BANGKOK, April 9 – Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) workers and the police are enforcing strict measures to ensure that the upcoming Songkran Festival at Silom and Khao San roads will be run safely and free of alcoholic drinks.
Deputy Bangkok Governor Pol Gen Assawin Kwanmuang said Wednesday after chairing a meeting on safety measures at the two venues that both will be under strict control of the authorities.
Silom and Khao San roads are among the most popular destinations for the sometimes-quite-wild celebrations of Songkran Festival in the capital.
The authorities will work to ensure that Songkran in Silom and Khao San, scheduled to take place next week on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday, are free from accidents and crimes, as well as being alcohol- and weapon-free.
Bangkok’s Bangrak district office has assigned 100 BMA law enforcement officers, with the help of another 100 police from three stations in the celebration areas to ensure safety at the event.
The BMA has also urged shops not to sell alcoholic beverages as there might be outbreaks of violence and crimes resulting from drinking alcohol.
Additional plainclothes police will join BMA officers on patrol to help apprehend pickpockets and other thieves. Checkpoints as well as rescue units will be set to deal with emergencies.
All types of vehicles will be prohibited from entering both Silom and Khao San roads. Silom will be closed from 2pm to midnight while Khao San road will be closed from 10am to 10pm.
The BMA has invited the public to participate in a Big Cleaning Day organised by City Hall on Wednesday April 16 to deal with the aftermath of the celebrations.
