Travel Information for the Songkran New Year Festival

• Songkran New Year Festival is celebrated on 13 to 15 April every year.
• It is most notably commemorated in Thailand, but related celebrations also occur in Cambodia, Laos, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and parts of India, Vietnam, and China.
• The festival offers unique security challenges to visitors to these locations, most prominently Thailand.

Travel Information: The Songkran Festival, or Thai/Buddhist New Year, is set to take place between 13 and 15 April 2018; the Thai cabinet recently approved extending the holiday for the festival to the period from 12 to 16 April. While the holiday is most closely associated with Thailand, related festivities are held in Cambodia (Cambodian New Year), Laos, Sri Lanka (Sinhalese New Year), Myanmar (Thingyan), Arunachal Pradesh and parts of Assam of India (Sangken), and in Xishuangbanna in China and parts of northern Vietnam where the Water-Sprinkling Festival is celebrated. Songkran is a Buddhist festival and is Thailand’s most important national holiday.

Tourists in Thailand are familiar with Songkran as large and widespread water fights occur during this time. This is because Songkran marks the end of the dry season and the beginning of annual rains. Many Thais visit local temples to pray, while a ‘spring cleaning’ also occurs. Chiang Mai is a notable destination for Songkran festivities, where events are ongoing for five days. In some locations, there are parades and stage performances.

Travel Disruption

Travel in Thailand during this period can be challenging for several reasons. As the longest national holiday on the Thai calendar, it is an opportunity for those living in urban areas to return to visit their families. Moreover, Songkran attracts around half a million visitors annually. While the festival nominally takes place between 13 and 15 April, travel disruption can be expected for a week either side of these dates; 11 and 17 April are the busiest days for travel in this period, especially on roads and long-distance rail travel. Authorities have already announced that heavy goods vehicles will be restricted in a number of locations, in order to limit congestion. While public transport systems such as the BTS Skytrain and MRT operate as usual during the public holidays, they are expected to be busier than usual. Hotel accommodation in a number of locations may also be fully booked; it is important to be prepared for this eventuality.

Travel Threats

Travel difficulties also lead to deadly road travel. In 2017, 390 fatalities, 3,808 injuries and a total of 3,690 accidents were reported on Thailand’s roads between 11 and 17 April. Of these reported accidents 1,589 cases were attributed to drunk drivers, while the second largest cause of accidents was speeding. Reports from international media, however, suggest that these figures may be underestimating injuries on the roads during Songkran. Revellers throwing water at cars and motorcycles has also historically contributed to accidents. In response, the government has announced plans to increase the number of checkpoints in accident prone areas and expand the presence of security personnel for seven days before and after festivities.

Crime

Crime is also a significant issue during Songkran, often during water splashing activities. Brawling has historically broken out between revellers, partly fuelled by the intake of alcohol. In 2017, gun crimes left several people injured and at least one person was stabbed to death during an argument in Prachin Buri. Two people also died due to electrocution in foam parties; deaths were attributed to poorly implemented health and safety laws in Thailand. Each year, Thai police forces conduct a pre-festival criminal crackdown. In 2017, police arrested 5,000 criminal and drug suspects, while also seizing 100 illegal firearms, and a large quantity of illegal drugs. In addition, alcohol was banned at 96 public events in 2017 to help stem the violence and revellers wearing revealing clothing were banned at 40 water splashing events. This move was made in response to a poll which suggested that around half the females who attended the water festival complained of being sexually harassed and groped by drunken men during previous events. Petty crimes are also common during water splashing activities.

Health

Travellers are advised to take care of their personal health during this period. Water involved in spraying activities is unlikely to be clean and may lead to stomach irritations if swallowed. Travellers should consider wearing ear and eye protection in order to minimise the risk of conjunctivitis or ear infections. It is also important to ensure safe drinking. Do not share drinks during festivities as this may spread disease and be alert to the risk of drink-spiking; do not leave your drink unattended and if you do, buy a new one when you return. Travellers should take the necessary precautions against sun- and heat-related illnesses, considering that water may remove sunscreen from skin.

Being Prepared

Preparation for this holiday is vital. Travellers should be aware that due to holiday closures of banks, ATMs are liable to run out of cash. Travellers should ensure that they have sufficient currency before the holiday begins or have an appropriate credit card prepared. It should be noted that Thailand is a conservative country and travellers are advised to dress appropriately, particularly outside of known tourist hotspots. In order to prevent damage to property, bring waterproof bags for phone and properties or leave them in a hotel safe. Moreover, do not wear expensive clothing as it is likely to be damaged during festivities.