Chiang Mai prepares moat for Songkran with safety upgrades

As the Songkran festival approaches, Chiang Mai is ensuring its historic moat is ready for the annual water splashing fun, with significant upgrades to water quality and safety.

The city has taken crucial steps to improve both the environment and the safety of residents and tourists who flock to the moat to celebrate Thailand’s most famous water festival.

Since March 1, the Chiang Mai Municipality has been working to dredge sediment and prepare for the diversion of water from the nearby irrigation canal into the moat. The goal is to ensure that the water quality is pristine and safe for the public during Songkran, which runs from April 11 to 15.

Along with water quality improvements, the city has been continuously monitoring the water, making sure that it meets safety standards for the upcoming festivities.

Today, April 7, Chiang Mai receives additional water from the Chiang Mai Irrigation Project to further enhance water quality.

The municipality has set a target to meet the surface water type 2 standard, ensuring the dissolved oxygen (DO) level is no less than 6.00 mg/l and the water’s pH level falls between 6.0 and 8.0. These measures aim to ensure the moat’s water is clean, clear, and safe for water activities during Songkran.

Chiang Mai prepares moat for Songkran with safety upgrades | News by Thaiger
Photo courtesy of Channel 7 News

But it’s not just about water quality, safety has also been a top priority. Floating buoys have been strategically placed around the moat to prevent accidental falls, and warning signs are posted around deep water areas and locations where swimming is prohibited. These precautions are in place to keep both locals and tourists safe while they enjoy the festival.

“Safety is just as important as the fun,” said a Chiang Mai official. “We want everyone to enjoy Songkran, but we also want to prevent any unfortunate incidents.”

As crowds gather to enjoy the water splashing, rapid response teams will be on standby, ensuring the event runs smoothly.

The improvements are part of a broader effort to maintain the beauty and safety of Chiang Mai’s moat, a beloved landmark that has become a central feature of the city’s Songkran celebrations, reported Channel 7 News.

Chiang Mai prepares moat for Songkran with safety upgrades | News by Thaiger
Photo courtesy of Promotions

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Puntid Tantivangphaisal

Originally from Hong Kong, Puntid moved to Bangkok in 2020 to pursue further studies in translation. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Comparative Literature from the University of Hong Kong. Puntid spent 8 years living in Manchester, UK. Before joining The Thaiger, Puntid has been a freelance translator for 2 years. In her free time, she enjoys swimming and listening to music, as well as writing short fiction and poetry.

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