Police, city officials and military personnel have been deployed at Khaosan Road in Bangkok today (Thursday) to enforce the water splashing restriction, imposed by the Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) to reduce the risk of mass COVID-19 infections.
Meanwhile, city officials have erected barriers at both ends of the road to screen visitors, starting at 1pm, to make sure that they do not bring water guns or other such items into the area. Rapid antigen test services will also be provided for those with a fever or other symptoms.
Police said that eight food shops are facing fines for selling liquor beyond 11pm last night.
Chana Songkhram and tourist police deployed at Khaosan Road will explain to the tourists that water splashing is prohibited.
Meanwhile, General Supote Malaniyom, secretary-general of the National Security Council and head of the CCSA’s operations centre, stressed today that Khaosan Road is a public venue where water splashing is prohibited, but traditional Songkran activities are permitted on the condition that permission has been granted.
He said that authorities do not want to force people to comply with the safety measures, out of concern that it may ruin the festive atmosphere, but would like them to cooperate voluntarily.
He also said that he hopes that the images of revellers splashing water yesterday will not be repeated today.
