Government spokeswoman Rachada Dhnadirek said yesterday (Apr 15) that nationwide Thai New Year celebrations highlighted the festival’s broad appeal, which the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) has recognised as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
“Countries around the world are aware of the recognition, which draws people from across the globe to experience its cultural, traditional and joyful dimensions,” the Bangkok Post reports Ms Rachada as saying.
She said 42 embassies in Thailand produced creative contemporary content showcasing Thai charms during Songkran. They included the embassies of the United Kingdom (UK), Switzerland, Denmark, Germany, India, Belgium, China, the Philippines, Vietnam, Australia and the United States.
She added that leading news agencies had reported on revellers taking part in water-splashing festivities at venues including Khao San Road in Bangkok. Agencies covering the festival included the Associated Press (AP), Reuters, Euronews and China’s Xinhua. The Newswire of North America dubbed Thailand’s Songkran the “World Water Festival”, saying it effectively promoted the country’s economy and tourism.
“The Songkran festival was widely reported. They consider it as one of the greatest and liveliest festivals of the world. It reflects joy and a blend of cultural and contemporary elements,” said the spokeswoman.
The Straits Times reported on safety measures for Songkran, including road safety measures and guidelines for proper behaviours at celebration venues. The measures indicated international standards for festival organisation, she said.
Traffic accidents
Meanwhile, despite the government having campaigned for road safety during the Songkran festival holiday, traffic accidents from Apr 10 to 14 have claimed 191 lives, with Bangkok recording the most fatalities.
Justice Minister Rutthapon Naowarat said yesterday that 951 traffic accidents resulted in 191 deaths and 911 injuries from last Friday to Tuesday, reports the Bangkok Post.
According to Pol Lt Gen Rutthapon, the northern province of Phrae recorded the most accidents, 45, and the most injured people, 47. Bangkok saw the most fatalities at 16 during the five-day period.
On Tuesday alone, there were 192 traffic accidents, 202 injuries and 30 fatalities. Phrae had the most accidents,16, and the most injuries,18, while Pathum Thani, north of Bangkok, recorded the most deaths, three.
Speeding was the most common cause of the accidents, accounting for 38.54%, followed by drink-driving (28.13%). Motorcycles were involved in 72.88% of the accidents. The most common age range of victims was 20 to 29 years.
Pol Lt Gen Rutthapon said most travellers during the Thai New Year were likely to make return trips yesterday, and officials would set up checkpoints to prevent drivers from dozing off or speeding on straight stretches.
Meanwhile, the Probation Department reported that from last Friday to Tuesday, there were 3,726 drink-driving cases, making up 94.07% of all illegal driving cases during the period.
The northern province of Chiang Mai recorded the most drink-driving cases, 651, followed by Samut Prakan at 317 and Nonthaburi at 266.