SONGKRAN DAY

BMA Songkran sites to dodge red shirts

By The Nation

BANGKOK: -- In order to avoid conflict with the red-shirt protest - the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has decided to host the Songkran celebration on April 13-14 at Silom Road.

Also, the Phra Buddhasihing image worshipping on April 12-15 will be held at the City Hall's Lan Khon Muang Plaza; while the Songkran alms-offering has been set for April 13.

BMA deputy governor Thaya Theepsuwan said yesterday the Phra Buddhasihing image would be invited for a procession from Phra Thinang Phutthaisawan, passing Wongwian Yai, Santi Chaiprakan Park, Wat Chanasongkhram, finally being enshrined at a temporary pavilion at Lan Khon Muang.

The alms offering to 10 Buddhist head monks and 180 monks will be held at 7am on April 13.

The city will co-host the April 13-14 celebration at Silom road - divided into the traditional plays, water blessing of the elderly, and contemporary musical concerts.

One-hundred city officials, 50 policemen and 50 soldiers have been asked to provide security for at least 150,000 revellers expected to attend the two-day festival, she said.

At the previous main Songkran celebration site, Khao Sarn Road, the area business association will hold a merry-making event, with another celebration by the Bang Lampu community in the nearby Santi Chaiprakan Park.

Meanwhile Permanent Secretary for Culture Weera Rojpojnarat urged people to send their loved ones a 3D e-card they can download from www.m-culture.go.th.

-- The Nation 2010-04-01

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BMA really has been pushing Silom a lot lately - vested interested perhaps.

Anyways, Silom every year has thousands of people lining in throwing water. As for avoiding the red shirts, I wasn't aware that the parliament / government house area was a hotbed for songkran activities.

I'll be at Khao San regardless....... best place for the Songkran antics!