The government is urging full compliance with the ban on water-splashing during the Songkran holidays, to help prevent cases from spiralling out of control after the long break.
The plea followed reports of Songkran revellers, foreign tourists in particular, ignoring the ban while celebrating the Thai New Year festival on Wednesday.
Business operators on Khao San Road in particular are now being urged to tell tourists in the area that Songkran water play is not allowed.
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) had an urgent meeting over the large number of tourists playing with water on Khao San Road despite the ban. News clips showed them shooting water guns, apparently having little fear of being caught, assuming they knew about the ban.
After the meeting, the BMA agreed to increase surveillance around the area and ban the sale of alcohol after 11pm.
"More than 70 BMA and police officers will be deployed on Khao San Road to improve understanding among visitors about the water splashing ban in the area. In fact, the area isn't even allowed to host Songkran celebrations," he said.
Police said officers won't begin to strictly enforce the ban on water play just yet, as many tourists might not be aware of the ban.
Eight checkpoints will be set up on Khao San Road to prevent visitors from bringing water guns and other props which are meant to be used in water fights to the area, while shops along the road have been asked not to sell such toys.
