BMA to hold shopping fair at Ong Ang Canal during Songkran holidays
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) will hold a shopping fair to promote local products from 50 districts of Bangkok at Ong Ang Canal in Phra Nakhon district during Songkran from April 9-14, 4-11pm.
“More than 50 product booths will be set up in the fair, including food, beverage, herbal products, jewellery, clothes and souvenirs,” said Wanlaya Wattanarat, BMA's deputy permanent secretary.
“On April 12, there will be a ceremony to pour water on the Buddha's image for blessings, while on April 12-13 there will be music and cultural performances.
“Although we can’t splash water this year, merchants and tourists are encouraged to wear colourful clothes to add colour to the Songkran Festival,” she added.
The Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration has issued a ban on all water-splashing activities during Songkran Festival to curb the outbreak for the second year running, though traditional practices like pouring water on Buddha statues and on elderly people are still allowed.
“Fair visitors should follow Covid-19 preventive measures, which include maintaining social distancing, wearing face masks, washing hands regularly and check-in and out via the Thai Chana platform,” added Wanlaya.
Recently developed to be a new tourism landmark in Bangkok, the Ong Ang Canal also features a walking street for art and cultural exhibition which opens daily, while visitors can also enjoy a kayaking trip in the 750-metre-long canal and appreciate the city landscape on Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 4pm until 10pm. Admission is free.
Tourists can reach Ong Ang Canal via MRT by getting off at Sam Yod Station or via Chao Phraya speed boat by getting off at Phra Phuttha Yodfa Bridge Pier. Public buses that pass the canal are No. 4, 5, 7, 21, 37, 40, 85 and 529.
