A safer Songkran By News Desk
Publisher:The Nation - Publication Date: 04-04-2008

Vehicles carrying buckets of water, water guns and people aiming to splash passers-by will lose their right to enter several Bangkok roads during this year's Songkran, Thailand's 'new year' celebration and the country's most famous festival.

Enforced between April 11 and April 16, the ban will also cover Na Phra Larn, Rajdamnoen Nok and Rajdamnoen Klang roads. Even Khao San Road - a prime location for water-soaked revellers - won't be open to such vehicles from 9am to midnight during the period.

"It's not safe for people on moving vehicles to engage in water fights," Deputy Metropolitan Police Commissioner Maj-General Panu Kerdlarpphol said.

Though Songkran is all about fun, it is also a period when a large number of people get killed in road accidents. With hopes to keep the road toll this year at no more than 330, relevant authorities have decided to take several measures.

For instance, Highway Police commander Maj-General Pasin Noksakun said people could call 1669 or 1193 hotlines to get a helicopter ambulance for critically injured road victims.

"As traffic congestion is expected, transporting victims by land may make things too late," Pasin said.

According to him, at least two helicopters equipped with first-aid kits will be on standby 24 hours during the festival.

"Some private hospitals could also dispatch helicopter ambulances," he added.

To prevent or at least keep road accidents to the minimum, police also plan to set up checkpoints to ensure that motorists strictly follow traffic laws.

"We will take serious action against drunk drivers, those who go beyond the speed limit and those who ride motorcycles without a safety helmet," deputy police spokesman Maj-General Ruangsak Jarit-ek said yesterday.

He added that there would be a concentration of checkpoints in dangerous areas.

During Songkran last year, more than 400 people died in road accidents, most of them related to alcohol consumption.

Punishment

>> Up to two years in jail and/or a maximum fine of 4,000 baht (US$127) for hurting others with water guns, bags or ice if victims lodge complaints.


>> A maximum fine of 1,000 baht ($32) for violently hurling water bags or ice, or using high-pressure water guns.

>> Prosecution for sexual harassment for smearing powder on an unwilling person, if they file a complaint.

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