected to make the journey to their home provinces to celebrate with their families.
The government has said it won't impose a ban on travel this year. Instead, it will roll out a nationwide campaign from March 21-31 to give 70% of the nation's 12 million senior citizens a third jab to better protect them from the virus, Dr Somsak said.
Despite reporting the most deaths from Covid-19 since the pandemic began, only 4 million Thais aged 60 and over have received a booster shot, or about 32% of the senior population, according to the ministry's data on Saturday.
Out of the 66 deaths reported yesterday, 83% were senior citizens.