Silom Road in Bang Rak district will not be closed for this year’s Songkran Festival, but people will still be free to splash water and indulge in other fun-filled activities as usual, Bangkok governor Chadchart Sittipunt said yesterday.
He said the city administration would focus on Songkran-related activities at Lan Khon Muang, the open ground in front of City Hall, and along Klong Phadung Krung Kasem.
As many as 198 spots across Bangkok will be arranged for people to throw water at one another, he said, adding the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) will coordinate with police and city officials in all districts to maintain law and order and facilitate traffic flow.
Security cameras will be adjusted to ensure wider coverage of all activities.
Mr Chadchart said activities could be organised in various forms, including temple fairs and community tours.
However, alcohol consumption will not be allowed in public places, including various roads with festivities, particularly at Lan Khon Muang. People will be allowed to drink alcohol only in licensed premises, he said.
Anchana Bunsuya, Bang Rak district chief, said the district would organise activities to promote Thai culture, including bathing Buddha images at Wat Maha Pruttharam Voravihan on Songkran Day on Thursday between 3pm and 6pm and holding a rod nam dam hua ceremony at Wat Kaew Chaemfa on Saturday from 2pm–6pm.
Somboon Homnan, director of the BMA’s Culture, Sports and Tourism Office, said security at Lan Khon Muang would be tight from tomorrow to Friday. CCTV cameras in the area have been checked, and metal detectors have been installed at walk-through gates.