Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha surprised many Songkran revellers on Khao San Road this afternoon (Friday), sporting a colourful shirt and wielding a water gun.

He told reporters that it was the first time in 50 years, since he joined the military, that he has celebrated Songkran in such an atmosphere and described the experience as fun, adding that he might return next Songkran.

Accompanied by Pirapan Salirathavibhaga and Akanat Promphan, leader and secretary-general of the United Thai Nation party respectively, the prime minister greeted numerous revellers and, at times, squirted water at them.

Soaked in water, Prayut was all smiles and said that he was happy to see so many tourists, taking the opportunity to point out that it was the result of the government’s efforts to promote tourism.

He also expressed his good wishes to all of them and said he would like the foreign tourists to revisit Thailand.

Many revellers approached the prime minister for selfies and autographs, as he strolled Khao San Road.

One group of youths was, however, heard shouting “Why have you come here?”