Bangkok authorities have announced that all Songkran water-splashing activities across the capital will be alcohol-free and must conclude by 10pm.
Speaking on Tuesday, Deputy Governor Tavida Kamolvej said public safety remains a central focus, with the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration’s (BMA) command centre operating continuously and supported by real-time access to all operational data systems.
This year’s Songkran festival will take place from Saturday, April 11 to Wednesday, April 15.
According to Ms Tavida, at least 88 locations across the city have been designated for celebrations, each featuring alcohol-free water-splashing zones.
Key festival areas will include Lan Khon Mueang at City Hall, as well as major hotspots such as Silom Road, Khao San Road, Siam Square and CentralWorld.
Event organisers have been directed to strictly implement safety measures. These include bans on high-pressure water cannons, inappropriate or indecent behaviour, and the use of powdered substances such as chalk or talcum.
City officials are also promoting water conservation, with all water-related festivities restricted to the period before 10pm.
To improve oversight and coordination, the BMA has categorised Bangkok into three management zones for the duration of the festival.
Zone 1 covers officially sanctioned venues, where events are organised with clear safety plans and structured activity layouts.
Zone 2 consists of monitored areas where celebrations are not formally arranged but large crowds are expected to gather.
Zone 3 includes locations where festivities are strictly prohibited. These areas cover critical public service points such as hospital entrances, fire stations, police stations, bridges, expressways, major intersections and key arterial roads.
Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt warned that the heat index during the festival could reach as high as 60°C. He said organisers have been instructed to deploy emergency response units and ensure adequate drinking water is available for attendees.
Meanwhile, Bangkok police chief Sayam Boonsom said authorities anticipate a larger number of people will remain in the capital this year, rather than travelling to their hometowns, due to rising fuel and transportation costs.
He added that additional police officers will be deployed throughout the city to maintain order and ensure public safety during the celebrations.
