Songkran - time for some common sense

By Suchada Tupchai

Mark Twain once wrote, “I’ve found that common sense ain’t so common,” and unfortunately, this is never truer than during the Songkran festivities. For the sake of hundreds of families who could reach the end of the holidays minus one or more of their cherished brothers, sisters, mothers or fathers, hopefully this year more people will attempt to prove this adage wrong.
Yes, the hottest months of the year are once again upon us, and this means that Thailand’s wet festival stands directly in front of us. The Tourism Authority of Thailand is heavily promoting this festival, using a “World Event” concept to show that Thai people throughout the world are participating in and promoting traditional activities.
The picture of fun during the nation’s hot season, and this year in particular as the mercury soars higher, is now known throughout the region and the western world, but currently that picture is much different than the original concept meant it to be. People, specifically the youth and alcohol fuelled revelers, have transformed a gentle festival into something it shouldn’t be, too often ending in loss of life and property.
Acting minister of interior and deputy director of the Road Safety Center, ACM Kongsak Wantana said he is once again worried about the death toll on the roads this year, because in just the first two days of the holiday (April 8-9), there had already been 731 accidents resulting in 68 deaths and 810 injuries. During the entire 10 day holiday period last year, 522 people lost their lives in road accidents. However, he said that the center has undertaken a strict safety campaign in all areas of Thailand. He hopes to reduce the death toll to not over 506 during the 10-day danger period (April 7-16).
The Highway Police have set up over 100 service centers along main routes out of Bangkok to assist motorists to reach their homes in the provinces safely. These service centers will have mechanics on duty to fix any vehicle problems, and the centers will act as rest stops for tired motorists. Police officials are also urging motorists to check their vehicles before making the trip. Extra police will be on duty to control traffic and keep it flowing steadily.
A new regulation that is being enforced might also help reduce accidents, and therefore the death toll, on the kingdom’s roads. This year, police will strictly enforce a ban on water throwing on the main roads during Songkran. People found breaking the regulation could be fined up to 400 baht.
People last year once again went “overboard” during Songkran, and the ‘fun’ ended 522 lives. The most common causes were negligence on the roads and drunk driving. This loss of life and property, for the sake of fun, is sad indeed. This year, everyone must focus on safety, and, more importantly, remember to practice common sense during Songkran. Please, remember its origins.