One of Bangkok’s biggest Halloween events will go on as planned despite the weekend’s tragedy in South Korea.
Khaosan Road will get down and spooky with a full-blown street party tonight, with additional public safety measures in place following the tragic deaths of at least 150 revelers at a similar event in Seoul.
Road traffic will be prohibited in the area, seven exits will be available, and signs erected in different languages with safety information along the 400-meter stretch of road for what’s billed as the Fantasy Ghost Party.
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Large crowds are expected at the event, the first after years of subdued celebrations during the pandemic, at a location often densely packed for celebrations such as Songkran and New Year’s Eve.
The enhanced measures were in response to the stampede that took place Saturday, where Seoul’s Itaewon Road became overcrowded with throngs of revelers, according to Sanga Rungwattanakul of the Khaosan Road Business Association.
Sanga said the tragedy was an unfortunate model to learn from and adjust circumstances for narrow Khaosan Road.
The two are not entirely analogous: Khaosan is on a flat grade, unlike Itaewon, which slopes uphill. A police presence is also all but guaranteed whereas few of Seoul’s public safety officers were present to help control the crowds.
Attendees were encouraged to be mindful of the party street’s many entertainment venues. Like along Itaewon, many are located in tight alleys and crowded buildings which open onto the street. For tonight, Khaosan’s usual stalls will be shuttered to facilitate easy use of the road by pedestrians.
For past Songran events, Khaosan Road has been able to accommodate up to 50,000 visitors.
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