Governor Chadchart orders Bangkok to prepare for Songkran at 80 locations across the city, expressing concern over the heatstroke crisis surpassing dust pollution. The city has opened 300 cooling rooms to assist residents.
On 8 April 2026, Governor Chadchart Sitthiphan of Bangkok revealed the preparedness measures ahead of the 2026 Songkran Festival. This year, Bangkok, in cooperation with the private sector, is organizing more than 80 dispersed events throughout the city, including the enshrinement of the Phra Phuttha Sihing Buddha image at Lan Khon Muang from 12–14 April. Highlights include activities on Silom and Khao San Roads, where strict area management and emergency lane clearance have been implemented to prevent severe traffic congestion that could impede patient transport and cause losses as occurred last year.
Governor Chadchart emphasized that a greater concern than the current PM2.5 dust situation is the continuously rising Heat Index. He instructed the public health sector to closely monitor heatstroke cases and advised residents to check heat levels before leaving home and to stay well hydrated. Bangkok has opened over 300 BKK Cooling Centers citywide, which have already served more than 60,000 people, providing refuge during extreme heat periods.
Additionally, the governor has coordinated with the Department of Land Transport to arrange additional public transport vehicles to facilitate travel, especially around Khao San Road. He also supports the government’s energy-saving policy by promoting EV use within agencies and has opened public park spaces for citizens to sell affordable goods, helping reduce living costs and generate income during the festival while maintaining the highest security standards at all event sites.