Silom road not being closed for Songkran

[reader]

From Thai Newsroom

WITH Songkran festival kicking off next Thursday (Apr. 13) revellers might be disappointed to hear that Silom road will not be close this year for them to gather there for a splashing good time but they can still enjoy themselves on the sidewalks and the alleys leading off this key artery of the metropolis, Naewna newspaper said this afternoon.

Bang Rak district said while Silom road will not be closed, their officials and the police will be on hand to take care of revellers and tourists who gather on the sidewalks and alleys to participate in this festival.

The district office added that there are many other places in Bangkok where Songkran events are being held including Khao San road, City Hall square (Larn Khon Mueang), Samyan Mitrtown, Siam Square, Central World and Icon Siam.

NICEMap has put out a map showing 198 places in Bangkok where Songkran events are being held and spots where people could go to and splash water at each other at  https://th.riskmap.org/

[reader]

Taking into consideration first and second-hand reports I'm receiving about the crowds in Silom area over the weekend, I wouldn't be surprised if authorities will end up backing off decision to keep Silom rd. open to vehicle traffic.

Maybe they're counting on the widened sidewalks to accommodate revelers or they anticipate that they'll go elsewhere to celebrate. However when you consider this is what the avenue looked like in pre-covid days, that's taking a lot for granted.

[reader]

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration lists the following Songkran venues:

For residents and tourists, here are some of the key locations to celebrate Songkran in Bangkok:
– International Amazing Splash 2023 from 13 to 15 April 2023 at Chula Soi 5, at Chulalongkorn University Centenary Park, near the National Stadium. The event is aimed at highlighting international cultural events and traditions of splashing that are similar to Songkran;
– SIAM Songkran Music Festival from 12 to 14 and 16 April 2023 at Urban Yard RCA open cafe;
– GCIRCUIT Songkran Festival 2023 from 13 to 16 April 2023 at CentralWorld Shopping Plaza. (PRD)

[Patanawet]

In other words, traffic will be allowed and pedestrian revellers will be confined to the pavements. Stupid decision. 

As in other years and some Sunday market days, traffic should be banned till 20.00 .