BMA campaigns for safe Songkran festival

BANGKOK, April 11 (TNA) -- The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has launched a campaign for the Songkran festival that is free of alcohol, sexual harassment and speed driving. It will organise a big Songkran fair at the Lumpini public park and sets 79 safe Songkran celebration areas in Bangkok. Deputy Bangkok governor Thaweesak Lertpraphan led about 100 campaigners for safe Songkran on Khao San Road on April 10. Participants came from the BMA and partners including the Department of Women’s Affairs and Family Development and the Stop Drink Network. They handed out campaign materials to local and foreign tourists to encourage them to conserve Thai cultures, celebrate the Songkran festival safely and respect one another. Campaigners also asked vendors not to sell alcoholic drinks there. Mr Thaweesak said the BMA was promoting the Songkran tradition and public safety. It sets 79 alcohol-free areas for safe Songkran celebrations in the capital. Besides, the BMA will organise a big Songkran fair at the Lumpini public park on April 12-15. He also said that Songkran revelers were banned from using high-pressure devices to splash water because they would harm general people. (TNA)