Governor Chadchart revealed that for Songkran 2026, Silom Road remains the top spot for crowded water play. He emphasized that activities will end at 8 PM tonight to clear the streets, advised spreading out to other locations, and confirmed that the sound issues at the S2O event have been resolved with AI used to strictly monitor safety measures.
On 14 Apr 2026 GMT+7 at the BMA Command Center, Governor Chadchart Sithiphan, together with Associate Professor Tawida Kamolvej, Deputy Governor of Bangkok, and Police General Adis Ngamjitsuksri, advisor to the governor, held a press conference summarizing the Songkran Festival 2026 situation. They noted especially lively conditions, with Silom Road showing a clearly denser crowd than last year.
Governor Chadchart said that on Silom Road yesterday (13 Apr), AI camera systems recorded up to 160,000 entries and exits, breaking last year's peak of about 100,000 people. In the afternoon, overcrowding spilled into the emergency lane, causing issues. The BMA Command Center responded immediately by pausing activities for about an hour to reorganize, after which the situation returned to normal.
Meanwhile, across six popular Bangkok locations—1. Songkran Siam 2026 (Siam Square), 2. Silom Road, 3. ICONSIAM THAICONIC Songkran Celebration 2026, 4. S2O Land Bangkok 2026, 5. Banthat Thong Water Street 2026, and 6. Khao San Road—more than 765,530 people participated in water festivities yesterday alone. The cumulative attendance in Bangkok from 10 to 13 Apr 2026 reached 1,382,418 people.
Deputy Governor Tawida reported that over the past four days, nine fatalities have occurred, down from 15 in the same period last year. The main cause remains motorcycle accidents. Police have been rigorously enforcing alcohol checkpoints and traffic discipline, urging the public not to drink and drive to reduce accidents.
Governor Chadchart addressed complaints about noise from the S2O Songkran Music Festival 2026. After nearly 30 complaints were received via the Traffy Fondue system on the first day, Bangkok coordinated with event organizers to adjust speaker directions and limit volume to no more than 70 decibels as required. Last night, Huai Khwang district officials measured noise levels in detail and found all affected condos and areas within legal limits.Noise levels did not exceed legal limits.This led to a drop in complaints to only three last night. The event will be held one more day today, featuring K-POP music, which is expected to be less loud than the previous two days.
Regarding the S2O event, Governor Chadchart confirmed that organizers have properly obtained permits for sound amplification according to legal procedures and have coordinated continuously with authorities. However, when on-site issues arose, the administration apologized to affected residents. Bangkok assigned Police General Adis to meet with organizers, who have cooperated well.
“Coexistence between people and surrounding events must be achieved, but it depends on the organizer’s and authorities’ seriousness,” Governor Chadchart said.
Governor Chadchart said he is concerned about Silom Road’s crowd size; if too many people arrive, entry will be restricted. He coordinated with BTS and requested the public to get off one station before Sala Daeng, for example at Lumphini MRT or Chong Nonsi BTS, then walk to Silom Road. For return trips, visitors should board at other points, perhaps visiting Lumphini Park, Benjakitti Park, or nearby malls first to help prevent overcrowding.
Governor Chadchart confirmed that Bangkok is managing the situation well, with the BMA Command Center and AI systems tracking attendees. Yesterday, two individuals with warrants were arrested. Today is the final day for Silom Road activities, which will conclude at 8 PM. Officials will clear the roads and reopen traffic by 9 PM.
Regarding traffic jams caused by pickup trucks bringing water for festivities in multiple areas—mainly from outside locals, such as New Pran Nok Road, Chokchai 4 Soi Ladprao 101, and Udomsuk Road—Bangkok has expedited coordination with police to facilitate traffic flow and asks the public to avoid these routes. Police are trying to control the situation, but it remains challenging. In the remaining two days, Bangkok will increase oversight and clear routes to ensure smooth travel.
Police General Adis said that district directors and metropolitan police have clear plans to address traffic issues and expect improved conditions tonight. He encouraged the public to report problems via Traffy Fondue, which will help improve future Songkran events. Regarding harassment, only a few cases were reported this year—2-3 at Chana Songkhram Police Station and one at New Pran Nok Road, the latter a misunderstanding.
Governor Chadchart added that banning powder throwing in designated areas has been positive. He noted a shift in water play patterns, with more people spraying water from pickups, creating distance and reducing close contact. Nonetheless, violations of others' rights, especially sexual harassment, will not be tolerated and will be strictly monitored. Bangkok has instructed officials accordingly.
He also urged citizens to look after tourists as hosts. Bangkok will seek better communication channels with visitors, encouraging immediate reporting of any issues. Ignoring problems would make us part of them, so authorities must be notified promptly.
