The governor explained that the main arena for the water fights on Silom Road will be shut off to vehicular traffic between 12:00 and 22:00 between the 13 and 15 April. He asked revellers to confine their water throwing to this zone and the other 50 designated play precincts including Khao San Road during the festival.
General Kwanmuang said dancing on the beds of pickups and playing loud music was a no-no for this year’s celebrations. Daubing passersby with powder, donning clothing which reveals too much skin and drinking alcohol in the play zones are also banned.
Despite the water-fights which herald Songkran, it does have a cultural side and Thais will be visiting their local temples to pour waters on the hands of Buddha statues and build sand chedis. Public transport is always busy over the Songkran period and 12GO ASIA advises advance bookings to avoid having to opt for second best when travelling.
Authorities say Songkran water fights in Bangkok to be low key
News in Asia
The governor of Bangkok has announced that traditional water fights for this year’s Songkran Festival will go ahead as normal. Aswin Kwanmuang said the only difference this year is that Thailand is still in mourning for King Bhumibol Adulyadej and the festivities need to be more low key to reflect this.