Thailand's Songkran Festival Begins: Tens of Thousands Engage in Water Fight on Bangkok Streets

The Songkran Festival, also known as the Buddhist New Year, is a significant Thai holiday celebrated annually from April 13 to 15. This year, the holiday period was extended to five days, starting April 11, due to the preceding weekend. Bangkok's Silom Road was closed for the festivities, drawing large crowds of locals and international tourists who engaged in water fights using water guns and buckets. The Nation reported that Bangkok city officials estimated 140,000 people participated on Silom Road alone. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul delivered a speech emphasizing the government's objective to promote the festival's diverse regional traditions as a cultural heritage. Concurrently, Thai authorities warned of severe heat and air pollution, with temperatures potentially reaching 42°C in some regions during the festival, advising the public to avoid prolonged outdoor exposure to prevent heatstroke.