Songkran - time for some common sense

As Songkran is once again upon us, we thought it prudent to rerun this editorial from last year:
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 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.
Officials are once again worried about the death toll on the roads this year, as they should be. Too many lives are senselessly lost in road accidents during this festival each and every year. Police officials are urging motorists to check their vehicles before making any trips. Extra police will be on duty to control traffic and keep it flowing steadily.
Last year, police enforced a new regulation to help reduce accidents, and therefore the death toll, on the kingdom’s roads. The police strictly enforced a ban on water throwing on the main roads during Songkran. People found breaking the regulation were fined up to 400 baht, and one can only hope the regulation will be enforced again this year.
People every year go “overboard” during Songkran, and the ‘fun’ ends way too many lives. 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.

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