Temples nationwide told to avoid Songkran, religious ceremonies

He made his remarks while handing out surgical face masks and hand gels to merchants and people at various markets in Nakhon Ratchasima province, and asked them to take care of their health by wearing face mask and washing their hands regularly.
“As I have the duty to supervise the National Office of Buddhism, I feel worried about monks who go out for alms and people who go to make merit in temples that they face the risk of infection,” he said.

He said the National Office of Buddhism under the government had ordered all temples to refrain from organising religious ceremonies, including the Songkran festival, to contain the spread of Covid-19 virus.
“Meanwhile, many temples may lack essentials. Therefore, I will discuss with the Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha on ways and measures to help monks, expecting to have a solution soon,” he said.

He believed that people nationwide would understand why they have to order all temples to refrain from organising religious ceremonies.