BANGKOK, 15 March 2016 – 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.
