Seven “zones’ for Songkran sanook

PHUKET: Tawichart Intararit, Chief of the Phuket Provincial “Cultural Office” (PPCO), has asked people to restrict water-throwing festivities to seven zones in Phuket during the Songkran holiday, which is expected to begin in earnest on Friday.

K. Tawichart defined the zones as: Saphan Hin in Phuket City; Rawai Beach; Laem Promthep; Karon Beach, Nai Yang Beach; Surin Beach and Patong Beach.

Having “water-play” zones is intended to help reduce the number of people injured through accidents over the holiday, he said.

To preserve the cultural elements of the festival, K. Tawichart suggested that people join a water blessing ceremony for the Lord Buddha and for people who they respect; make merit by giving dry or fresh food to monks; make merit for a relative who has passed away; throw water very “politely”; organize local traditional games; and wear traditional Thai clothing.

He also suggested that people do not throw dirty water or ice, or throw water while riding or driving; do not throw water impolitely; do not drink alcohol; and do not blast people with water by using homemade PVC-pipe water guns.