Songkran revellers allowed to make splashes on Silom Road

BANGKOK, April 12 (TNA) - International Songkran revellers in Bangkok are welcome to join water splashes during the Songkran or Traditional Thai New Year Festival on Silom Road, a main business hub in the capital, during April 13-15 in a toned-down manner. Wanlop Suwandee, Chief Adviser to the Bangkok governor, told journalists of the resolution at the City Hall on Wednesday, after chairing a meeting of concerned parties, including police and mitigation units, on the preparation for Songkran activities on Silom Road. Wanlop stated that the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) will not hold Songkran activities on Silom Road this year, as the country is mourning the passing of late His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej and the decision has been supported by business operators and shops in the area. Wanlop said, however, that water splashing will be allowed on Silom Road as previous years during the three-day Songkran period on a limited 850-metre section, from Sala Daeng Intersection to Nararom Intersection where traffic will be closed from noon to 8pm daily. Besides, police, soldiers and municipal officers will provide security in the areas and checkpoints will be set up to screen for banned items, including alcohol drinks, power and high pressure water guns. Wanlop announced that alcohol sale is banned in the designated areas, with a decisive fine to be imposed on violators. (TNA)