Pattaya cops stop Chinese tourists in Songkran truck chaos
A splash of fun turned into a safety scare in Pattaya as police cracked down on reckless Songkran celebrations involving water trucks, and three Chinese tourists found themselves at the centre of the drama.
During the city’s famous water-soaked festivities, several water trucks were spotted cruising through town and parking along busy roads, obstructing traffic and creating chaos for both drivers and pedestrians.
Police Lieutenant Colonel Panupong Nimsuwan, Traffic Inspector at Pattaya City Police Station, said officers had no choice but to step in.
“We observed behaviour that violated the Traffic Act and posed serious risks.”
Officers were dispatched to patrol hot spots and soon noticed a six-wheeled truck fitted with a large water tank driving right past the police station. On board were three female Chinese tourists, gleefully spraying water at passersby from the open back of the moving truck.
The truck was promptly pulled over and escorted to the police station, where officers began checking the vehicle’s registration and permits related to the tank installation.
However, the situation took an unexpected turn when one of the tourists, described as physically large, struggled to climb down safely from the truck’s slippery platform. It took more than 15 minutes and the combined efforts of the police and the driver to help her disembark without injury.
“This just shows how dangerous these setups can be,” Pol. Lt. Col. Panupong said. “Even something that looks like innocent fun can turn risky in an instant, especially with water making everything slippery.”
He issued a firm warning to tour operators and revellers ahead of the upcoming Wan Lai festival, Pattaya’s extended Songkran celebration, urging them not to use the backs of trucks as mobile water stations or block roadways during the events, reported Pattaya Mail.
“High-pressure sprays can harm people, and playing in the back of a moving vehicle is a recipe for disaster. Violators will face legal consequences without exception.”
As the celebrations continue, police are ramping up efforts to keep the streets safe while still allowing locals and tourists to enjoy the wild Thai New Year festivities — responsibly.
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