Songkran 2016: Shortened water festival celebration in Bangkok

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Shortened water festival celebration in Bangkok



BANGKOK: -- As the upcoming Songkran festival remains uncertain if the celebration days will be shortened across the country, but Bangkok is now certain to have the celebration days and hours cut short as part of its campaign to save water for household consumption.

Decision to shorten the celebration days and hours was reached at the joint meeting of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, the Tourism and Sports Ministry, Ministry of Culture, the Tourism Police Division and the private sector.

Under the decision agreed, water splashing activities during the Songkran festival in Bangkok will be limited to reduce water consumption in wake of the worst drought situation in 20 years.

BMA deputy governor Amorn Kijchawengkul said water splashing activities will be limited to three days from April 12-14 and must cease at 9 pm in all 50 districts.

At the meeting the deputy governor said the business sector understood the drought situation and has agreed to cooperate in saving water.

He said business operators on Silom road and other venues such as Central World also agreed not to supply water to Songkran revellers. And BMA will not set up “Water tunnel” on Silom road as last year to save water.

According to Bangkok Post, while at Khao Sarn road, the popular venue celebrated the festival by back-packing tourists and locals alike, the Phra Nakhon district office will launch a PR campaign to explain to foreign tourists the country’s need to save water and cooperate.

This year’s Songkran festival holiday spread to five days beginning April 13 – 17. This is because April 16 and 17 fall on the weekend.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/content/155128


-- Thai PBS 2016-03-15

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BMA cuts Songkran by 1 day due to water shortage

BANGKOK, 15 March 2016 (NNT) – The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has decided to restrict Songkran festivities by 1 day due to the national water shortage.

Deputy Governor of Bangkok Amornkij Chawengkul disclosed after a meeting of the BMA’s Songkran committee that this year’s celebration will be held under the theme “Traditional Songkran, Valuing Conservation” to encourage citizens to use water more sparingly.

The committee has decided to reduce festivities in the city by 1 day to only 3 days from April 12-14 as well as to restrict water play in each area to only until 9PM.

Central World Department Store has agreed to cooperate with the BMA in its conservation effort and has cancelled its water tunnel and 24 hour water station services. Festivities will also be downplayed on Silom Road.

The BMA has also resolved to continue to uphold the 5 issues it monitors for each year, which include, deterring the consumption of alcohol, the use of powder, nudity, weapons and the encouragement of water conservation. The city will work with the military and police to ensure the holiday is kept within bounds.


-- NNT 2016-03-15

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Drought desperation: Bangkok officially cuts Songkran short to save water
By Coconuts Bangkok


Photo: Anthony Bouch

BANGKOK: -- Bangkok Metropolitan Administration has announced the Songkran festival will only last three days this year in the hope of saving water amid the drought crisis.

As the nation is facing its worst water shortage in twenty years, Bangkok decided it will shorten Songkran celebrations from four to three days, as the festival will be held on April 12-14 across the city, according to deputy governor Amorn Kijchawengkul.

Amorn encouraged citizens to spend some dry quality time with their family on April 15 instead, as the famous festival marks the Thai New Year.

Full story: http://bangkok.coconuts.co/2016/03/15/drought-desperation-bangkok-officially-cuts-songkran-short-save-water


-- Coconuts Bangkok 2016-03-15

[Nicolas32]

mission impossible to save water because people will just use water from their homes..

[Chang_paarp]

Will they enforce this latest edict?

[bark]

Water off a Ducks Back

[Ulic]

I still have my fingers crossed that Songkran in Pattaya is shortened to I day, 2 at most.

The 1 week is so over the top annoying.

[Searat7]

I didn't realize April 12 was a public holiday.

[wileycoyote]

Me too ,I hope Pattaya has a reduced number of days

[jesimps]

Me too ,I hope Pattaya has a reduced number of days

How can anyone stand around chucking water from 12 - 20 inclusive, morning till night, and not get bored? Beats me. Edited March 15, 2016 by jesimps

[farang1979]

Good luck enforcing this on Khao San. Khaos.