The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has unveiled plans to expand the popular Khao San water splashing zone to include Bang Lamphu and Ratchadamnoen for the Songkran festival next year. Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt made the announcement after the success of this year’s Songkran festival in the capital, which saw a large number of both Thai and foreign revelers enjoying the festivities. Despite the success of the festival, Governor Sittipunt noted that the first day of Songkran saw overcrowding on Khao San Road, one of Bangkok’s main water splashing sites. This led to the decision to expand the area to include Bang Lamphu and Ratchadamnoen.
Governor Sittipunt praised this year’s Songkran events, which were held on a full scale compared to the subdued events of previous years during the pandemic. According to the BMA, around 20,000 people visited Lan Khon Muang Plaza in front of Bangkok City Hall, while 50,000 people visited Khao San Road each day. In Silom, there were between 25,000 and 30,000 visitors on the first day, rising to between 35,000 and 40,000 on the second day, and approximately 50,000 on the third day.
Meanwhile, Siam Square and the Pathumwan district attracted approximately 900,000 to 1 million people over the course of the four-day festival, highlighting the enduring popularity of Songkran among both Thais and foreigners alike.
Governor Sittipunt acknowledged that the crowding problem on Khao San Road was due to an excessive number of revelers. To address this issue, a one-way walking route was implemented on April 14. With next year’s Songkran festival set to be even bigger and better than ever, the expansion of the Khao San water splashing zone promises to be a welcome development for locals and tourists alike.
 has unveiled plans to expand the popular Khao San water splashing zone to include Bang Lamphu and Ratchadamnoen){kind=link}