PHRA PADAENG, THAILAND – Anticipation ran high in Phra Padaeng as residents and visitors packed the streets for the city’s Songkran water festival.
Rush for the best spots
By early morning, the main roads were already filled with people eager to secure a view of the celebrations. Along the sidewalks of Suchsawat Road and Nakhon Khuean Khan Road, participants claimed front-row positions for the spectacle.
Vendors set up stalls to supply the huge crowds with food and goods throughout the day. The city expected a record number of visitors this year from both Thailand and abroad.
Hopes for big business
Nineteen-year-old vendor Mer looked ahead to the coming weekend with confidence. She had already positioned her stall and waited for customers.
“This year I came to Phra Padaeng to sell. It looks like many people will come because the weather is hot,”
said Mer, a street vendor.
She firmly believed that the intense heat would drive people outside to join the water play in large numbers. Many traders shared the hope that brisk sales would follow the expected visitor surge.
Authorities warned of penalties
Despite the festive mood, police enforced regulations strictly when sidewalks were completely blocked. Official signs reminded the public that they were not allowed to occupy public spaces with objects on their own authority.
Those who violated the rules faced steep fines for obstructing public areas. Breaches of cleanliness regulations could even be punished with penalties of up to 10,000 baht.
Party with music and heavy bass
In several parts of the city, residents erected large sound systems and stages. The pounding bass lines were intended to create the right atmosphere for the massive water battles.
Officials called on all festival-goers to remain peaceful and to respect the law throughout the celebrations. They stressed that only then could a safe event be guaranteed for everyone involved.