Police General Chalermkiat Srivorakan, Deputy Director General of the Royal Thai Police presided over a meeting through video teleconference with the top brass at the Royal Thai Police Operations Center on Tuesday April 2, 2019 to discuss Songkran 2019.
The General stressed out the need to tighten security in Bangkok especially in areas where tourist flock to experience Songkran Festival such as Silom, Khaosan Road, RCA, and Asiatique. Thousands of tourists are expected to join the festivities in those areas.
The following Do’s and Don’ts were discussed during the meeting.
Splashing of water from the back of the pick up truck are allowed as long as it is done nicely and does not hurt anyone.
No ICE in the water.
No using of DIRTY water.
No HIGH PRESSURED water guns.
No SELLING of ALCOHOL to persons under 18.
No DRINKING of ALCOHOL at the back of the pick up trucks.
No SHOOTING GUNS in the air.
The Songkran Season is also considered the 7 dangerous days in Thailand which marks high rates of accidents on the road. Major causes of accidents include drunk driving, driving at a very high speed, not wearing of helmets, not wearing seat belts and driving backwards.
The police force will be deployed to 9 key areas in Bangkok to ensure the safety of everyone. These areas are Khao San Road, Silom Road, Asiatique, Siam Square, Front Road, Central World Road, Chokchai 4 Road, 60 Phansa Park, and Chalermprakiat Romklao.
Special Assistance Centers will also be set up along the roads and in provincial areas such as Khao Niao Road, Khon Khaen, Chiagmai, Hat Yai and many other areas.