The (in)famously wild, wet and deranged party that is Khaosan Road during Songkran has been called off this year due to the imminent coronation of King Rama X.
The Khaosan Road Business Association issued a statement yesterday explaining it doesn’t want any shenanigans interfering with the preparations for the royal coronation ceremony set to take place May 4.
“Khaosan Road and the surrounding area will be part of the coronation ceremony. We have to put a lot of work into the preparation, and we don’t want people to mess things up,” association president Piyabutr Jiwramonaikun told Coconuts Bangkok this afternoon.
For the uninitiated, Songkran is the Thai New Year which takes place April 13-15 every year (extended through April 17 for 2019). Religious and cultural traditions aside, the most familiar and fun feature – at least the first couple times – is the nationwide watery street combat that breaks out.
On Khaosan, that sacred destination of global backpackers, Songkran usually means water refill stations, parties, contests, games, performances and drunk people grinding half undressed on each other and inanimate objects.
“There will be none of that this year because we don’t that many people to come,” Piyabutr said. “If you want to have a water fight, go to Lumphini Park or somewhere else.”
The use of din sor pong – the white powder usually mixed with water and smeared on strangers’ faces – is also verboten.
He clarified that the street will still be open as usual and visitors can still engage in minor water play (splash bucket-style, not supersoaker armageddon) provided they bring their own supply or get it there .
“We can’t completely stop people from splashing each other, but we’re just trying to avoid a hectic clean-up,” Piyabutr added.
