Silom and Khao San attract hundreds of thousands revelers to go for water battles

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Silom and Khao San attract hundreds of thousands revelers to go for water battles



BANGKOK: -- Revelers enjoyed water-splashing activity on the first day of the two-day Songkran festival at Silom road and Khao San road, two of the biggest water-playing zones in Bangkok.

They have one more day today to enjoy water splashing after the water celebration was shortened from previous three days to two due to the current water crisis affecting the country now.

Yesterday the festival on Silom was filled with joys and was no less fun than in other areas of Bangkok.

Silom road was jampacked with both local and foreign tourists enjoying splashing water at each other.

This year, several rules are imposed in the water-playing zone to ensure safety of revelers and to help conserve water during the water crisis.

Revelers are not allowed to bring high-pressure guns and wear ‘sexy’ outfit while alcohol beverages are prohibited in water-playing zones.

However, the rules did not take away the fun.

Many revelers were found to carry huge water guns despite the ban.

This was because vendors still could manage to bring in such big guns into the areas and sell to revellers and made good profits.

Refilling water gun costs 10-20 baht this year compared to five baht last year.

Revelers shared common views that despite the restrictions imposed, water-splashing activity on Silom road is still the funniest while the strict rules do not make the festival less fun.

An American tourist who came with her children said she was very impressed with her first Songkran celebration experience and she would certainly come back to celebrate the festival in future if she has a chance.

“We are having a lot of fun. Everything is playful and joyful. It has been wonderful.”

The celebration here went with no discrimination of race, age and sex. Groups of teenagers, bisexuals, Thais and foreigners are enjoying slashing water at each other here and there.

However, the metropolitan police on patrol here have advised revelers to dress appropriately. Even men are asked not take off their top during the water-splashing activity.

Meanwhile the Songkran atmosphere at Khao San road was also very joyful.

Tourists were screening by security personnel at checkpoints before being allowed into the area since morning to ensure full safety.

Revellers carrying backpacks were not allowed to enter unless they left them outside, as well as no mask be allowed to wear and no high pressure guns.

Besides revellers in ‘sexy’ outfit were also recommended to dress properly as this year authorities aimed at upholding Thai culture celebration urging Thais to wear Thai costumes.

Khao San this year did not only packed with European tourists, but also Chinese.

Tourism authorities estimated over 20,000 Chinese tourists visiting the road to celebrate the water festival yesterday.

The celebration on Khao San road is expected to be filled with more funs as it is the last official day to splash water.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/content/159513

-- Thai PBS 2016-04-14

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Most Songkran revelers observe water-saving campaign

BANGKOK, 14 April 2016 (NNT) - A large number of Thai and foreign people have gathered at different spots in Bangkok to celebrate the Songkran festival.

Silom Road on Wednesday was packed with merrymakers looking forward to the water-splashing activity. The celebrations also gave operators income opportunities from selling water-splashing equipment, food and snacks.

Unlike previous years, most revelers celebrated the festival in a modest manner to comply with the government’s plea for water conservation. Celebrants are allowed to have fun only until 9 p.m.

As for the security measures, more than 400 police officials are on duty in risk-prone areas together with over 1300 military and defense volunteers. Water players are to undergo weapon checks to prevent and reduce the risk of brawl and crime.

Acting Bangkok police chief Pol Lt-General Sanit Mahataworn on Wednesday surveyed celebration venues and monitor the situation across the capital city. The inspections found no irregularities. There have been no reports of physical or sexual assaults so far.


-- NNT 2016-04-14

[Lupatria]

I guess most of them will be gone when the battles over drinking water bottles start at Lotus and Big C like during the flood.

[swissbie]

Tuesday, Khao Sarn was packed already and it will go on at least until friday. Big water guns everywhere and screening? They only can controll the main entrances, but not the dozens of sideways and small soi's. Much fun and big business, let everybody who likes it enjoy (no, not for me anymore, but no reason to be envious of the partying folks).

[HooHaa]

Both stories are absolutely priceless.

Truly great writing.

[Stargeezr]

I am just glad to see so many people enjoying Songkran again this year.

Looking forward to some of the pictures and videos on U tube and other places.

Geezer