At the plaza in front of the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) and the Thai Health Promotion Foundation (ThaiHealth) held a press conference for the Creative Songkran 3S: SAFE SOFT SPIRIT campaign to drive the 2026 Songkran festival to be safe, meaningful, and in harmony with the modern social way of life.
Mr. Phairoj Saonuam, Deputy Manager of the Thai Health Promotion Foundation (ThaiHealth), revealed that ThaiHealth has supported safe Songkran zones continuously for 21 years, with empirical data confirming that organizing alcohol-free Songkran events clearly reduces road accidents during the festival. In 2025, accidents significantly decreased compared to 2024.
ThaiHealth conducted a survey of 5,200 people across 13 areas nationwide, including Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Nan, Sukhothai, Khon Kaen, Nong Bua Lamphu, Sisaket, Ang Thong, Chanthaburi, Suphanburi, Chumphon, Pattani, and Phuket. Results showed 82.13% of respondents favored alcohol-free Songkran celebrations, viewing them as 86.42% safer, reducing drunk driving by 87.27%, and lowering drinking-related accidents by 85.35%.
Among foreign tourists, 61.25% were satisfied with the event format, and 80% reported experiencing a happy and safe travel experience.
Mr. Phairoj also introduced the Creative Songkran 3S concept comprising Safe—playing water safely without alcohol; Soft—reflecting cultural dimensions and Thailand's soft power; and Spirit—the Thai people's spirit in preserving fine traditions.
He further emphasized that the root causes of common Songkran problems—such as conflicts, property loss, and fatal accidents—originate from alcohol consumption. This issue is not just individual but broadly impacts society.
Meanwhile, Ms. Tawida Kamolwetch, Deputy Governor of Bangkok, stated that BMA is ready to support this year’s Songkran to be safer and more enjoyable by building on last year’s 5 No’s policy: no high-pressure water guns, no alcohol, no nudity, no powder, and water conservation. This year adds a focus on civility and respectful shared use of public spaces.
Regarding water play zones in Bangkok, the BMA has set a cutoff time of 10:00 p.m. to allow timely cleanup by officials. They also urged the public to help manage waste by picking up a piece or two of trash or reducing waste generation from the start.
Deputy Governor Tawida explained that some areas are not permitted to hold events due to lessons from last year, when emergency medical teams were delayed by traffic congestion, worsening patients’ conditions en route to hospitals. Thus, BMA enforces policies prohibiting parking or obstructing traffic near hospitals, fire stations, public service centers, bridgeheads, bottlenecks, and risky shoulders to keep emergency lanes clear at all times.
Additionally, BMA warned of extreme heat this year, advising people to avoid using excessively cold water during Songkran to prevent the body from failing to adjust temperature, and emphasized staying well hydrated during water activities.
For Bangkok’s highlight venues this year, Silom Road will host a full three-day 'Space Songkran' themed event aiming to elevate the festival to a global destination status.
Meanwhile, Siam Square and CentralWorld will be centers for young people and tourists to enjoy water play under strict no-powder and no-alcohol policies.
Mr. Prasit Thongthangthai, Mayor of Khon Kaen Municipality, announced that this year’s Songkran will be held under the concept 'Joyful Splash, Fun Human Wave, Khao Niew Road, Khon Kaen' from April 11 to 15.. (Note: The text is a single word 'highlight' without further content, so translation is simply 'Highlight')The key highlight is the alcohol-free Human Wave, the only one in Thailand, inviting tourists to join fun along Sri Chan Road, with concert performances from artists.
Similarly, Mr. Sunthorn Yamsiri, Deputy Mayor of Chiang Mai Municipality, said the 2026 Chiang Mai New Year Festival will run from April 6 to 17, preserving culture alongside tourism, regulating alcohol consumption, and establishing Slow City zones for a safe Songkran that maintains Lanna identity.
ThaiHealth stated it will continue supporting Songkran events from all sectors—including government agencies, private sectors, and local communities—aiming to make the festival a space for happiness, creative fun, and safety while elevating the Thai tradition’s image to a sustainable world-class festival.