Pattani opens longest watar tunnel

PATTANI, April 13 (TNA) -- Ten of thousands of people in Thailand's southern province of Pattani have gone out to enjoy the longest water tunnel in the country to relieve the heat and in celebrations of Songkran Festival at Khao Yum road. Acting Pattani Governor Suriya Amornrojworawut, together with heads of governmental offices and thousands of devout Buddhists in the area gathered this morning to give alms to 99 monks in front of the City Hall, as well as bathe the statue of the revered Phra Puttha Sihing and gave respects to the elderly by washig their hands for good luck and fortune on the occasion of the Thai New Year or Songkran, amidst tight security by local authorities. Meanwhile, the Songkran Khao Yum Road celebrations atmosphere held at Magrood road in Pattani municipality has been active through the whole day, as thousands of festival goers enjoy walking through the 650-metre long water tunnel. The tunnel is the longest such tunnel in the country organised by the Pattani Municipal Office in celebrations of the Songkran Festival under the theme, 'Fun And Safe Songkran without Alcohol.' (TNA)