Songkran Festival in Bangkok limited to stop at 10pm daily

BANGKOK, April 4 (TNA) - The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has announced that public activities during this year’s Songkran or Traditional Thai New Year Festival in the capital will be held from noon to 10 pm. daily during April 13-15. Bangkok Governor Police General Aswin Kwanmuang told journalists on Tuesday that people and businesses in water playing zones on Khao San Road, near Sanam Luang ceremonial ground, have also been asked to refrain from all entertainment activities during the ongoing mourning period for late His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej. Meanwhile, Bangkok Deputy Governor Police Lieutenant General Amnuay Nimmano said water playing zones near Saman Luang ceremonial ground have been set at Khok Wua Intersection, Chakrabongse Road, Phra Arthit Road to the Pinklao Bridge, but Songkran revellers will not be allowed on Ratchadamnoen Avenue. The deputy governor noted that the Phra Nakhon District Office, where Khao San Road and the surrounding areas are located, will provide guidelines on approved Songkran activities to representatives of business operators, department stores and entertainment venues in the areas at a meeting on April 5. For Songkran activities to be organized by BMA during April 12-15, the deputy governor revealed that they will be held at Laan Khon Muang Plaza in front of the City Hall Headquarters, instead of Sanam Luang. According to the deputy governor, the sacred Phra Buddha Sihing image will be moved out from the National Museum in a procession to the Laan Khon Muang Plaza for people to pay their respects during April 12-15, while an early morning mass alms offering to Buddhist monks will be held at the venue on April 13. (TNA)