BANGKOK, April 10 (Xinhua) -- Thailand's Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha on Friday called on people to stay home to stem the COVID-19 spread during the Songkran festival, which was postponed due to the pandemic.

In a nationwide televised program, the prime minister said that people should stay home instead of visiting relatives as before or celebrating the suspended Songkran festival, which was scheduled on the upcoming Monday to Wednesday.

Prayut also warned people not to leave home or join a celebration party anywhere else.

During that time, the splashing of water along the roads and at public spots is ultimately prohibited nationwide as part of the measures implemented under the current emergency rule to contain the pandemic.