Thailand is gearing up to celebrate its traditional new year, Songkran, from 13-15 April. Though known for its nationwide water fights with revellers splashing each other with water during some of the hottest days of the Thai summer, this year festivities will look a little different in Bangkok.
Bangkok’s famous Khao San Road may look different during Songkran this year. Image by ©Witthaya Prasongsin/Getty Images
The Khaosan Road Business Association has announced it is cancelling all organised Songkran festivities around the backpacker haunt of Khao San Road in order to further prepare for the upcoming coronation of King Maha Vajiralongkorn set for 4 to 6 May.
While Khao San Road won’t see its usual sponsored craziness, shops and restaurants will stay open and tourists can still ‘play water’, however, local businesses won’t be holding events, concerts or providing water for festivities.
Crowds of people gather on Khao San Road during the Songkran festival in 2016. Image by Stephen J. Boitano/LightRocket via Getty Images
As the country’s largest holiday, Songkran is still on throughout the rest of the city and country, with popular hotspots for celebrating including Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Phuket.
Words: Alana Morgan
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