[QxmFwtlam]

Here’s a safety tip I would like to share. If riding motorbike, yes wear helmet please. During Songkran if you are on Kao San road, please also wear helmet. Other then water, ice and powder, glass beer bottles are also parts of the arsenal of Songkran there. Songkran in the hands of hot headed teenage boys under the influence of alcohol is no fun. I was just mere meters away from being a random target there and decided never ever wanted to go to Kao San for the festival anymore. Police didn’t do anything, too many people.

[markshome23]

I really dislike drunk crowds and crazy teenagers but I don't wish that they get hurt or killed in a horribly way. if you do, you are no better than them, I'm afraid.

[ireleda]

Police will not do anything again this year unless there is a chance for some pocket money either.
seems they are only worried about BKK and seem to forget that people live in other parts of this country.

We maybe if we get lucky a speeding auto with a drunk driver will smash into a crowd around a water barrel while they are filling their buckets..

[poRmawayncmop]

DAILY XPRESS

A safer Songkran

Authorities are taking every measure possible to keep road accidents to a minimum this year.

Vehicles carrying buckets of water, water guns and people aiming to splash passers-by will lose their right to enter several Bangkok roads during this year's Songkran Festival.

Enforced between April 11 and April 16, the ban will also cover Na Phra Larn, Rajdamnoen Nok and Rajdamnoen Klang roads. Even Khao San Road - a prime location for water-soaked revellers - won't be open to such vehicles from 9am to midnight during the period.

"It's not safe for people on moving vehicles to engage in water fights," Deputy Metropolitan Police Commissioner Maj-General Panu Kerdlarpphol said yesterday.

Though Songkran is all about fun, it is also a period when a large number of people get killed in road accidents. With hopes to keep the road toll this year at no more than 330, relevant authorities have decided to take several measures.

For instance, Highway Police commander Maj-General Pasin Noksakun said people could call 1669 or 1193 hotlines to get a helicopter ambulance for critically injured road victims.

"As traffic congestion is expected, transporting victims by land may make things too late," Pasin said.

According to him, at least two helicopters equipped with first-aid kits will be on standby 24 hours during the festival.

"Some private hospitals could also dispatch helicopter ambulances," he added.

To prevent or at least keep road accidents to the minimum, police also plan to set up checkpoints to ensure that motorists strictly follow traffic laws.

"We will take serious action against drunk drivers, those who go beyond the speed limit and those who ride motorcycles without a safety helmet," deputy police spokesman Maj-General Ruangsak Jarit-ek said yesterday.

He added that there would be a concentration of checkpoints in dangerous areas.

During Songkran last year, more than 400 people died in road accidents, most of them related to alcohol consumption.

Daily Xpress



XTRA

legal Punishment


>> Up to two years in jail and/or a maximum fine of Bt4,000 for hurting others with water guns, bags or ice if victims lodge complaints.


>> A maximum fine of Bt1,000 for violently hurling water bags or ice, or using high-pressure water guns.


>> Prosecution for sexual harassment for smearing powder on an unwilling person, if they file a complaint.

[BruceQW]

I know Songkran is from 13-15 April and it is New Year celebration, and ever since I started chatting with my wife in 2005 she was telling me how she is afraid to go out on the streets not wanted to get wet, but what does the very act of dousing women in water by men signify?....And though authorities can take precautions, and try to stop it, it may be half hearted effort because it is a too long tradition, similar to shooting firecrackers on U.S. indenpendence day the 4th. July-which also happens to be my birthday

[Mjyzpzph]

The throwing of water originated as a way to pay respect to people, by gently pouring a small amount of scented water on other people’s hands or over a shoulder as a sign of respect.

David

[markshome23]

no it is not traditional Thai culture to knock people off their motorcycles using icebergs, smear coloured powder all over their breasts, or pour a bucket of water on someone who is carrying a laptop and wearing a business suit five days before the actual new year date.

[BruceQW]

Hmmm...maybe both of you are correct David & Betti...It may have its origins of showing respect from way back as David explains...but the respectful tradion got way out of hand and is anything but respectful today as Betti says and I have seen some fotos Nooch sent me from Songkran celebrants which shows them on pick-up trucks with drum/barrel fulls of water and buckets loaded and ready to go ...

[markshome23]

it is actually fun, especially in this horribly hot weather now, but the thing is it goes on for 4 full days, and starts a couple of days before here and there, and there is no escape if you happen to not feel like getting involved at a specific time.