Bangkok will ensure water splashing remains alcohol-free citywide during Songkran, with all such activities to end by 10pm.
Safety was a priority with all operational databases accessible around the clock through the command centre of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), deputy city governor Tavida Kamolvej said on Tuesday.
Songkran extends from April 11-15.
In Bangkok, there would be at least 88 event locations citywide, with designated alcohol‑free water‑splashing areas, Ms Tavida said.
Major Songkran celebration hubs include Lan Khon Mueang, Bangkok City Hall, Silom Road, Khao San Road, Siam Square and CentralWorld.
Event organisers have been instructed to enforce safety rules, which include no large water cannons, no displays of indecency, and no use of powdered chalk or talcum powder.
The city also encourages water conservation, with water splashing permitted only until 10pm.
The BMA has divided the city into three zones for the festival for purposes of management:
- Zone 1: Officially designated festival venues, with clear organisers, safety plans and layouts for activities.
- Zone 2: Special control areas, where festivities are not officially organised but crowd gatherings are likely.
- Zone 3: Festivities-banned. They include public services such as hospital entrances, fire stations, police stations, bridges, expressways, major intersections and primary roads.
Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt said the heat index during the festival is expected to reach 60°C, so the BMA has instructed all organisers to prepare emergency units and ensure drinking water is available for the public.
Bangkok police chief Pol Lt Gen Sayam Boonsom said it was expected more people would remain in Bangkok this year, instead of returning to their hometowns for Songkran, because of soaring fuel and travel costs.
Additional police would be rostered on duty to ensure their safety during the celebration, he said
