Mr. Chadchart Sittipunt, Governor of Bangkok, chaired the meeting of the Bangkok Executive Committee at Bangkok City Hall (Giant Swing). After the meeting, Mr. Aekvarunyoo Amrapala, BMA Spokesperson and Assistant Secretary to the Governor of Bangkok, revealed that Bangkok will hold a press conference on the Songkran Festival on April 9, 2024. It will provide details about Songkran activities in the Bangkok area. Based on the information gathered, there will be events in 106 different areas and approximately 14-15 highlights. It can be divided into 2 main categories: 1. Cultural type (little wet) and 2. Enjoyment type (very wet). A map of the event location will also be revealed at a press conference.
For the cultural Songkran festival such as Sanam Luang and Ratchadamnoen Klang Road (organized by the government – TAT), there will be parades from 5 regions. The organizers are in the process of coordinating with the Phra Nakhon District Office to take care of safety and various traffic areas or the city square (organized by Bangkok). There will be a ceremony to consecrate holy water according to the ancient Mon tradition and holy water will be distributed to the people.
As for the fun Songkran festival, such as on Khao San Road, lessons learned from last year have been taken to improve the restrooms, installation of permanent emergency exit signs that can be seen, and arrange entry and exit routes to reduce congestion in the area. This year the Silom Road area will be closed and a swimming event organized by the Ministry of Culture in collaboration with the Bang Rak District Office and business operators in the Silom area.
In this regard, it is expected that there will be more citizens and tourists coming to join the Songkran festival than last year as there will be both public and private events throughout the month. It is consistent with government policy. In the case of problems with motorcycle taxis increasing fares during festival days, Bangkok will continue to coordinate with relevant agencies.
However, Bangkok will be diligent in maintaining security and coordinating with the police. A Command Center will be set up to monitor the situation in the event area and coordinate with relevant agencies promptly in the event of an emergency, including a medical unit and coordination with hospitals in the Bangkok area for citizens and tourists.