PHUKET, THAILAND – A van driver in Patong reported an escalating Songkran confrontation in which foreign revelers repeatedly sprayed water into his face and vehicle, leading him to file a police complaint.
Incident at Khai-Muk roundabout
The driver, Sathit (52), said the confrontation took place at about 4 p.m. near the Khai-Muk roundabout in front of a convenience store. He had just dropped off passengers when a larger group of foreign tourists reportedly blocked the road and celebrated Songkran there.
According to his account, the blocked roadway left him unable to pass through the area. The situation developed as people continued to gather in the street to join the water festivities.
Honking, dispute and water attacks
By his own account, Sathit honked his horn in an attempt to make his way through the blocked road. He said several people then became angry, started shouting, hit the windows, opened the door and sprayed water directly on him.
The driver described the behavior as aggressive and said that it quickly turned from festive to hostile. He alleged that the confrontation escalated after he tried to move his vehicle forward.
“I lost my temper – and stopped myself”
“I lost my temper – and picked up my shoe to defend myself.”
said Sathit, the 52‑year‑old van driver.
He admitted that he briefly lost his composure during the clash.
“I then consciously held myself back because I feared that otherwise I would get into legal trouble myself.”
said Sathit.
Water in his face and vehicle damage
According to Sathit, the group continued to spray water aggressively, hitting him in the face and eyes. He said the van was soaked, and despite later cleaning, the sound system was damaged.
The driver stated that the water had penetrated the interior of the vehicle. He linked the malfunction of the audio equipment directly to the incident at the roundabout.
Complaint filed with Patong police
The driver said he had since lodged a formal complaint at Patong Police Station. He called on the authorities to take action against those involved and described their behavior as reckless and dangerous.
He argued that such incidents posed risks not only to drivers but also to other people in public spaces. The case was intended, he said, to draw attention to potential dangers during the water festival.
Songkran: fun – but with limits
Sathit stressed that Songkran should be a joyful festival, but not in a way that endangers others or causes property damage. He said the case showed how quickly celebrations in public spaces could escalate when roads were blocked and uninvolved people were deliberately attacked.
The dispute raised broader questions about how Songkran should be managed in busy tourist areas such as Patong. The discussion in local media focused on where to draw the line between festive fun and dangerous harassment, and what rules might be appropriate for water battles in such destinations.