Lawyers council urges respect for people’s rights in celebrating Songkran
The Lawyers Council of Thailand on Friday warned people celebrating Songkran that splashing water on people who do not wish to join the water festival could result in legal action.
Songkran, Thailand’s traditional new year, is celebrated by sprinkling water on Buddha statues and elders to pay respect, and splashing water on each other to cool down in the hottest month of the year.
“Please celebrate Songkran respectfully and try not to violate other people’s rights,” council president Wichien Chubthaisong said on Friday. “Before splashing water on strangers, make sure that they want to get wet, as some people may have work or a meeting to go to.”
He said that splashing water on people not joining the tradition could be considered as causing a nuisance or even damaging property. “These offences could land you in prison for a maximum of one month or a 10,000 baht fine, or both,” he warned.
He added that those who daub powder on the faces of strangers could face a criminal charge of public indecency. Several Songkran venues consider the practice sexual harassment and have therefore banned it.
Wichien also warned that Songkran Festival was a period when there was a big spike in road accidents due to heavy traffic, speeding and inebriation during the long holidays.
“Drunk driving and speeding are serious offences in both criminal and civil aspects,” he said. “Motorists are advised to use extra caution when travelling during Songkran. Make sure to use safety equipment, such as seatbelts for cars and helmet for motorcycles, and strictly follow traffic laws.”
The Interior Ministry’s Road Safety Centre reported a total of 234 road accidents on Thursday (April 11), the first day of the Songkran exodus. In these accidents, 25 people were killed and 248 others were injured.
The centre said the top three causes of road accidents were speeding (103 cases), cutting lanes (49) and drunk driving (39).
