Bangkok will enforce alcohol-free water-splashing activities across the city during this year’s Songkran festival, with all celebrations required to end by 10pm.
Deputy Governor Tavida Kamolvej said on Tuesday that safety remains a top priority, with all operational systems monitored круглосуточно through the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration’s (BMA) central command centre.
Songkran will take place from April 11 to 15, with at least 88 designated event locations across the capital. These include alcohol-free water-splashing zones aimed at ensuring a safe and family-friendly environment.
Major celebration areas include Lan Khon Mueang at City Hall, Silom Road, Khao San Road, Siam Square and CentralWorld.
Event organisers have been instructed to strictly enforce safety measures, including a ban on large water cannons, indecent behaviour, and the use of powdered chalk or talcum powder. Authorities are also encouraging water conservation, limiting water-splashing activities to before 10pm.
To better manage the festivities, the BMA has divided Bangkok into three zones:
- Zone 1: Official festival venues with organised activities, safety plans and designated layouts
- Zone 2: Special monitoring areas where large crowds are expected despite no formal events
- Zone 3: No-celebration zones, including hospital entrances, fire and police stations, bridges, expressways, major intersections and key roads
Governor Chadchart Sittipunt warned that the heat index could reach as high as 60°C during the festival, prompting authorities to require organisers to prepare emergency response units and provide adequate drinking water.
Meanwhile, Bangkok police chief Pol Lt Gen Sayam Boonsom said more people are expected to stay in the capital this year due to rising fuel and travel costs. Additional police officers will be deployed to maintain safety and order throughout the celebrations.