Although traditional water wars will be allowed along Silom Road, with traffic banned from noon to 10pm during the holiday, BMA governor Pol General Aswin Kwanmuang yesterday warned that too-loud music and dancing on the back of pickup trucks were prohibited.

The city will campaign for Songkran revellers to refrain from using high-pressure water guns, while urging people to save water.

Drinking alcohol, wearing too-revealing clothing and using powder to smear passers-by will also be discouraged, he said, following a meeting of city executives at City Hall in preparation for Songkran.

Aswin said the city, which has designated “Safety Songkran Zones” in all 50 districts including the famous Khao San Road site and Silom Road, would seek cooperation from event organisers and the public to refrain from certain activities.

He urged people to throw and spray water only within designated zones so as to not disturb others who did not want to join in the “water war”, including those coming to the Grand Palace to pay respects in front of the late HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s Royal Urn.

Aswin’s deputy Amnuay Nimmano and chief adviser Wanlop Suwandee would inspect various Songkran zones during the celebration period to ensure order, he said

Amnuay said he would today preside over a meeting at the Phra Nakhon District Office to bring all district offices hosting Songkran celebrations together to discuss their plans and related safety measures.

As the Songkran holiday period is notorious for increases in road accidents and casualties, the district offices will also be instructed to carry out alcohol and speed checks on transport van drivers.

The BMA will host the main traditional celebration at Khon Muang Plaza in front of City Hall from April 12 to 15.

The sacred Phra Buddha Sihing image will be brought from the National Museum on April 12 in a procession through the streets of old Bangkok to the plaza’s temporary shrine, so people can worship for good luck, before it is brought back to the museum on April 15.