Songkran activities on Bangkok's Khao San area held April 13-14

BANGKOK, April 11 (TNA) - Khao San Road, one of Bangkok’s main water play spots during the Songkran or Traditional Thai New Year Festival, will be opened for this year's activities during April 13-14, from 2pm-8pm daily. Bangkok Deputy Governor Thaweesak Lertpraphan told journalists of the official notice on Tuesday when he joined metropolitan police and representatives of the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security and other relevant parties, including local business operators, to launch a public campaign on “Bangkok Safe Songkran with No Alcohol”. During the event, a procession of Tuk-Tuk tricycles and bikes was released to raise awareness among Songkran revellers to join the water play festival properly and safely. Besides, a play was performed to urge Songkran revellers to join the water play politely without any sexual harassment and alcohol drinking. Thaweesak said authorities have campaigned for proper Traditional Thai New Year activities to preserve the Thai culture and to pay respect to late His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who passed away in October 2016. In the occasion, the deputy governor urged Songkran revellers not to use water guns and power in their water play and not to wear revealing clothes either. According to the deputy governor, about 500 police officers and municipal officials will be deployed on Khao San Road and its vicinity, while checkpoints will also be set up to limit zones for the water splashing activities, with any violator to each face a fine of 1,000 baht. This year's Songkran activities are not allowed on Ratchadamneon Avenue and Sanam Luang ceremonial ground in Bangkok, as they are located near the Grand Palace where people are allowed to pay their respects to the late and beloved Thai monarch during the Songkran Festival. (TNA)