Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat oversaw a press conference on Tuesday (Mar 19) to officially announce the event, which will be held in front of the popular shopping venue on Dibuk Rd on Saturday, Apr 13 between 4pm and 10pm.
As has become customary with the event, which is free to attend, it will be an alcohol free occassion held under the banner ‘Songkran No Al’, meaning ‘no alcohol’, with a designated zone for water play.
The move to ban alcohol is part of ongoing efforts by the PPAO of working with the organisers to reduce and prevent accidents risks during the Songkran Festival.
Joining Governor Sophon at Tuesday’s press conference was: Rewat Areerob, President of the Phuket Provincial Administrative Organisation (PPAO); Letchai Wangtrakuldee, Director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Phuket Office; Prasit Sinsaowaphak, Deputy Mayor of Phuket; Thaneth Tantipiriyakij, President of the Phuket Tourism Business Association; Pol. Col. Jirasak Siemsak, Phuket Provincial Police Deputy Commander; Thanyalak Jariyalerpong, Phuket Provincial Health Promotion Foundation coordinator; and Panee Koisomboon, Managing Director of Limelight Phuket.
Revellers on the day are encouraged to don traditional Thai costumes and respectfully pour water over the head of a Buddha statue at the venue. Live entertainment will come from musical band Paradox as well as local DJs.
Last year’s event saw more than 30,000 people enjoying the festivities and this year the number could increase furthermore with more tourists expected to attend, especially after UNESCO included the Thai New Year Songkran festival on its Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity List.
“Songkran promotes community cooperation, unity and forgiveness. It is viewed as a time to symbolically wash away misfortunes, pray for prosperity for the coming year, reunite with family members, and honor ancestors and older adults,” UNESCO wrote on its website.
While the event is naturally geared towards having fun, there will be strict rules and regulations enforced that guests are expected to adhere to. These include a total ban on alcohol, including bringing alcohol to the venue, people under the influence of alcohol banned entry to the venue, a complete ban on kratom products, a complete ban on cigarettes, e-cigarettes and marijuana, a ban on the use of powder and paint, and a complete ban on carrying of weapons.
Tuesday’s announcement came as the TAT declared that Phuket is expected to receive about 264,350 visitors during the Songkran holiday this year, generating at least B7 billion in revenue.