Bangkok Songkran 2026 to be alcohol-free

Thailand is set to make a splash later this month for Songkran – the annual festival which sees huge water fights erupt across the country. The capital, Bangkok, has tightened alcohol rules in a bid to put safety first.

Songkran, which takes place annually, is founded in Buddhist tradition, Thai New Year and the ending of the rice harvest season, and is all about purification and renewal. The most famous part of the festivities are huge water fights across the nation, where revellers take to the streets with water guns and buckets.

This year, the festival will remain alcohol-free across Thailand’s capital, Bangkok, with all water-splashing antics to end by 10pm.

This follows a joint press conference between the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) and the Thai Health Promotion Foundation (ThaiHealth), where safety was flagged as a key priority.

Songkran will take place across the long public holiday from 11 to 15 April, with major celebration areas including Lan Khon Mueang, Bangkok City Hall, Khao San Road, Silom Road, CentralWorld and Siam Square.

Phairoj Saonuam, deputy manager of ThaiHealth, said the organisation has supported alcohol-free Songkran zones for more than two decades, ThaiRath Online reported. He cited evidence suggesting such measures help reduce road accidents during the festival period.

A survey conducted by ThaiHealth of 5,200 people across 13 provinces – including Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Phuket – found strong public backing for the safety-first approach. More than 82% of respondents supported alcohol-free celebrations, while over 86% believed they improved safety. The findings also suggested significant reductions in drink-driving and alcohol-related accidents.

The guidelines for Songkran 2026 prohibit alcohol consumption, high-pressure water guns, nudity, powder use and encourage water conservation. 

Officials have also introduced a 10pm cut-off time for water play zones in the capital, to help with cleaning, crowd management and water conservation.

Scorching temperatures are expected, with the heat index in the festival touted to hit 60°C. Authorities have urged participants to stay hydrated and avoid using excessively cold water, which could pose health risks.

Several locations in the Thai capital are set to pull out all the stops for this year’s festival.The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) will host the five-day ‘Maha Songkran Water World Festival 2026,’ bringing daily concerts, parades, light displays and cultural shows to Benchakitti Park.

Meanwhile, Silom Road will stage a three-day ‘Space Songkran’ celebration aimed at attracting international visitors, while Siam Square and CentralWorld will cater to younger crowds.

Elsewhere, Khon Kaen will host activities under the banner “Joyful Splash, Fun Human Wave”, featuring an alcohol-free “Human Wave” event along Sri Chan Road.

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