CHIANG MAI, THAILAND – The water in Chiang Mai’s city moat was declared safe for Songkran water splashing but not fit for drinking as the city prepared for a busy holiday period.
Water in the moat: safe for splashing, not for drinking
Mayor Assanee Buranupakorn said the water in the moat surrounding the old city was safe for Songkran revellers to use for splashing, but not of a quality suitable for drinking.
She spoke after inspecting the well-known waterway that encircles the inner urban area shortly before the start of the holiday period.
Songkran in Chiang Mai: hotspot around the moat
Chiang Mai was described as one of the most important destinations during the water festival, with the area around the city moat among the most popular meeting points.
Many holidaymakers travelled specifically for the large water battles in the city centre, which traditionally took place along the moat.
Five-day weekend, but official water-splashing days later
Thailand entered a five-day weekend from Saturday, encouraging additional trips and short holidays.
However, the official days for water splashing were set for Monday to Wednesday, from 13 to 15 April.
Water supply: 17,000 cubic metres a day for the moat
Assanee Buranupakorn assured the public that there would be sufficient water in the city for festival participants.
An irrigation project in Mae Taeng district was expected to feed around 17,000 cubic metres of water per day from a canal into the city moat.
Fuel prices a risk: lower spending or changed travel plans
The University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce warned this week that sharp fluctuations in fuel prices could affect this year’s Songkran celebrations.
It expected people to spend less or adjust their travel plans, which could also impact tourist destinations.
Travel to Chiang Mai: fewer air passengers, more bus travellers
Chiang Mai airport General Manager Karant Thanakuljeerapat anticipated an average of 22,104 arrivals per day from Friday to 19 April, around 9% fewer than in the same period last year.
Provincial Governor Ratthapol Naradisorn in contrast expected more visitors by bus, with around 12,000 passengers forecast, a 10% increase compared with last year’s Songkran.